Shan'nan would have had an easy time relocating her business to her family's home. And she would have received help with housework and loving childcare. This might very well have been what she told him that night, OK, bye bye, you and the AP, hope it goes great for you. I don't think a separation or divorce would have hurt her bottom line. She really didn't need him anymore, and he knew it, IMO. He knew he would have to share the little bit of home equity they had with her, and might very well have been proud occupant of the nearest long term flea motel. He knew the AP wouldn't go for that.
Would she be able to get health insurance? I think with all of her issues, it may be impossible or are the preexisting conditions still not allowed to be denied?