If that’s what marriage is, I never want to be married to him again.”

No one answered. The courtroom was dead silent.

The judge issued provisional protective measures that same day: a restraining order barring Derek from approaching or contacting Skylar, full protection of the residence, his permanent removal from the apartment for the duration of the proceedings, and a stern warning to Suzanne over her ongoing harassment.

She also ordered that the Public Prosecutor’s Office be formally notified of the unrecognized bank transactions for criminal investigation.

As they left the courtroom, Derek waited for Skylar in the hallway—even though he’d been strictly forbidden to approach her. He didn’t chase her or shout.

He did something far worse. He acted heartbroken.