For six years, I paid for his medical studies, then he filed for divorce like a victor—until the judge opened my envelope.
«I don’t deserve this,» I thought as my husband adjusted his designer tie, bought with my money, and confidently declared:
— Your Honor, my wife is a simple woman. Perhaps good, but simple.
He spoke calmly and detachedly, as if reading from a pre-prepared list of my flaws. He reminded the court that I am a nurse, that I clip coupons, watch reality TV, and always wear the same clothes. Then he allowed himself a condescending smile and added that now, as a doctor, he needed an «appropriate partner» who could stay by his side and, in his words, wouldn’t hold him back.
I sat on the hard chair, the paper envelope on my lap, listening to the man I had worked 60 to 70 hours a week for six years explain why there was no longer a place for me in his life.
His lawyer called him generous: half of a $3,000 bill and «consent to move.» Not a word about my loans, about my ruined career, about the messages where he promised to repay every cent. Not a word about the cost of his dream.
— Mrs. Bennett, you are surprisingly quiet, — the judge remarked. — Would you like to add something?
I stood up.
— Your Honor, I have some documents for the court.
The judge opened the envelope. I saw his expression change: interest… surprise… and suddenly—a suppressed laugh. Silence fell over the courtroom.
— In twenty-three years of practice, — he said, looking at my husband, — this case promises to be particularly interesting. Let’s take a short recess. Dr. Bennett, I suggest you use this time wisely. 😏😏
At that moment, my husband went pale: the most interesting part was only just beginning…
The judge returned after forty minutes. The atmosphere in the courtroom was completely different.
— Mrs. Bennett is entitled to a full refund of all funds invested, including interest.
— Dr. Bennett, — the judge concluded sharply — you may consider that your real examination is only just beginning. ☹️☹️
