With her trembling left hand, Elena managed to find the cell phone in the purse Carina had left on the nightstand.
Dialing that number was a challenge, but her determination gave her strength. She had never called it before, though she knew it by heart: she had kept it silent, only for emergencies.
And if ever there had been one in her life, this was it.
„Law Office of Attorney Radu Ionescu, how may I help you?” came a firm voice on the other end.
„I want… a divorce,” Elena said, surprised by the firmness of her own voice despite the effort it took to speak.
For the next two weeks, while Mihai, Carina, and Nicu enjoyed the beaches of the Maldives and posted selfies on social media—not to mention the mother and wife they had left behind in the hospital—Attorney Ionescu became a constant presence at Elena’s bedside.
He went to the hospital himself, brought her documents, explained every step, and recorded reports on her situation.
„I specialize in cases like yours,” he explained. „Abandonment in the face of a serious illness is more common than you imagine, Mrs. Elena. But you have rights, and I will do everything possible to defend them.”
Elena also made another crucial call: to Irina, her younger sister, who had lived in Canada for more than twenty years.
Contact between them had been limited recently because Elena was absorbed by her family and her job as an accountant for a multinational company.
„I’m going there,” Irina replied without hesitation, as soon as she learned what had happened. „I’m taking the first available flight.”
Three days later, she was by her side, tears in her eyes but unwavering in her determination.
„I can’t believe they did this to you,” she whispered, squeezing the only hand Elena could still move. After everything you gave them…
With the help of Irina and the lawyer, Elena devised a plan that would change everything.
The lawyer contacted the bank and, with the signed power of attorney, transferred all of Elena’s personal savings—almost 70% of the family estate—to a new account in her name.
Elena had always managed her money prudently and intelligently, while Mihai, a middle manager at an insurance company, spent almost everything he earned.
The house, the cars, the trips… almost everything was due to his efforts and his salary.
„Is what we’re doing legal?” she asked uneasily.
„Absolutely,” Ionescu reassured her. „They’re personal funds, from his salary and investments.”
The divorce papers have already been filed, and the transfer is legitimate. Her husband left her at a critical moment, and that will carry a lot of weight in court.
Irina also found her the best physical therapist in town and arranged an intensive rehabilitation program. She also spoke to her boss:
„He’s furious with Mihai and the boys,” he told her one night. „He’s giving you six months of paid sick leave and promises to keep your job until you return.”
That night, Elena smiled weakly, her first smile since the accident. Meanwhile, on social media, her family continued posting photos of beaches and cocktails, as if she didn’t exist.
On the last day of vacation, Mihai finally sent a message: „We hope you’re better. We’ll be back tomorrow.”
Irina frowned as she read it. „Not a ‘I love you,’ not a ‘we miss you.'”
„It doesn’t matter,” Elena replied, her voice clearer, strengthened by the therapy. „Is everything ready for his return?”
„Just as you asked,” Irina assured her.
When they returned, Mihai, Carina, and Nicu stepped off the plane, tanned and smiling, little imagining what awaited them.
When they arrived home, they found an awkward silence and, on the table, a white envelope with their names on it.
Mihai opened it. Inside were the documents: the divorce notice, proof that the joint accounts had been emptied, and a letter from the law firm giving them 30 days to vacate the house, registered in Elena’s name.
„You can’t do this!” Carina cried, horrified.
„Yes, you can,” Mihai admitted, his voice fading. „The house is yours, the money too…”
The phone rang. It was a doctor from the rehabilitation clinic:
„Mr. Popescu, your wife was discharged today. She has made remarkable progress.”
But, at Elena’s express request, they were not authorized to reveal her whereabouts.
Shortly after, Mihai received an email from her. Elena spoke with a serenity that hurt:
Until yesterday, I thought the worst part was the stroke. Today I know the most painful thing was discovering that my family abandoned me when I needed them most.
Irina came from Canada and has been by my side. My recovery is progressing.
Mihai, the divorce is moving forward. It’s not an impulse or revenge, but the result of understanding that this marriage only existed because I supported it.
Carina and Nicu, I love you, but you must learn that actions have consequences.
The house must be vacated within 30 days. Mihai, you can keep your car; the Range Rover will be sold.
I have transferred 10,000 euros for