Chapter 5 - The Life I Built on My Own Terms
One year later, the divorce was finalized with the strike of a judge’s gavel.
The settlement was total.
I retained full ownership of the Oakridge home, my intellectual property, my retirement portfolios, and every cent Gregory had attempted to siphon away. Gregory was ordered to repay sixty-two thousand dollars in restitution for unauthorized withdrawals, along with Victoria’s legal fees.
Simone had dumped him forty-eight hours after they were both fired from Apex Media. When the money vanished, so did the romance.
Last I heard through mutual acquaintances, Gregory had moved back into his parents’ spare bedroom in another state, working entry-level remote sales for a low-tier marketing firm, his name permanently toxic across the major agencies.
On the evening the final decree was signed, I didn’t sit at home feeling bitter.
I hosted a grand opening celebration for the new headquarters of Vance Creative Group.
Our team had expanded to twelve designers, brand strategists, and copywriters. The historic brick warehouse we renovated in the creative district was filled with light, laughter, live jazz music, and over a hundred clients, friends, and community leaders.
I wore a tailored black tuxedo dress, holding a glass of champagne as I looked around the room.
My phone chimed with a private message.
It was an unknown number, but I recognized the writing immediately.
Naomi, I know I ruined everything. I was an idiot. I miss you every single day. Can we just sit down and talk? One dinner. Please.
I looked at the text for two seconds.
I didn't feel rage.
I didn't feel satisfaction.
I felt absolute, beautiful indifference.
I blocked the number, deleted the message, and set my phone face down on the bar.
Five years ago, a man had sat across from me in an expensive restaurant, looked me in the eye, and told me he wished I wasn’t his wife.
He thought he was breaking my spirit.
He thought he was leaving me with nothing.
May you like
He had no idea that by taking off the ring, he was handing me back my freedom, my power, and the life I was always meant to live.
I raised my glass toward my team, smiled into the bright lights of the studio, and toasted to the future I had built with my own two hands.
