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Julian didn't sign the agreement. I sent him the digital copy and stopped raising the subject.

When Lily was discharged, we moved to a different flat. The townhouse, I had no interest in keeping. Too much had happened there.

Eleanor came to the new flat.

"Pearl. You and Julian have been through so much together. Why keep pulling it apart?"

She was a decent woman, mostly. Just one who couldn't see past her son.

"Lily's so young. Do you really want her growing up without a father in the house?"

I listened without answering.

"Besides—" she lowered her voice — "you're not a girl any more. Once you're divorced again, with a child, who's going to—"

"Eleanor." I cut her off pleasantly. "Thank you for coming."

She left, muttering something under her breath. I didn't ask her to repeat it.

I sent Julian a text: Whoever you send, it won't change anything. I want this done.

No reply came.

Four days later, at half past ten at night, Julian's assistant rang the bell, out of breath.

"Mrs Ashford — Julian's had too much to drink. Can you let him in?"