Updated Feb 25, 2026 • ~4 min read
POV: Gabi
Two weeks later.
Divorce court.
Brandon is there via video from jail.
His lawyer beside him on screen.
I’m here in person.
Marissa representing me.
“This is an uncontested divorce?” the judge asks.
“Yes, Your Honor,” Marissa confirms.
Brandon’s lawyer speaks up.
“Actually, Your Honor, my client would like to contest the division of assets.”
What?
“On what grounds?” the judge asks.
“Mrs. Moreno’s photography business was built during the marriage. My client is entitled to half.”
Rage burns in my chest.
“Your Honor,” Marissa stands. “Mr. Vale is currently in federal custody awaiting sentencing for fraud. He has no legitimate claim to my client’s business.”
“The business was built with marital assets—”
“Marital assets that HE gambled away! My client is owed $52,000 from joint savings that Mr. Vale stole.”
The judge holds up a hand.
“Enough. Let’s hear from the parties.”
She looks at me.
“Mrs. Moreno, what are you seeking in this divorce?”
“Dissolution of marriage. No alimony. No asset division. I just want to be free of him.”
“And Mr. Vale?”
Brandon speaks from the screen.
“I want half her business. It’s only fair.”
“Fair?” I explode. “You want FAIR? You stole my identity! You ruined my reputation! You gambled away our savings! And now you want my BUSINESS?”
“Mrs. Moreno,” the judge warns. “Please.”
I sit down.
Shaking with anger.
Marissa presents evidence.
“Your Honor, my client built her photography business before marriage. She has records showing the business was established in her name alone. Mr. Vale contributed nothing. In fact, he actively harmed the business through his criminal activities.”
“Furthermore, Mr. Vale owes my client $52,000 in stolen savings. We’re willing to waive that claim in exchange for zero asset division.”
The judge reviews the paperwork.
“Mr. Vale, do you have evidence of contributing to the photography business?”
Brandon’s lawyer shuffles papers.
“We… we believe his emotional support—”
“Emotional support is not a financial contribution. Motion denied. No asset division.”
Victory.
“Anything else?”
“Yes, Your Honor,” Brandon says. “I’d like to apologize. To Gabriella. For everything.”
The judge looks at me.
“Do you wish to respond?”
I stand.
Look directly at the camera.
At Brandon’s face on screen.
“Your apology means nothing. You destroyed our marriage. Our trust. Our future. And for what? Gambling? Ego? Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter anymore.”
“You’re going to prison. I’m moving on. And I never want to see or hear from you again.”
“Gabi, please—”
“My name is Gabriella. You lost the right to call me Gabi when you committed fraud using my identity.”
The judge bangs her gavel.
“That’s enough. I hereby grant the divorce. Marriage dissolved. No asset division. No alimony. Mrs. Moreno is free to resume her maiden name if she wishes.”
Free.
I’m free.
GABI
Outside the courthouse, Marissa hugs me.
“You did it.”
“We did it.”
“What are you going to do now?”
“I don’t know. Live my life, I guess.”
She grins.
“Call the hot PI. Ask him on that date.”
“How did you—”
“Please. Everyone can see the way you two look at each other.”
I blush.
“Is it that obvious?”
“Extremely.”
“The divorce was just finalized—”
“And? You’ve been waiting for months. Call him.”
She’s right.
I pull out my phone.
Text Nix.
Me: It’s official. Divorce finalized.
Three dots appear immediately.
Nix: Congratulations. How do you feel?
Me: Free. And ready for that date you promised.
Nix: Tonight?
Me: Tonight.
Nix: I’ll pick you up at 7.
Six hours.
Six hours until my first real date in years.
Not as Gabi Vale.
As Gabriella Moreno.
Myself.
Finally.
END OF CHAPTER 19
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