Chapter 28: Total Erasure
326 words
Tiffany’s laughter seemed to vibrate through the restaurant, pinning Richard to the floor in a spotlight of total humiliation. I didn't stay to watch him weep into the tablecloth; I simply took Arthur’s arm and walked out, leaving my ex-husband paralyzed by the consequences of his own ego. By the time we stood before Honorable Judge Reynolds two hours later, Richard looked like a man walking to the gallows.
He sat at the defendant's table alone, his cheap suit straining at the seams, sweat beading on his dyed-black hairline. He didn't have a lawyer. No one would take his case against Arthur Vance.
"Mr. Miller," Judge Reynolds peered over his spectacles, holding a stack of printouts. "You are contesting the waiver of alimony?"
"She has millions now!" Richard blurted out, his voice cracking. "I supported her for thirty years even when she was a leech! I deserve half!"
Arthur didn't even stand up. He just slid a single piece of paper across the bench—the waiver Richard had signed when he tried to evict me.
"Actually, your Honor," Arthur said smoothly, his voice a deep baritone that filled the room. "He explicitly signed away all rights to Mrs. Miller's assets in exchange for her assuming the 'debt' he believed she had. He gambled on her poverty and lost."
Judge Reynolds picked up the document, then looked back at the printouts of Richard's text messages: Get out, you leech. Go live in the gutter.
"Mr. Miller," the Judge said, his voice dripping with disdain. "This court finds your behavior not only repugnant but legally binding. You wanted her to have nothing? Congratulations. Now you get nothing."
The gavel banged down, a sound like a gunshot ending a war.
"Dissolution granted. No spousal support awarded. Case closed."
Richard slumped forward, burying his face in his hands as the bailiff moved to escort him out. I stood up, smoothing my skirt. I didn't look back.
End of Chapter 28
