Chapter 9

Her mother sniffed. "Marriage isn't about romance, Adaline. It's about building something lasting. Michael made a mistake, but he's still a good provider. You always were too sentimental."

"Your Honor," Adaline spoke clearly, rising from her seat, "this marriage has been loveless from the start. An arrangement my mother made to secure her financial future." She turned toward Michael. "He's abused me emotionally for years. When I couldn't conceive, he blamed me entirely, despite never getting tested himself. When his business failed two years ago, he took it out on me. When Evelyn pregnant, they made sure I knew about it."

She laid a medical report on the judge's desk. "I've been seeing a therapist for the past year due to the emotional trauma this marriage has caused. I'm asking the court for a divorce on grounds of mental cruelty and adultery."

The judge, a woman in her sixties with shrewd eyes, reviewed the documents before her. "Mr. Anderson, if an heir is your primary concern, it seems your mistress is already providing that opportunity." Her tone was matter-of-fact. "Given the evidence of emotional abuse and your admitted infidelity, this court grants the petition for divorce. The division of assets will proceed according to the prenuptial agreement."

Michael slammed his fist on the table. "This is absurd! Your Honor, I've built a career from the ground up. Justin just promoted me to Executive Vice President at Westfield Corp! I'm managing their entire East Coast division now. She doesn't deserve half of everything I've worked for!"

"Perhaps you should have considered that before your extramarital activities, Mr. Anderson," the judge replied coolly. "The prenuptial agreement you both signed is quite clear on the consequences of infidelity."

Michael's attorney whispered urgently in his ear. Michael's face tightened, then he turned to Adaline.

"Wait," Michael called out, his voice suddenly conciliatory. "Adaline, let's be reasonable. Justin values me—he's already talking about grooming me to take over when he retires. I'm prepared to offer you a very generous settlement right now—three million dollars cash, the house in Aspen, and monthly support. Just leave my future earnings and stock options intact." His eyes hardened. "It's more than fair considering your... contributions to the marriage."

Adaline looked at him, seeing clearly for the first time the calculating man behind the charming facade she'd fallen for years ago.

"No," she said firmly, her voice carrying across the courtroom. "I don't want your money, Michael. I want exactly what the prenuptial agreement stipulates—what you agreed to when you thought you'd never have to honor it." She straightened her shoulders. "I want my fair share, not because I need it, but because you need to face the consequences of your actions for once in your life."

"Court is adjourned," the judge announced, bringing down her gavel with finality.

Relief washed over Adaline like a physical wave. It was over. Finally over.

"This isn't finished, Adaline," Michael growled as she gathered her things. "You'll regret this."

"The only thing I regret is wasting two years of my life with you," she replied evenly.

Her mother caught her arm as she tried to leave. "You're making a terrible mistake," she warned. "No decent man will want you now—divorced, older, barren."

Adaline gently removed her mother's hand. "I'd rather be alone forever than spend another day in a loveless marriage. Goodbye, Mother."

As she exited the courtroom, Martin waited patiently by the car. She was walking toward him, the first genuine smile in months beginning to form on her lips, when a harsh voice cut through the air.

"Well, well. Found yourself a new lover already, whore?"

Adaline froze, the smile dying on her lips. Evelyn stood near the courthouse steps, one hand resting protectively on her slightly rounded belly. Her once-familiar face was twisted with bitterness.

"Evelyn," Adaline acknowledged quietly. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"I bet you didn't," Evelyn spat. "Thought you could steal him back while I wasn't looking?"

Adaline stood her ground, shoulders back, chin lifted. "Why do you care?" she asked coolly, meeting Evelyn's accusatory glare. "You've already taken what you wanted."

"Taken? He came to me willingly," Evelyn laughed harshly. "Night after night, while you were busy with your charity work and your book clubs and orphanage. He needed a real woman."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed, one hand still resting protectively on her slightly rounded belly. "You think you've won? Michael only married you for pleasure. Now he's free to be with someone who can actually give him what he needs."

"Is that what he told you?" Adaline asked softly. "That he married me just to use me?? Not for the trust fund he gained access to on our wedding day?"

Evelyn's expression faltered slightly. "You're lying. Michael has his own money."

"You can have your worthless Michael now," Adaline smirked, a calm strength in her voice that surprised even her. "Congratulations on your prize. I truly hope he makes you happy."

Evelyn's face flushed with anger. "At least I can give him children. Something you failed at miserably."

Adaline flinched despite herself.

Evelyn continued, gesturing toward Martin. "Already replaced him, I see. Your new lover is quick to protect you." Her smile turned cruel. "Does he know what he's getting? A barren, cold—"

Martin stepped forward, positioning himself slightly between the two women. "Ms. Adaline," he said quietly, interrupting Evelyn's tirade, "your car is ready"