Chapter 14: The Final Settlement
Six months after I filed, the divorce was finalized.
Mark agreed to the terms without going to trial. He received a modest settlement that reflected his minimal financial contribution during our marriage. The house remained mine. Most of our joint assets were divided in my favor, especially after the evidence of his financial misconduct came to light.
On the day the papers were signed, I sat in Priya’s office and felt a strange mix of emotions.
Relief.
Sadness.
And a quiet, steady sense of peace.
Afterward, I walked outside and stood on the sidewalk for a long time. The sky was overcast, and a light rain had started to fall.
I didn’t feel like celebrating.
But I did feel free.
That evening, I received one last message from Mark.
Mark: I hope you find what you’re looking for.
I stared at the message for a while.
Then I replied:
Claire: I already have.
I blocked his number for the final time.
May you like
It was over.
Completely.
