Chapter 21 - The Divorce Hearing
Thomas appeared by video from federal custody.
He looked tired.
The judge reviewed our property agreement.
My deed.
The forged documents.
The attempted loan.
His attorney argued that Thomas contributed emotionally and financially to the apartment.
The judge asked for evidence of mortgage payments.
There were none.
Utilities did not create ownership.
Groceries did not create ownership.
Marriage did not erase recorded title.
The apartment remained mine.
Thomas received no share.
His attorney then requested temporary access to retrieve personal items.
I agreed under supervision.
He entered the apartment one final time with an officer present.
Marta was not there.
The vase pieces were gone.
The kitchen had been repaired.
He stood near the hallway console.
“The folder was there?”
“Yes.”
“You already knew everything when Mom arrived.”
“I knew enough.”
He looked toward the wall hook where her spare key once hung.
“Did you plan the call?”
“No.”
“So when you said, ‘Tell her who paid’—”
“I gave you one opportunity to tell the truth.”
He looked at me.
“I was scared.”
“So was I.”
He collected two boxes.
At the door, he said, “I did love you.”
I answered, “Then you should have loved me more than access.”
May you like
He left.
The lock clicked behind him.
