Chapter 10 - The Divorce Became Final
The divorce became final eleven months after the dinner.
No photographers inside.
No screaming.
No revenge speech.
David sat beside his attorney.
I sat beside Naomi.
We resolved the house.
Because my separate contribution was documented and David needed liquidity for restitution, I bought out his legitimate marital share.
He kept retirement funds protected under settlement.
I kept inherited assets.
No alimony either direction.
Then the judge signed.
Seven years ended with a pen.
Outside, David approached.
He looked older.
Not ruined.
Not homeless.
Just smaller because he no longer performed authority.
“Can we talk?”
Naomi looked at me.
I nodded.
Public corridor.
Several feet apart.
David stared at my face.
No bruise remained.
“I'm sorry.”
I waited.
He continued.
“For hitting you.”
Good start.
“For stealing.”
Better.
“For the affair.”
He swallowed.
“For making you feel like you had to hide yourself so I could feel important.”
That one surprised me.
“Thank you.”
“I've been in therapy.”
“I hope you continue.”
He laughed softly.
“You sound like you.”
“I am.”
“I miss that.”
I didn't respond.
“Do you think you'll ever forgive me?”
“I don't know.”
He nodded.
“Fair.”
Then he asked:
“Did you ever actually need me?”
I thought carefully.
“Yes.”
His eyes rose.
“I needed my husband.”
A tear slipped down his face.
“I just didn't need an owner.”
May you like
I walked away.
That was the last conversation we had for almost two years.
