The court ruled without ambiguity.

Chloe would remain in my sole custody.

George’s property claims were dismissed in full, the house proven to be exactly what it was, my separate inherited property, my aunt’s gift, never marital, never his.

And the court further ordered the immediate seizure of the salon equipment that had been purchased with my drained funds, to satisfy restitution.

When the hearing concluded, George caught me in the courthouse corridor, his composure finally, entirely gone.

“Are you happy now?” he spat.