Tacoma Falls: Homeland

Meeting with the judge

Morgan

I got a reprieve from Rodney since he showed up at Payton and Ember's place. Although, Maury called and told me the judge wanted to meet with Rodney and me to discuss our divorce. Hank offered to drive me, but I declined. It would be better if I showed up with my lawyer.

I sat on a wooden bench beside Maury while Rodney and his lawyer sat on another bench. I refused to give Rodney the satisfaction of seeing me broken.

The doors opened so we could enter. Rodney and I sat at separate tables with our lawyers. We rose when the judge entered the courtroom, then sat.

The judge shuffled papers and put them together neatly. "We're here today to discuss the divorce between Mr. and Mrs. Ellis. The grounds are infidelity. Would either side like to speak?"

Rodney's lawyer stood up. "Your honor, my client's wife is railroading him with allegations of cheating because of the prenup she signed. My client will agree to the divorce if his wife rescinds her allegations."

Maury stood up. "Your honor, my client wasn't aware she signed a prenup with a clause of cheating included. Her husband never informed her of their financial status during their marriage. Her husband has also been harassing her nonstop."

Judge Heart looked at Rodney's lawyer. "Mr. Grande, your client's wife, petitioned the state for divorce, wanting nothing from your client except for her freedom."

Rodney snapped his head to me.

"What?" Mr. Grande asked.

"Mrs. Ellis stated she didn't want anything from your client when her lawyer informed her of the information. Did you not talk to Mrs. Ellis's legal counsel?" Judge Heart asked.

"Mr. Fisher never told me his client doesn't want anything." Mr. Grande shook his head in disbelief.

Judge Heart looked at me. "Would you like to explain to the courts why you're choosing not to take anything from your husband?"

I rose from my seat. "Your honor, I found out my momma passed away on the same day I caught my husband cheating on me. My world and heart imploded that day. No amount of money will fix what's broken or give me back what I lost. I just want to walk away with my dignity." I lowered myself into my seat.

Rodney didn't understand what he had done to me. He didn't just break me. He shattered me beyond belief. Suffering a broken heart from losing someone is hard. Betrayal is worse.

Judge Heart glanced between us. "Everyone rise. I've made my decision."

We stood and waited for the judge to render his verdict.

"In the matter of Ellis v Ellis, I hereby dissolve this marriage. In further matters, Mrs. Ellis will revert to her maiden name. No monetary gain will exchange hands. Courts dismissed." Judge Heart struck his gavel twice before leaving the courtroom.

I looked at Rodney as he furrowed his brows before walking away from a broken marriage. I thanked Maury for his help, left the courthouse, closed my eyes, and embraced the sunshine. It was the first time my heart wasn't in turmoil.

I opened my eyes, descended the steps, and walked to my car.

"Morgan!" A voice shouted.

I stopped and closed my eyes before seeing Rodney approaching me.

"Look, I'm sorry."

I stared at Rodney and blinked.

"I didn't realize what I had until I lost it."

"Rodney, you never had me. No matter what you did, you would never have me. I was a game to you. You wanted to prove you won against Hank. The truth is you lost even before the game started. Have a nice life, Rodney. I hope you find what you're looking for." I turned on my heels and left, standing on the sidewalk.