My name is Naomi Whitmore.
For twelve years, I thought patience was one of my greatest strengths.
That afternoon, I learned patience can also become a weapon.
Adrian was still on the floor when I stepped outside.
I heard Evelyn ask what was wrong.
I heard Bianca tell him to stand up.
I did not turn around.
My suitcase rolled behind me across the stone path.
The driver I had booked that morning waited at the curb.
He opened the trunk without asking questions.
I placed the suitcase inside.
Then I got into the back seat.
Only after the car moved did my hands begin to shake.
I looked down at them.
They were steady enough to negotiate billion-dollar loans.
They were steady enough to sign acquisitions.
They were steady enough to fire executives twice my age.
But that day, they trembled because I had finally walked away from my marriage.
