This is the fourth story in a series of stories that will use the same characters. I plan to change some of the characters and where they live. However, the core of the characters will stay the same.

Christien (Chris) Smith – 60 year old, movie producer/writer, husband of Bella, father of Zak, Birthplace: Sydney Australia, Home: London, England

Isabella (Bella, Izzy) Smith – 40 year old, actress/writer, wife of Chris, mother of Zak, Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, Home: London, England

Zakery (Zak) Smith – their 10 year old son

Jean – Isabella's sister

Bill – Christien's younger brother

Suzy – Johnny's wife, former friend Bella's, friend of Chris

Johnny – Suzy's husband, former friend of Chris, friend of Bella

Annie – Suzy and Johnny's daughter

Background Information

Chris is a hugely successful movie producer. Neither he nor Isabella has ever been to college. They both came from poor backgrounds. Both sets of parents are dead. They live in Paris, France to escape the media attention of the US. Chris tries to avoid the spotlight. They're not a typical Hollywood couple – both are well-grounded, avoid alcohol and drugs, and are very down-to-earth. Isabella's career took off after she and Chris worked on their first movie together.

Disclaimer - Any relationship to actual people and events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

London, England - Present Day - Judge's Office

"Mrs. Smith, thank-you for arriving before the divorce proceedings", the judge tells her. Isabella enters the judge's private chambers.

"You're welcome, what is this about?" Isabella asks.

"Before Chris told you that he wanted a divorce, did he act strange?", the judge asks her.

"No. It just came out of nowhere. Before he said that, I thought that we had the perfect marriage. In a million years, I would never think that he'd cheat on me. The fact that he did it with a friend, it just blew me away", Isabella says. The judge can tell that Isabella is still hurt by this whole mess.

"I've talked to Chris's first wife, Jackie. As you know, she's known Chris since they were four years old. She doesn't understand Chris's behavior, either. She told me that he never cheated on her during their marriage. Uma told me the same thing. Both are as stunned as you are towards Chris's recent behavior", the judge says.

"I've talked to Chris's family and Chris's work associated about Chris's recent behavior. It doesn't make sense to them, either. Therefore, I believe that something is wrong with Chris", the judge tells Isabella.

"What do you think is wrong with him?" Isabella asks concerned.

"I have a few theories. Something is either mentally wrong with him or something is medically wrong with him", the judge says.

"If there is something medically wrong with Chris, he may not tell me. He would do his best to protect both Zak and me. I could see him putting on this whole thing to save me the pain from watching him die. In fact, my sister suggested that to me ", Isabella says.

"I know about the loss of your parents and some things about your personal life. Have you talked to Chris recently?" the judge says.

"He hasn't talked to me since the day he told me he wanted out of the marriage. He only talks to me through his lawyers. So, what are you going to do?" Isabella asks.

"Since a small child is involved and this whole thing doesn't make sense, I'm going to order a complete medical and psychiatric evaluation of both you and Chris", the judge says.

"That's fine with me", Isabella says. She's been shocked by this discussion and Isabella starts to think about the possibilities that the judge mentioned.

London Court - Later that day - Isabella and Chris's divorce proceedings

Both Chris and Isabella are in court with their lawyers. Suzy is with Chris. Johnny is with Isabella.

"Before I give you a ruling on if your divorce will be settled today, I want to read you this letter that I have received from your son.

Dear Judge,

I know my mom and dad are going through a lot of pain. I see and live with their pain each day. I know my mom and dad still love each other - I can still feel their love for each other. They may not say it or show it to each other, but I know that they do. If you make them talk to each other, I believe that they will work through this mess and get back together. My dad told me once that love conquerors all, so now is his chance to prove this.

Thank-you,

Zak

P.S. I have enclosed the location of a couple's therapy institute. Please send my mom and dad to it. They have a success rate of 96%.

As the judge read the letter, Isabella was crying. Chris didn't show any emotion at all.

"Well, Mr. Smith, what do you have to say for yourself?", the judge asks Chris.

"That is a typical little boy that wants his parents back together. It's very unfortunate that this has happened to his mom and me. However, it's irreconcible", Chris says coldly.

"Mr. Smith, I've been a judge at many trials and hearings. I know when someone is lying to me. Therefore, Mrs. Smith your petition for a divorce has been denied. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, please join in my chambers. Now!" the judge tells them.

Both Isabella and Chris go to the judge's chambers and have a seat. Their lawyers are not with them.

"In order for me to consider your wife's petition for divorce, both of you are going to go through a complete medical and psychiatric evaluation and it must be done within seven days. Once I receive those results, you're going to attend the institute that your son has found and this has to be done within four weeks. If you still want to divorce, then I'll grant it. Are there any questions?" the judge asks them.

"Why are you doing this to us?" Chris asks.

"You two still love each other. Any fool with eyes can see that! The real question here, is why are you doing this to your wife?" the judge asks Chris.

"I'm going to talk to my lawyer and protest this craziness! I want out of this marriage and I want out of it now!" Chris says.

"If you refuse my orders, I'll put you in jail! The two of you need to talk, so I'll leave you alone for a few minutes", the judge tells Chris.

"Is there something medically wrong with you?" Isabella asks Chris. Chris can see the wheels turning in Isabella's mind and that she's starting to wonder about what's going on. He knows that he's running out of time.

"No", Chris goes to the judge's desk and grabs his phone. He dials a number.

"I need that package tonight. Okay. I'll meet you there", Chris says. Chris dials another number.

"Plans have changed. It will happen this week. Be ready", Chris says as he hangs up the phone.

"What was that all about?" Isabella asks. Chris looks her in the eye for the first time since May. She can see the hurt, pain, and the raw fear in his eyes. However, she can still see the love for her in his eyes.

"None of your business", Chris says as he walks away from her.