SWNOVELS Chapter 13
- ts. Harper turned to the judge. “Your Humor, it’s clear that Wood lige was not only unfaithful but also contemplated abandoning his wife. We believe this further justifies our request
Mr. Collins stood, his expression gri. “No further questions for this witness”
Lila lett the stand, her head bowed Jasmine felt a surge of vindication, but alsoa pang of sorrow. The woman had been a part of Ethan’s betrayal, but she was also a victim of his deceit.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN THE SOTOILALIMONY
CHAPTER THIRTEEN–THE BID FOR ALIMONY
Ms. Harper called Jasmine back to the stand for a final testimony. “Jasmine, can you describe the impact Mr. Woodridge’s actions have had on your life?
Jasmine took a deep breath, gathering her strength “It’s been devastating lost my sense of security, my trust in the person I loved most. I had to leave our home, the place where we built our life together. I’ve been struggling emotionally and financially. The betrayal has affected every part of my life?
Ms. Harper nodded sympathetically. “And what do you hope to achieve through this settlement?”
“I just want to be able to move on,” Jasmine said, her voice steady. “I need the financial support to rebuild my life, to find stability again. I want to put this behind me and start fresh.”
Ms. Harper turned to the judge. “To Honor, my client deserves the chance to rebuild her de after the trauma she has endured. We ask for a fair dviskn of their assets and appropriate spousal support”
Mr. Collins stood for his closing statement, his eyes hard “Your Honor, while we acknowledge the pain Mrs. Delacroix has experienced, we must also consider Mr. Woodridge’s elecumstances. He has siguificant financial obligations and cesponsibilities. We ask for a reasonable settlement that does not unduly burden him ‘
The judge sat bark, het gate sweeping over the courtroom. “I have heard all the testimonies and reviewed the evidence. This is a difficult case, and will take everything into consideration Count is adjourned for deliberation. We will reconvene shortly for the final decision.”
The courtroom emptied, the tension palpable as everyone awalted the judge’s decision, jasmine sat in the hallway, her heart racing. Ms. Harper sat beside her, offering quiet reassurance.
Alter what felt like an eternity, they were called back into the courtroom. The judge took her seat, her expression unisadible.
“It is clear that Mr. Woodridge’s infidelity and the subsequent emotional trauma inflicted on Mrs. Delacroix have had a profound impact on her life,” the judge continued. “Therefore, I find it just and equitable to grant Mrs. Delagroos a substantial portion of the marital assets and spousal support sufficient to help her refelld her life.”
A collective berath was released in the courtrooms, Jasmine felt a surge of relied and gratitude. The judge’s words were a halm to her wounded soul.
“Effective immediately,” the judge announced, “Mrs. Delacroix wille filty percent of the couple’s joint assets, including the marital home. Additionally, M. Woodridge in ordered to pay spousal support in the amount of $5,000 per month for the next five years, allowing Mrs. Delacroix the financial stability needed to recover and move forward
Ethan’s Lace turned ashen. He opened his mouth to speak, but the judge silenced him with a stern look “Mr. Woodridge, your actions have had severe consequences. This court’s decision is
With a bang of the gavel, the judge adjourned the session. The comtroom erupted into qalet murmans, and Jasmine felt tears of relief streaming down her face. Ms. Harper huggedher lightly
“You did, Jasmine. It’s over,” Ms. Harper said, her voice filled with pride.
Jasmine nodded, emotions everwhelming her. “Thank you, Ms. Harper. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
As they gathered their belongings, Ethan approached, his expression a mixture of anger and regret. “Jasmine, I never wanted it to come to this you have to believe
Jasmine looked at him, her resolve firm. “Ethan, your actions spoke louder than words ever could I hope you find what you’re looking for, but I need to move on and heal.”
Ethan’s shoulders slumped as he nodded, defeated. ” understand. I’m sorry for everything”
Jasmine turned away, feeling a sense of closure. She walked out of the courtroom, the weight of the past month lifting off her shoulders. The sun was shining brightly outside, a symbol of the new beginning she was about to embrace.
weeks of painstaking work. The vivid colors
Jasmine stepped bark, surveying the large canvas before her with a satisfied smile. Her latest plece, “Resurgence,” was finally complete after weeks of pa and bold brushstrokes seemed to practically vibrate with raw emotion – a whirlwind of turmoil giving way to defiant rebirth.
She picked up her camera, carefully adjusting the angles to properly capture the painting’s essence. Click Click. With each photo, she felt a growing sense of pride and accomplishment well upleside her. This work was a manestion of the tumultuous journey she had been on the anguish of heartbreak, the struggle to reclaim her identity, the ultimate emergence of her Denemed self.
Setting down the camera, Jasmine opened her laptop and began the process of cataloging the pic–detailed descriptions, dimensions, medium used. As she typed, has mind wandered back to that fateful encounter at the cafe with the esteemed Madame Rauwer
“Your work showed such raw, unbridled passion, cherie,” the curator had remarked, peeting over her half–glasses. “I sensed greatness waiting to be unleashed upon the world.”
Jasmine remembered the thrill of being personally invited to have her work considered for the prestigious Bergirim Coemporary Collection. At the time, reeling from Ethan’s betrayal, she hadn’t been in any mindset to properly appreciate the immense opportunity. But no
Het fingers danced across the keys as she composed an email
I hope this finds you well. As per your generous invitation, I have completed my latest piece, titled “Resurgence,” and wished to submit it for your consideration →
spent the next hour carefully outlining the details, motivations, and emotional core behind the large–scale work, hoping her words could properly convey the depths of meaning embedded in every bushstroke
Finally, with the email drafted and the photo files attached, she hesitated briefly before hitting send.
“There. It’s done,” she whispered to the quietude of her loft studio. “The first step towards potting my life back together.”
A strange sense of calm washed over her. For so long, she hadbeemoored–hot identity, hes passion, her very sell had been inexorably to Ethan and the vision they had shaped together. But now, finally, she felt like she was orgaining her independence, embracing the artistic spirit that made het indelibly herself.
A few days later, Jasmine had just returned to her studio from grabbing lunch when her phone buzzed with an incoming call from a Paris number.
“Bonjour, Mademoiuelle Delaci nie!” The cultured, accented voice of Madame Rousseau filled her eat. “I must say, I was most captivated and intrigued by the photographs and your desa i iptions of “Besu genre.” Such raw power! Such spiri
“Thank you, Madame,” Jasmine replied, her heart stammering in her chest. “I poured so much of my life’s experiences into that piece. The exhilaration of rebirth after sich soffering.”
sensed as much,” the curator said pensively. “Which is why I simply must see this work in pom before making my final decision on acquiring it for the Beigstiden Collection |
can immense honor, fret would you be amenable to me visiting your studio for a private viewing, Mademoiselle
eyes widened, barely able to press the words she was hearing. This was the prestal opportunity she had di eamed of as a