Chapter 18 - The Divorce
Julian wanted one thing in divorce he could still control.
The story.
His filings claimed:
Genevieve excluded spouse from family finances.
Used company ownership to dominate marriage.
Refused reasonable equity.
Monitored him.
Humiliated Eleanor with charity.
Then his affair began as “emotional refuge.”
None of that made affair or crimes legal.
But some emotional claims could be partly true.
I read and felt rage.
Then therapist asked:
“Is anything accurate?”
I hated.
“Maybe I did control some money.”
“How?”
“I made major trust decisions alone.”
“Were they yours legally?”
“Yes.”
“Did marriage deserve communication?”
“Yes.”
“Did Julian have his own earnings?”
“Yes.”
“Could he leave?”
“Yes.”
We separated relational failures from coercive crime.
That kept me from needing saint status to deserve safety.
Then mediation.
Julian in detention by video.
He asked for visitation plan after release.
Family law attorney Amy said:
“Do not negotiate hypothetical future now beyond legal framework.”
We agreed:
I receive sole legal and physical custody while Julian incarcerated.
Any future contact after release requires petition, therapeutic assessment, compliance with protective orders, and court approval.
No automatic.
His parental rights not terminated.
He remains father.
This was realistic.
Then property.
False Mercer Capital claims abandoned.
No company interest.
Prenup upheld.
Julian’s vested compensation from Vance due at suspension? Board clawback under misconduct provisions, some bonus forfeited. He challenged employment arbitration separately and lost most due cause termination.
No severance.
He retained vested 401k.
Personal investment account subject to criminal restitution.
His half of certain marital cash after tracing.
Divorce decree final fourteen months after Hazel born.
I sat in my attorney’s office.
Sarah held signed copy.
“You’re divorced.”
I expected relief.
I felt tired.
Then:
“Can we go eat?”
She laughed.
“Yes.”
We got tacos.
Hazel threw beans.
I cried.
No ceremonial ring throwing.
I sold wedding ring later.
Used money for a custom rocking chair for Hazel’s room.
Not revenge.
Furniture.
Then Julian’s surname disappeared from my emergency contacts.
Hospital chart still held old.
I updated.
That felt bigger.
Then Victoria and Eleanor sentencing occurred.
Julian remained.
Federal trial approaching.
Company stable.
Body improving.
May you like
Divorce done.
One by one.
