Chapter 14 - The Final Courtroom StandTwo months later, the sun shone brightly through the tall windows of Courtroom 1804 at the Cook County Domestic Relations Division.
Julian sat at the respondent’s table in a cheap, off-the-rack suit that hung loosely on his frame. He had lost weight, his hair was unkempt, and dark purple circles bruised the skin beneath his hollow eyes. Beside him sat his court-appointed attorney, looking overwhelmed by the sheer mountain of evidence stacked against his client.
Fiona sat two rows back in the gallery, wearing a faded navy coat, her eyes fixed on the floor, unable to look anyone in the eye.
I sat at the petitioner’s table beside Darcy, dressed in an immaculate ivory tailored suit. My posture was upright, my mind calm and unshakeable.
Judge Rebecca Harris presided from the bench, reviewing the final decree of dissolution and the global financial settlement agreement.
"Mr. Cole," Judge Harris said, her voice booming through the quiet courtroom as she adjusted her glasses. "In my twenty-two years on the bench, I have rarely seen a record of such blatant financial exploitation combined with egregious domestic abuse."
Julian kept his head down, staring at his hands.
"The court hereby grants the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage," Judge Harris declared, bringing her gavel down with a sharp, decisive CLACK.
"Under the terms of this final decree," she continued, "the real estate property known as Condo 42B is declared the sole, non-marital property of Sloan Vance. Mr. Cole is ordered to pay full restitution in the amount of seventy-four thousand dollars for converted funds, plus eighty-two thousand dollars to indemnify the petitioner against the fraudulent business lines of credit."
Julian’s attorney cleared his throat nervously. "Your Honor... my client currently has zero liquid assets and no employment income. Restitution of that magnitude is impossible at this time."
"Then Mr. Cole’s future wages will be garnished at the maximum statutory limit of fifty percent the moment he secures employment," Judge Harris responded without a shred of sympathy.
She turned her gaze directly to Julian.
"And as for the criminal charges regarding Unlawful Restraint and Bank Fraud, this civil court notes that the State’s Attorney has filed formal criminal indictments. You are to surrender your passport to the clerk immediately following this hearing."
Julian’s shoulders slumped entirely. He buried his face in his hands, letting out a stifled, shuddering sob that echoed off the high marble walls.
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I didn't feel joy. I didn't feel hatred.
I looked at the man I had once loved, the man I had spent five years trying to please, and felt only a vast, quiet pity for how small he truly was.
