Chapter 142

Five days later, back in the “real” world, we finally agree on a statement about our separation. We’ve already filed, so there’s no point in hoping that nobody will notice—eventually, they will. The statement was drafted up by Mason with our input, and it’s short and simple. “After more than two decades together, Jamestech CEO Elijah James and his wife Amber have agreed to part ways,” it reads. “The decision has been made jointly and amicably and is grounded in mutual love and respect. Amber and Elijah remain close friends and will continue to support each other as they enter the next stage of their lives.” Then there’s some extra flimflam about respecting our privacy, which we all know in the age of instant social media and online news is unlikely to happen. Mason is going to post it on the company website tomorrow morning, and it won’t take long to spread after that. It feels odd, knowing those words will be out there. That it will all become real. Journalists will contact me for com