Chapter 13 - THE DIVORCE THAT GAVE ME MY NAME BACK
Our divorce was finalized in late summer.
The court addressed property division, support, and parenting arrangements according to the evidence and applicable law.
The trust assets remained subject to their governing documents and legal protections.
Cole no longer had access to my private finances.
Our communication about the children followed agreed procedures.
The final hearing was brief.
When it ended, I stepped outside into warm sunlight.
Rebecca stood beside me.
"How do you feel?"
I thought about it.
"Strange."
She smiled.
"That's normal."
I looked toward the courthouse steps.
"I thought I'd feel happy."
Rebecca nodded.
"Sometimes freedom feels quiet at first."
I smiled faintly.
That evening, I celebrated with Maya.
We ordered takeout.
Opened sparkling cider.
And watched Noah and Lily chase each other around the living room.
Maya raised her glass.
"To Lauren Bennett."
I laughed.
May you like
"To Lauren Bennett."
For the first time in years, hearing my own name felt like coming home.
