Chapter 9 - DIVORCE COURT
Daniel and I did see each other in divorce court.
Just not the way Madison had joked.
Most of the work happened outside the courtroom.
Financial disclosures.
Mediation.
Property schedules.
Retirement accounts.
House equity.
My investment accounts.
Daniel’s business interests.
No secret billionaire twist.
No judge handing me Harrington Development because his family was rude.
The company remained with Daniel and his family.
My marital share in applicable interests was addressed through negotiated property division and offsets.
I did not want to run their company.
I wanted out of their family system.
At final mediation, Daniel looked older.
Not dramatically.
Just tired.
He said:
“Madison reimbursed part of the Cabo charge.”
“Good.”
“She’s no longer with the company.”
I looked up.
“What happened?”
“She refused the new expense controls.”
Of course.
“Dad told her if she wouldn’t follow them, she couldn’t have an executive role.”
That surprised me more than anything.
“Charles said that?”
Daniel almost smiled.
“Eventually.”
“What is she doing now?”
“I don’t know.”
That was not true.
He probably knew.
But maybe he had finally learned every family conflict did not need to become my concern.
Then he said:
“Mom wrote your mother.”
I stiffened.
“Why?”
“To apologize.”
“Did Elena ask for one?”
“No.”
“Then I hope Diane didn’t ask for forgiveness.”
“She didn’t.”
Good.
He looked at me.
“Do you hate them?”
I thought.
“No.”
“Madison?”
“No.”
That seemed to surprise him.
“I don’t want any of them close enough to require hatred.”
He nodded slowly.
Then:
“Do you hate me?”
That question deserved honesty.
“I hated what you kept asking me to tolerate.”
He looked down.
“And now?”
“Now I mostly wish you well from somewhere else.”
His eyes filled.
So did mine.
Seven years did not become nothing simply because the ending was necessary.
The divorce became final fifteen months after the anniversary dinner.
Outside the courthouse, Daniel stopped me.
“Claire.”
I turned.
“I’m sorry it took a timer.”
I almost smiled.
“So am I.”
May you like
Then we walked in opposite directions.
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