My attorney, Margaret, examined the winning ticket’s records and immediately requested that the lottery office preserve every piece of evidence. She explained that my signature could establish important facts about ownership, although our state’s marital property laws would also matter. I handed her a shoebox containing hundreds of old tickets, each signed and dated. She carefully examined them, then smiled. “You’ve kept better records than most businesses,” she said. For the first time since Gary left, I felt a little hope returning.

The next morning, Margaret called with unexpected news. Gary had already attempted to claim the jackpot, insisting he was the rightful owner. However, the lottery officials had questioned his explanation after examining the ticket. They wanted to speak with the person who had purchased it. Margaret told me to remain calm because the investigation was becoming more complicated. Then she asked whether I knew anything about money disappearing from our joint account. I froze. I remembered several unexplained withdrawals Gary had dismissed as ordinary household expenses.