PART 2 — When Julian Came Home
Ten days later, Julian finally came home.
He arrived at the airport smiling, carrying a bottle of expensive tequila and complaining about the cold.
His mother, Margaret, was beside him.
His sister Olivia followed behind them, already talking about how wonderful the vacation had been.
They were laughing as they drove toward Hillcrest.
Julian was already planning what he would do when he saw Evelyn.
He imagined her apologizing.
Maybe crying.
Maybe asking him to let her back into the house.
His mother had told him she would eventually understand who was in charge.
But when they turned onto the familiar street, Julian noticed something strange.
There was a FOR SALE sign in front of the house.
He frowned.
“That’s not ours.”
Olivia looked out the window.
“Wait…”
The car slowed.
Julian’s smile disappeared.
The sign had the name of a real estate company beneath it.
His real estate company.
The same company Evelyn had used for several of his previous transactions.
“No.”
He grabbed his phone.
“I’ll call the agent.”
Margaret laughed nervously.
“It’s probably some mistake.”
Julian dialed.
The agent answered immediately.
“Mr. Hayes?”
“Why is there a FOR SALE sign in front of my house?”
There was silence.
Then the agent said something that made Julian’s face turn white.
“Your house?”
“Yes. My house.”
“Sir, the property was sold nine days ago.”
Nobody spoke.
Julian stared through the windshield.
“What did you just say?”
“The closing was completed last Thursday.”
“Who authorized the sale?”
Another pause.
Then:
“Your wife.”
Julian’s hand tightened around the phone.
“That is impossible.”
“Actually, Mr. Hayes, the deed shows that she is the sole registered owner.”
Margaret suddenly leaned forward.
“Put him on speaker.”
Julian did.
The agent continued.
“Ms. Evelyn Mercer provided the original deed, proof of ownership, and all required documentation. The buyer paid in full.”
Margaret’s expression changed.
“Paid in full?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
The agent hesitated.
“I’m not sure I’m authorized to discuss the buyer’s finances with you.”
Julian slammed his hand against the dashboard.
“I’m her husband!”
The agent’s voice remained calm.
“That doesn’t give you ownership rights to a property registered solely in her name.”
Silence.
Olivia slowly turned toward her mother.
“Mom…”
Margaret didn’t answer.
She was staring at the house.
Then she noticed something else.
The curtains were gone.
The furniture was gone.
The flower pots Margaret had chosen herself were gone.
Even the large stone bench on the front porch had disappeared.
Julian jumped out of the car.
He ran to the front door.
He entered the code.
Red.
ERROR.
He tried again.
Red.
He grabbed the handle.
Locked.
“Evelyn!”
His voice echoed through the empty driveway.
A neighbor opened her window.
Julian turned toward her.
“Where is my wife?”
The woman stared at him.
“She moved.”
“When?”
“About a week ago.”
“Where?”
The neighbor shrugged.
“I don’t know.”
Julian pulled out his phone and called Evelyn.
Straight to voicemail.
He called again.
Nothing.
Then his phone received a message.
One message.
From Evelyn’s lawyer.
Mr. Hayes, you are hereby notified that you are not authorized to enter the property. The new owner takes possession tomorrow morning. Any attempt to enter the premises will be treated accordingly.
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