Oscar looked down at his notes, his jaw tightening as he turned a page without offering any counterargument.

Judge Alvarez noted the statement in his official ledger and picked up his heavy brass seal.

“The financial audit terms stand as recorded in the archival registry,” the judge said.

“If the petitioner and respondent have completed the final decree forms, you may sign.”

Oscar pushed the paper across the wooden rail toward me.

I picked up the pen and wrote my full maiden name on the signature line in clean, steady letters: Elena Varela.

Judge Alvarez brought his seal down on the paper with a dull thump, officially ending the marriage and striking the name Mendoza from my legal identity.