Chapter 16 - THE HEARING
The annulment hearing occurred nine months after our fourteen-hour marriage.
The courtroom contained more history than marriage.
Rachel presented:
Julian’s undisclosed prior marriage.
Material debt.
Unauthorized credit attempts.
The forged authorization.
Payroll draft.
The E.C. Transition folder.
Victoria’s communications.
The judge asked Julian directly:
“Did you believe marriage entitled you to redirect your wife's income?”
Julian looked at me.
Then answered:
“At the time, yes.”
The honesty hurt.
“Do you believe that now?”
“No.”
“Why?”
He swallowed.
“Because marriage doesn't make another adult your resource.”
Silence.
That sentence was mine.
I had said something similar during mediation.
He remembered.
The judge turned to me.
“Ms. Carter, do you wish reconciliation?”
“No.”
No hesitation.
“Do you believe the marriage can be repaired?”
I thought of the funny man I loved.
The morning coffee.
The proposal.
His hand on my lower back during our first dance.
Then the rag.
The binder.
Amanda.
The forged paperwork.
“No.”
My voice shook.
But the answer did not.
The court took the matter under advisement.
Outside, Julian approached.
“I'm sorry.”
“I know.”
“I mean it.”
“I know.”
“Does that help?”
“Yes.”
He looked surprised.
I continued.
“It helps me know you're capable of understanding.”
Hope flashed.
I ended it.
“It doesn't mean I come back.”
He nodded.
Finally.
An apology without entitlement to reward.
May you like
Maybe his first real one.
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