Listen carefully, Stella. At the hearing tomorrow, I want you to agree to all the divorce demands without objection. As for the marital assets, forget it. The house, the car, music, the savings, it’s all in my name. You have no real financial contribution to their purchase. So, don’t even try to claim a division of assets.
Stella’s jaw dropped as she read that message. How clever Gabe was. The modest house they lived in. The down payment had come from Stella’s savings from sewing day and night before Gabe became successful. But Gabe music this house. Stella didn’t get to finish typing when her phone rang. Suddenly, Gabe was calling.
Stella answered with trembling hands. Music afraid but needing an explanation. Hello. Stella’s voice was hoarse and weak. Listen, Stella. Gab’s voice was loud, firm, and full of intimidation from the other end. Don’t even try to fight this. I’m a lawyer. I know the loopholes. If you dare to claim any assets or complicate this divorce, I’ll make sure you don’t get a single penny. I’ll expose all your faults in front of the judge. I’ll make you a disgrace for life until no one even wants to be your friend.
What faults, Gabe? I’ve served you all this time. I never did anything wrong. Stella sobbed. Her heart achd at being accused of things she hadn’t done. I can find your faults. That’s my specialty, Gabe shouted arrogantly. I can twist the facts until you look guilty. So, if you want a quiet life after the divorce, do as I say. Show up tomorrow, nod your head in front of the judge, sign music, and get out of my life. Just take your clothes. Everything else is mine.
The call was disconnected unilaterally by Gabe. Stella weakly placed her phone on the table. Music. The dining room felt so silent and oppressive. She looked around the modest house she had cared for with all her love for the past 5 years. The walls she had painted herself, the curtains she had sewn herself, everything bore the mark of her hands. And now Gabe wanted to snatch it all away just because he felt music Stella was no longer worthy of standing with him at the peak of success. A success achieved thanks to Stella’s prayers and sweat as well.
That pain slowly transformed into an oppressive weight crushing her chest. Stella felt so small and helpless. Her opponent was her own husband, a lawyer who understood the law and was skilled with words. What could a simple woman like her do? She had no lawyer she could afford. She didn’t know any influential people. Yet, in the midst of that despair, Stella looked at her reflection in the mirror of the sideboard. Her face was swollen, her eyes red and puffy. Should I just give up like this? She asked herself silently.
Suddenly, she remembered her late mother’s words. Be a strong woman and keep your dignity. No, Stella whispered softly as she wiped her tears away harshly. I may be poor now. I may not have an advanced degree like Gabe. Music, but I have dignity. I won’t let him trample all over me anymore. Let him have the assets, but I won’t let him humiliate my dignity.
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