Chapter 18 - The Divorce
Sentencing did not end marriage.
Civil court continued.
That frustrated relatives.
“Isn’t he in prison? Just divorce him.”
Law still needs paperwork.
Property.
Debt.
Retirement.
Taxes.
The condo? We had called our residence an apartment lease, so no real estate. We had a jointly leased apartment and shared furniture.
The lease ended.
Landlord allowed early termination under domestic violence protections and court documentation.
No penalty to me.
Brandon’s attorney retrieved his property.
Furniture divided by agreement.
I took:
My grandmother’s ring.
My desk.
Half kitchen items.
A blue chair.
He kept:
Leather couch.
Large television.
Bedroom set.
I did not care.
Financial settlement mattered.
Forensic accountant classified much gambling as dissipation attributable primarily to Brandon.
My separate brokerage stayed mine.
My retirement largely separate except marital contributions addressed under state rules.
Joint savings remaining were divided with adjustments for funds Brandon had dissipated.
His business sale proceeds went largely to debts and restitution.
I was not made responsible for unauthorized commercial line.
Tax professionals filed amended returns where needed.
We resolved.
No secret mansion.
No surprise billionaire asset.
Just untangling.
At final hearing, judge asked:
“Is marriage irretrievably broken?”
I looked at Brandon on video from custody.
“Yes.”
He said:
“Yes.”
The decree entered.
My name had always remained Bennett.
I had refused to become Chloe Cole when we married.
Brandon hated that.
He said it made me look “half committed.”
Now it felt like a gift from younger me.
I did not need reclaim my name.
I had kept one thing without knowing why.
Outside, Amelia handed me final copy.
“Done.”
I expected fireworks.
I felt tired.
“Is that it?”
“For divorce.”
“For everything?”
“No.”
“What remains?”
“Protective order future review, restitution administration, credit cleanup, your parents if you want.”
I laughed.
“Great.”
“Life is rude like that.”
I went home.
The yellow rug was crooked.
I fixed it.
Then stood alone in kitchen.
I was divorced.
I did not feel free in a cinematic way.
May you like
I felt quiet.
Quiet turned out to be better.
