MY EX-WIFE SHOWED UP TO OUR DIVORCE HEARING PREGNANT THINKING IT WOULD SECURE HER A PAYOUT.IT TURNED

my ex-wife showed up to our divorce hearing pregnant thinking it would secure her a payout it turned out to be the biggest mistake of her life when the judge asked one question Divorce Court wasn't where I wanted to spend my Friday morning but with an ex-wife like Monica I had no choice the whole process had been a nightmare from the start delays nonsense filings outright Tantrums all designed to waste my time if Monica had put half as much effort into our marriage as she did into making my life hell we wouldn't have ended up here

but the moment she walked into the hearing pregnant I nearly laughed not because I thought the kid was mine I knew it wasn't but because I could see the scheme forming in her head like a cheap soap opera plot playing out in real time Monica was banking on one thing that the judge would see her as a poor vulnerable abandoned pregnant woman and force me to pay up forget the prenup forget logic just play the sympathy card and walk out with a hefty payout I could already hear the speech she had planned in her head

your honor I have a baby on the way and I've been left with nothing how am I supposed to survive all while shooting me pitiful glances waiting for me to squirm under the pressure too bad for her I don't squirm I don't lose what Monica didn't realize was that I had already figured her out months ago the thing about Monica wasn't just that she was bad at marriage she was bad at lying she was predictable sloppy and worst of all overconfident she thought she had this in the bag she thought I'd Panic get flustered maybe

even offer a settlement just to avoid looking like the bad guy she had no idea that the one question the judge was about to ask her would make her entire scheme crumble monicaa walked into the courtroom with an air of smugness her hand resting on her belly like a prop her other hand brushing her hair hair behind her ear as if she wasn't about to commit blatant fraud in a courtroom she even sighed dramatically when she took her seat as if this entire ordeal was exhausting her fragile pregnant self I didn't react I didn't need

to unlike Monica I wasn't walking and blind I was ready and so was my lawyer Marcus Marcus was the kind of guy who smiled in court but would absolutely gut you with the law I didn't like lawyers much but after watching him dismantle Monica's Antics over the last few months I was glad he was on my side Monica on the other hand had gone through three different lawyers since this divorce started the one she had today was a newbie fresh out of law school probably desperate to win his first big case I almost felt bad

for him almost because here's the thing Monica had tried this before not the pregnancy stunt but the manipulation the fake distress the I'm just a struggling woman your honor please take pity on me act and unfortunately some people bought it including my own mother a week before the hearing my mom had called me her voice weary just settle she said you don't want this dragging on forever I pinched the bridge of my nose mom she's not getting a scent that's why we had a prenup she's pregnant she pushed do you really want that on your

conscience I almost lost it this isn't my kid mom she hesitated are you sure was I sure Mom she cheated on me repeatedly I caught her besides you know what the worst part is if I actually thought this was my kid she wouldn't even need to pull this stunt I'd be there I'd take care of them that's the difference between us she schemes I take responsibility mom went quiet for a moment then side I just don't want to see this get uglier it was already ugly but I promised her I'd handle it which brings us

back to today the judge walked in and the hearing began Monica's lawyer launched into his sob story immediately your honor my client has been left in an impossible situation she is pregnant unemployed and struggling due to the emotional and financial strain caused by this drawn out divorce Monica sniffled on Q wiping an invisible tear from the corner of her eye I didn't even blink Marcus my lawyer waited patiently letting the theatrics play out before finally standing your honor while we certainly sympathize with Miss Carter's situation we must clarify a few things before proceeding first and

foremost he turned to Monica's lawyer who is the father of this child just like that Monica visibly stiffened I knew that question was coming Monica didn't she assumed the court wouldn't question her pregnancy that she could Walt in look vulnerable and walk out with a fat check but legally her pregnancy was only relevant if I was the father her lawyer froze then weakly mumbled my client believes it is the petitioners I almost laughed believes Marcus didn't even Flinch she believes so there's no proof Monica shifted uncomfortably the judge's eyes narrowed Miss Carter have you had

a eternity test done her mouth opened closed opened again she was trapped I I mean I just assumed you assumed the judge repeated unimpressed Miss Carter is there any evidence to suggest the petitioner is the father her lawyer looked like he wanted to die Monica looked pale I leaned back in my chair enjoying the show at this point Marcus was ready to finish her off your honor we have strong reason to believe this child is not my clients he pulled out photos taken two months after Monica and I separated pictures of her on vacation holding

hands with another man kissing Clear Proof she had moved on then the final nail in the coffin medical documents Marcus slid the papers across the table additionally we have subpoenaed Miss Carter's recent medical records which show that her first confirmed pregnancy test was months after she and my client had last been together Monica's face crumpled her lawyer looked at her like she had just thrown him into the ocean with an anchor tied to his feet the judge let out a long sign shook his head Miss Carter this court does not take kindly to deception given

the evidence there is no basis for financial support the prenup stands you will not be receiving alimon or additional compensation boom Monica gasped as if she had been physically struck but your honor the judge held up a hand this hearing is over done Monica sat there Frozen the judge's words were still hanging in the air but I could see it happening in real time her brain scrambling for a way out this wasn't how today was supposed to go for her in her version of events she was supposed to cry look pitiful and leave with a

fat monthly check instead she had been publicly exposed her lawyer wasn't even looking at her anymore he was staring at the floor probably re-evaluating every decision that led him to take this case and Monica she was gripping the edge of the table like she could somehow hold on to the last shreds of her scheme the Tantrum was coming I just sat back and waited Monica sat Frozen her scheme crumbling around her the courtroom was silent except for the judge's firm declaration this hearing is over she didn't move her lawyer sat stiff beside her likely regretting

ever taking this case I could see it happening in real time Monica scrambling for a way to salvage the situation she had walked in belly out expecting to leave with a check instead she had been exposed humiliated and legally shut down but Monica wasn't the type to go down gracefully the Tantrum was coming she gripped the edge of the table her Knuckles turning white and then it started your honor this isn't fair I'm about to have a baby and he just gets to walk away she burst out her voice rising in Pitch the judge exhaled

sharply rubbing his temples he was done Miss Carter he said his tone clipped this court does not make Financial judgments based on emotional appeals your pregnancy has no legal bearing on this divorce unless paternity is established which based on the evidence provided it has not been she turned her furious gaze toward me desperate for one last shot you're really going to do this to me to your own child I smiled a slow amused merciless smile you really want to do this Monica I leaned forward my voice calm even you want to go on record accusing

me of being the father because we can get a court-ordered paternity test right now her face twitched she had nothing she knew it and now so did everyone else in the room the judge didn't even bother responding this time he simply turned to the court clerk adjourned it was over I stood buttoning my suit jacket while Marcus my lawyer gave me a small knot of approval Monica meanwhile sat there still in shock still trying to process the fact that her entire plan had just exploded in her face I walked out of the courtroom feeling lighter

than I had in months but Monica wasn't done yet she came storming out of the courtroom minutes later heels clacking against the marble floor face red with rage hands shaking I heard her before I saw her you're a monster she hissed as she caught up to me you let me sit there humiliated I turned slowly looking her up and down I'm sorry Monica was it the part where you tried to scam the court that humiliated you or the part where you realized I was three steps ahead her jaw clenched you set me up I chuckled

shaking my head no sweetheart you set yourself up I just let you walk into it she looked like she wanted to throw something at me but then she tried one last card she turned to my mother Susan who had been standing nearby watching everything unfold with tired Eyes Are you seriously okay with this Monica's voice cracked with what he did to me Mom crossed her arms her expression unreadable for a moment then she spoke I'm not okay with what you did to him her voice was firm you had us all fooled once never again Monica's

lip quivered for a second I thought you might actually cry then the real explosion I hope you rot she shrieked stepping forward like she wanted to claw me I hope you lose everything before she could do anything else a Stern voice cut through the tension Miss Carter a court officer stepped into the hallway another standing just behind him Monica froze come with us please her head snapped around what what the first officer didn't blink the judge is recommended an inquiry into potential perjury and fraud you'll need to answer some questions her eyes went wide Wait

no that's not but they were already leading her back into the courtroom I let out a slow breath beside me Marcus patted my shoulder well that was satisfying I smirked yeah it was I didn't follow her I didn't need to Monica was no longer my problem over the next few months I heard bits and pieces of what happened apparently the judge wasn't just pissed he was making an example out of her faking financial distress bad trying to manipulate the Court worse lying under oath that was perjury her fraudulent claims meant she was now under investigation

the court didn't just dismiss her plea for alimony they flagged her case for potential financial fraud it got worse from there she was hit with fines for wasting the Court's time her lawyer Jason dropped her immediately she tried to file for government Aid denied turns out they also require proof of paternity and the cherry on top her new boyfriend Ryan dumped her apparently after Marcus pulled out those vacation photos in court Ryan started doing the math he realized he wasn't the only one Monica had been with suddenly he wasn't so sure he was the father

either I can only imagine how that conversation went a few months after the trial I got a text from an unknown number Monica I hope you're happy I stared at it for a second then typed back me I am thanks for asking then I blocked the number for the first time in a long time I was free it had been months since the courtroom Showdown and life was finally peaceful no more legal battles no more ridiculous schemes no more Monica or so I thought because despite losing spectacularly in court Monica wasn't the type to just

disappear no she was the type to burn every bridge and then stand in the ashes crying about how unfair the world was and sure enough even after being exposed humiliated and hit with legal consequences she wasn't done trying to drag me down with her I should have expected it the first sign of trouble came when I got a call from my bank Mr Carter we need to verify some unusual activity on your account I frowned sitting up in my chair what kind of activity a series of attempted withdrawals and account changes several requests for statements

one attempt to add an authorized user and the banker hesitated a flagged attempt to access your online banking from an unfamiliar device I exhaled slowly let me guess all for Monica Carter a pause she did provide identification under that name yes I chuckled humorlessly of course she had lock it down freeze any changes and send me a list of every attempt she made I hung up shaking my head the audacity Monica had already lost everything in court but now she was trying to find a new way to squeeze money out of me this time by

accessing my accounts unfortunately for her I was already ahead of her the next week I got another call this time from Marcus my lawyer you're not going to believe this he said sounding almost amused try me I replied Monica's trying to appeal the ruling claims she was coerced and is signing the prenup and that new evidence proves you were financially abusive during the marriage I actually laughed financially abusive she spent more on handbags than I did on my mortgage I know but she's desperate she found a new lawyer some bottom feeder willing to take the

case on contingency they won't win I said confidently of course not the judge won't even entertain it not after she tried to manipulate the court last time but it's a nuisance that's all Monica had left she had no case no credibility no sympathy but she could still be a nuisance and she was about to make that my problem over the next few weeks Monica tried everything she could think of she filed a complaint with my workplace claiming I had harassed her it was dismissed immediately everyone knew the divorce details and no one bought her story

she started rumors that I had cheated on her during our marriage hoping to turn mutual friends against me it didn't work most people had already cut ties with her after the trial she even tried to have me in investigated for tax fraud making an anonymous report to the IRS that one almost made me respect her effort except that I had been meticulous with my finances for years they took one look at my records and laughed her out of the system it was exhausting but I refused to let her win then she made her biggest mistake

yet one evening I was having dinner with my mother when my phone buzzed with a notification a new email for Monica I opened it expecting some long- winded rant but what I saw instead made my blood run cold attached was a document a forged loan agreement with my name on it claiming that I had promised Monica a six-figure sum to help support her transition after the divorce the message was simple pay me or I take this to court I stared at the screen for a long moment then I forwarded the email to Marcus the next

morning we were in his office reviewing the forg document she's actually lost her mind I muttered shaking my head Marcus smirked she's desperate and sloppy this is textbook fraud what are our options we could ignore it but she might still try to file a case or we could file a counter claim for attempted extortion and document forgery I didn't even hesitate file it Monica wanted War she was about to get one by the time Monica realized what was happening it was too late she had assumed I'd be too scared of legal trouble to call her

Bluff instead I turned her scheme into her downfall when we filed the case Marcus made sure to include everything the fraudulent loan document the email where she tried to Blackmail me a record of all her failed attempts to get money out of me bank fraud workplace complaints IRS reports we painted the full picture Monica wasn't a struggling single mother she was a manipulative fraud who had spent months trying to scam me in the legal system and this time the court didn't just dismiss her case they charged her forgery extortion attempted fraud the same judge who

had ruled against her before made it clear she was done her case was thrown out so fast it made headlines and as an extra slap in the face she was ordered to pay my legal fees Monica had thought she could outplay me instead she played herself and now she was completely utterly broke after the court dismissed Monica's latest scheme and hit her with legal fees I expected that to be the end of it but Monica never knew when to quit she had lost the alimony case she had lost the fraudulent loan scam she had lost

her credibility her dignity and now her finances and yet she still believed she could find a way to turn the tables that was her fatal mistake The Fallout from her fraud case spread fast with the court ruling against her Monica's financial situation went from bad to catastrophic she had already blown through whatever money she had left from the marriage now with additional legal fees and fines she was drowning her attempts to get government assistance were blocked turns out agencies don't take kindly to people who Forge financial documents her reputation was ruined the same people who

had once believed her SOB stories now saw her for what she was a manipulator a liar a con artist even the few remaining friends she had abandoned her and then there was Ryan the boyfriend who had stood by her convinced he was the father of her child the same boyfriend who had seen me exposed in court as not the father at first he stuck around probably trying to convince himself that Monica was still the victim but after Marcus exposed those vacation photos in court showing Monica with multiple men Ryan started doing the math a few

weeks later he was gone too Monica had lost everything and she still wasn't done making mistakes a month after her fraud case was thrown out I got a call from Marcus Monica's filed for an emergency appeal he said sounding almost amused an appeal based on what that's the funny part she's claiming financial hardship as a reason to revisit the divorce settlement claims she wasn't in the right mental state when she signed the prup and that she's now unable to support herself I nearly laughed she's actually trying this again not just trying Marcus replied shek going

all in she's even claiming that your financial success after the divorce is proof that she was left with nothing and deserves a share of your assets let me guess she's still ignoring the part where she was the one who cheated and tried to scam the court oh completely I sighed what do we do nothing Marcus said simply this is just another stunt she doesn't have a case no judge is going to overturn a legally binding prenup just because she's broke and bitter they'll dismiss it before it even gets to trial and sure enough that's exactly

what happened Monica's appeal was thrown out within a week her last shot at getting money from me was gone and now she had no more options which meant there was only one thing left for her to do she snapped the first sign of Monica's total breakdown came through social media she started posting long unhinged rants about how I had destroyed her life she called me a narcissist a liar a man who weaponized the legal system against a helpless woman she tried to paint herself as the victim claiming I had manipulated the courts bribed the judge

and used my privilege to escape accountability she even went as far as accusing me of abusing her during our marriage a blatant disgusting lie at first I ignored it but then she took it a step further she started messaging my family my co-workers and even my friends sending them long emotional texts about how I had abandoned her and my unborn child except by now no one believed her people started sending me screenshots of her messages and they weren't just ignoring her they were calling her out one of my former co-workers responded with Monica we all

saw what happened in court you lied move on another friend messaged her you literally tried to forge a loan document to extort him maybe take some accountability and my mom she sent one message stop contacting me that was it that was when Monica finally realized she had no no one left the last time I saw Monica it was completely by accident I had stopped by a coffee shop one morning when I noticed her sitting in the corner looking completely unrecognizable she wasn't the woman who had strutted into court smug and confident convinced she was about

to walk away with half my money she looked exhausted hello defeated her hair was messy her clothes were worn and she had dark circles under her eyes for a second I almost felt bad for her then I remembered everything she had done she must have sensed me looking at her because she glanced up for the briefest moment our eyes met her face Twisted with pure hate I just smiled not a smug smile not an arrogant one just a smile that said you did this to yourself she quickly looked away staring down at her empty coffee

cup and I knew Monica had finally lost not just in court not just financially she had lost everything her reputation her relationships her dignity and worst of all she had no one left to blame but herself a few days later I got a text unknown number are you happy now I didn't need to ask who it was I typed back me yes thanks for asking then I blocked the number Monica was nothing to me now just a bad memory and for the first time since the divorce started I was truly finally free I should have

known Monica wouldn't let go without trying one last desperate move the appeal had failed the fraud case had cost her everything her reputation was ruined her finances were in Ruins and she had no one left in her Corner even Ryan the boyfriend she was counting on had walked out when he realized he might not even be the father of her child and yet despite all of that she still thought she had a way to win she still thought she could drag me down with her but what she didn't realize was that this time she had

crossed the wrong line it started with another call from Marcus my lawyer Monica just filed a restraining order against you I nearly dropped my phone a restraining order based on what alleged Hammond and emotional aab I let out a long slow breath so let me get this straight after everything she's pulled after trying to steal from me Forge documents and lie under oath now she's the one claiming to be the victim that's exactly what's happening Marcus confirmed she's claiming that after the divorce ruling you've been stalking her harassing her online and trying to intimidate her

I almost laughed I hadn't spoken to Monica in months the last time I even saw her was by accident at a coffee shop where she had looked like a shell of her former self and now she was trying to flip the script and make it seem like I was the one obsessed with her it was pathetic so what do we do I asked we fight it obviously Marcus replied she doesn't have a case and filing a false restraining order that's another legal mess she doesn't want to get into what's her angle here same as always

money if she gets the restraining order granted she'll use it to leverage another legal battle claim damages and try to squee squeeze more money out of you she thinks you'll settle just to avoid the hassle she really hasn't learned has she apparently not I sighed all right letun end this the hearing was scheduled for a week later I walked in feeling nothing no anger no frustration just exhaustion I was tired of Monica tired of her lies her schemes her endless attempts to Claw at me with her manipulative tactics and I knew this was her last

shot if this failed she had no more plays Left Marcus was waiting for me inside the courtroom flipping through a folder of documents she's here he said without looking up I glanced across the room Monica was sitting at the table trying to look delicate and fragile like a woman under distress she had gone all in on the performance her makeup was subtle designed to make her look pale and tired her hair was slightly messy but in a way that seemed intentional like she wanted the judge to believe she was so mentally drained from my supposed

Hammond that she could barely take care of herself it was laughable I took my seat not even looking in her Direction the judge walked in and the hearing began Monica's lawyer started with the same tired script she had used in every other legal battle your honor my client has endured months of Relentless Hammond at the hands of Mr Carter she fears for her safety and the safety of her unborn child she is requesting an immediate protective order to ensure her well-being Monica sniffled dabbing at an imaginary tear I didn't react the judge turned to my

lawyer Mr Davis how does your client respond Marcus stood completely unfazed your honor before we even begin I'd like to present some evidence to the court that directly contradicts Miss Carter's claims he walked over to the judge's bench and placed a thick stack of papers in front of him these are call logs text messages and emails proving that my client has had no contact with Miss Carter since the divorce was finalized in fact as you'll see the only person initiating communication has been her the judge flipped through the documents his expression hardening additionally Marcus continued

we have records of Miss Carter reaching out to mutual acquaintances spreading false rumors about my client and even attempting to access his financial accounts under fraudulent pretenses the judge's eyes snapped to Monica I didn't need to see her face to know she was panicking furthermore Marcus added we would like to submit witness statements from multiple IND indviduals who were contacted by Miss Carter with false allegations about my client all in an attempt to manipulate them in deciding with her the courtroom was dead silent the judge leaned back in his chair exhaling slowly then he turned

to Monica's lawyer do you have any evidence to support your client's claims the lawyer hesitated he knew what was coming we we have Miss Carter's testimony so no actual proof the judge interrupted the lawyer cleared his throat at this time know your honor Boom the judge s shaking his head Miss Carter this court does not take false claims lightly there is no evidence of Hammond or stalking in fact the evidence suggests quite the opposite that you have been attempting to manipulate and defame the petitioner Monica's hands clenched into fists I could see her whole body

trembling therefore the judge continued this request for a restraining order is denied that was it that was the moment Monica finally realized she had lost she didn't even wait for the courtroom to clear as soon as the judge left she turned on me you think this is over she spat her voice low and shaking you think you've won I looked at her expression blank Monica I won the the moment I walked away from you her face Twisted with rage I hope you're happy you heartless piece of Miss Carter a court officer interrupted stepping forward you

need to leave now she turned on him while died you're all against me this isn't fair but the officer wasn't interested in her theatrics letun go she had no choice as she was escorted out of the courtroom I watched her go feeling absolutely nothing no anger No Satisfaction Just peace because Monica was finally out of my life for good a week later I got a text from an unknown number Monica you ruined my life I hope you rot I stared at it for a second then I typed back me you did that all on your

own and then just like before I blocked the number only this time I knew she would never be able to come back it had been weeks since Monica's restraining order stunt had failed and I was convinced I'd seen the last of her she had no money no legal options no friends left to manipulate but Monica had never been the type to accept defeat gracefully and unfortunately for her she was about to make one final mistake one that would ensure she could never mess with me again it happened on a Friday night I had just gotten

home ready to to enjoy a peaceful weekend when my phone started buzzing non-stop missed calls voicemails all from an unknown number I ignored it at first assuming it was another scam call then a text came through unknown number answer the phone Daniel I stared at the message instantly recognizing the tone Monica I sighed shaking my head she was blocked on everything yet somehow she had found a new number to reach me for a moment I debated ignoring her completely but something told me that whatever this was it needed to be shut down for good so

I picked up what do you want Monica I asked flat ly her voice came through the line shaky desperate Daniel please I need your help I almost laughed my help I repeated are you serious I have no one else she said quickly please just hear me out I debated hanging up but against my better judgment I let her talk she launched into a long dramatic sob story about how everything had fallen Apart Her fraud case had blacklisted her from getting any serious job she was drowning in legal fees she had no stable income no support

system she had lost her apartment she was homeless and according to her she was still preg I don't know what to do Daniel she sniffled I have nothing left nowhere to go I'm scared I didn't say anything I just let her sit in the silence waiting for the real reason she had called and sure enough here it came I need money she whispered just a little to get me back on my feet there it was the final scam even after everything after trying to ruin my life after humiliating herself in court after being caught in

blatant fraud Monica still believed I would be dumb enough to give her money I sighed rubbing a hand over my face you're unbelievable Daniel please she begged I swear I've changed I just need a little help help I interrupted you don't need help Monica you need accountability she went silent you did this to yourself I continued every single decision that led you here you made them you lied you scammed you cheated and when it all came crashing down you expected me to clean up the mess I didn't you did I snapped and guess what I

don't care anymore the phone went dead quiet I could hear her shallow breathing like she was trying to hold back another fake SOB but I wasn't falling for it Daniel she whispered no I cut her off this is the the last time you'll ever hear my voice you lost Monica and I'm done then without another word I hung up and this time I didn't just block her number I reported it I didn't hear from her again after that no more unknown calls no more desperate texts nothing it was like she had finally finally realized that

there was nothing left for her to take from me and honestly that was all I ever wanted to be free and now I was weeks passed after Monica's last desperate phone call and for the first time in a long while my life felt peaceful there were no more Court battles no more false accus ations no more attempts to drag me back into her chaos Monica was gone and yet I still couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't truly finished because Monica wasn't the type to disappear quietly so when I finally did hear about her again

I wasn't surprised but what did surprise me was just how far she had fallen it started with a random text from a former mutual friend someone I hadn't spoken to in months Mark hey man I know you don't want to hear this but have you seen what's happening with Monica I stared at the message for a second before replying me no and I don't care Mark I figured just thought you should know she's in jail I blinked for a moment I wondered if I had misread the message Monica in jail that didn't make sense she

was a liar a scammer and a manipulator sure but she had always managed to dodge real consequences I was about to ignore the text when another message came through Mark it's bad man you might want to look it up yourself curiosity got the better of me I pulled up my phone typed her name into the search bar and there it was a news article with her mug shot I stared at it for a long time processing what I was looking at her face was puffy and tired her hair a tangled mess the once smug self-

assured woman who had strutted into courtrooms convinced she could manipulate her way to Financial Security was gone she looked broken and then I read the headline Local woman arrested for check fraud identity theft I almost laughed of course of course Monica had tried one last scam and this time she had finally gotten caught I clicked on the article scanning through the details apparently after I cut her off completely she had started bouncing from one bad decision to another she had written fake checks to landlords trying to rent apartments she couldn't afford she had stolen credit

card information from people she had met using their names to buy expensive items only to get caught when one of her victims pressed charges she had even faked employment records to try and apply for a bank loan but that too had fallen apart when the bank verified her paperwork and realized it was a scam and now she was behind bars awaiting trial no bail No Escape no more second chances I didn't know how to feel for so long Monica had been a constant storm in my life an unpredictable force that caused nothing but destruction I

had spent years cleaning up her messes trying to protect myself from her scheme always waiting for the next attack and now for the first time she was completely powerless there would be no more lies no more manipulations no more Monica she had finally run out of moves and somehow that realization felt better than any courtroom Victory ever had I sat with that thought for a while before finally responding to Mark's text me thanks for letting me know but I really don't care anymore and that was the truth Monica's downfall was no longer my concern she

had spent years trying to ruin my life only to destroy her own instead and as I put my phone down blocking her name from my thoughts once and for all I knew this time I was truly finally free for so long Monica had been a dark cloud hanging over my life no matter how many times I cut her off no matter how many court victories I won she always found a way to crawl back like a parasite that refused to die but this time it was different this time she was truly gone sitting in jail

awaiting trial Monica had no more power over me no more threats no more scams no more desperate attempts to manipulate her way back into my life and for the first time in years I felt something I had forgotten was even possible PE PE in the weeks following Monica's arrest I expected some lingering part of me to feel something regret pity maybe even the slightest bit of satisfaction but the truth was I felt nothing at all I didn't check for updates on her case I didn't ask around about her I didn't wonder what would happen to

her because Monica had already taken enough space in my life she had drained me of my energy my time my patience and I refused to give her another second of it so instead I did something I hadn't been able to do for years I moved forward at first it was the little things waking up without the immediate stress of dealing with another one of Monica's legal battles going to work without having to worry about surprise phone calls from my lawyer my bank or my family telling me she had done something new eating dinner without feeling

the need to check my phone expecting some dramatic new scheme to drop into my lap for the first time in years I had control over my own life and it felt good one day I went through my apartment and started getting rid of everything that reminded me of her old paperwork from our divorce shredded the few photos I still had of us from before everything fell apart deleted even the small insignificant things like the random sweatshirt she had left behind in my closet gone I didn't want any trace of her in my space anymore because

Monica didn't exist in my life anymore and the more I cleared out the lighter I felt like I was exercising a demon like I was finally finally free then something happened that really put things into perspective I was at a coffee shop sitting by the window enjoying my drink when I overheard a conversation at the next table a couple arguing and hushed voices I wasn't trying to listen but the words carried anyway why are you always accusing me of things the woman hissed you act like I'm some villain just because you don't trust me the

man sighed because every time I have trusted you you've given me a reason not to I stared down at my coffee the words hitting me harder than I expected because that that had been my entire marriage Monica had always played the victim always turned everything back on me always made herself the poor misunderstood woman who just needed me to believe her even when she lied even when she cheated even when she manipulated me and back then I had fallen for it I had spent so much time doubting myself because Monica was so good at making

me feel like the bad guy it wasn't until I heard it happen to someone else that I realized just how much of my life she had stolen from me I had been a prisoner a prisoner to her games a prisoner to her manipulations a prisoner to my own self-doubt and now I was finally finally out that night I went home sat on my couch and let out of breath I felt like I had been holding for years for the first time in a long time my life was mine again no more drama no more legal

battles no more Monica she had spent years trying to drag me down into the mud with her and in the end she had buried herself instead and me I had finally walked away clean