Chapter 12 - THE DIVORCE THAT COST HIM EVERYTHING HE THOUGHT MATTERED
The divorce proceedings were painful.
Nathaniel retained an expensive legal team.
Rebecca did too.
The marital property issues were complicated by business interests, investment agreements, and the disputed financial transactions.
The attorneys separated the divorce from the corporate investigations wherever possible.
Rebecca wanted a fair resolution.
Not a public spectacle.
Nathaniel initially resisted.
He argued that Rebecca had concealed her wealth.
That he had built Crosswell without understanding her family's influence.
That she had undermined his position.
But the financial records told a more complicated story.
Rebecca had contributed to their marriage.
She had supported his career.
She had made introductions.
And she had repeatedly stepped back so Nathaniel could claim the spotlight.
During one mediation session, Nathaniel looked directly at her.
“Did you ever love me?”
Rebecca stared.
For a moment, the question felt absurd.
Then she realized he genuinely didn't understand.
“Yes.”
Her voice broke.
“I loved you more than you knew.”
Nathaniel looked down.
“Then why are you doing this?”
Rebecca took a breath.
“Because love isn't enough when trust is gone.”
He closed his eyes.
She continued.
“I wanted a husband, Nathaniel. Not a project I had to keep rescuing.”
Tears slipped down his cheeks.
“I know.”
Rebecca looked at him.
“I don't think you do.”
Months later, the divorce was finalized.
Rebecca kept her separate family interests according to the applicable agreements and court orders.
The marital assets were resolved through the settlement.
Nathaniel no longer held the position of CEO at Crosswell.
His future business opportunities were affected by the ongoing investigations and the findings concerning his conduct.
But Rebecca didn't celebrate his losses.
She had once loved him.
And she knew that the man she'd married had become someone neither of them recognized.
On the day the divorce became final, Rebecca returned to the house in Myers Park.
She had arranged to collect a few remaining personal items.
The rooms were quiet.
The furniture was still beautiful.
The kitchen still had the marble countertops she'd chosen.
But it no longer felt like home.
She walked into the bedroom.
Opened the top drawer.
And found the little box that once held her wedding ring.
She stared at it.
Then closed the drawer.
She didn't need it.
The ring was gone.
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The marriage was over.
And for the first time in years, she felt free.
