I left the courthouse carrying only my handbag and wearing a simple navy dress my former husband Daniel considered forgettable. He stood beneath the winter sun with Vanessa wrapped around his arm as her diamond ring caught the light. Daniel held up our divorce papers triumphantly and loudly mocked me for flying economy. Vanessa joined his cruel amusement because she was certain they had won everything. For twelve years I stood beside him at countless events where I was introduced merely as his wife rather than the strategist who rescued his company from bankruptcy. During our divorce Daniel demanded the beach house and the luxury cars along with the Chicago apartment. He assumed I lost because I never fought him for those possessions. My attorney Miriam repeatedly asked if I wanted a larger settlement but I consistently refused. I wanted Daniel to sign exactly what he believed he was winning and he blindly signed everything without reading the vital disclosure clauses.
