Chapter 9 - The Final Judgment
The ending was swift and utterly merciless.
Robert’s break-in violated his bail conditions for the pending fraud charges. He was remanded to county jail to await trial. The sleazy lawyer dropped him, realizing he would never get paid.
The final divorce decree was signed in a sterile conference room a month later. Robert sat in an orange jumpsuit, his hands shackled to the table. The arrogance that had defined him for twenty-five years was completely gone, replaced by a hollow, vacant stare.
Victoria slid the papers across the table.
“To summarize,” Victoria said brightly. “Clara retains 100% of the marital assets, as you utilized your half to pay for a mistress and illegal gambling debts. Clara assumes zero liability for your mother’s debts. And there will be no spousal support.”
Robert picked up the pen with trembling fingers. He didn't even read the document. He just signed his name.
“Where’s Evelyn?” I asked, almost as an afterthought.
Robert didn't look up. “She declared bankruptcy. She’s living in a one-bedroom apartment in a retirement facility. The loan sharks took her car.”
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I felt no pity. I felt absolutely nothing for the people who had tried to erase me. I gathered my copies of the paperwork, stood up, and walked out of the room without looking back.
As the heavy metal door clicked shut behind me, the last chain tethering me to my old life snapped. I was finally, truly free.
