Chapter 13 - The Final Signature and the Eviction from Highland Park
On Tuesday at 10:00 AM, inside the sterile conference room of the Dallas Family Court, the final decree of divorce was executed.
Judge Martinez looked over the final settlement agreement.
“Mr. Salgado,” Judge Martinez asked, looking over his spectacles at Alex. “You understand that by signing this document, you surrender all claims to the marital estate, waive all parental rights to Lucy Salgado, and agree to a permanent order of non-contact?”
Alex, dressed in a borrowed suit that hung loose on his diminished frame, nodded weakly. “I understand, Your Honor.”
He took the pen with a trembling hand and scribbled his signature across the bottom line.
I took the pen next and signed my maiden name: Valerie Hernandez.
Bang.
The gavel struck the wooden block.
“This marriage is officially dissolved,” Judge Martinez declared. “May God grant peace to this child.”
As we walked out into the courthouse corridor, Gabriel was waiting with Lucy.
When Lucy saw me, her face lit up like sunshine. She ran down the polished marble floor, her little patent-leather shoes clicking joyfully.
“Mommy!”
I scooped her up into my arms, spinning her around as she giggled with pure delight.
Alex stood by the courtroom doors, watching us from a distance. Lucy didn't even look his way. To her, he had always been a distant ghost who ignored her existence. Now, he was simply gone.
Gabriel stepped forward, handing Lucy a small golden key attached to a pink ribbon.
“What is this, Mr. Gabriel?” Lucy asked, tilting her head.
“That,” Gabriel said with a warm smile, “is the key to your new home. A home with a big garden, a swimming pool, and the biggest bedroom on the top floor.”
May you like
Lucy gasped, hugging my neck tightly. “Mommy, do I get the big room?”
“You get the biggest room in the house, my brave girl,” I whispered, tears of pure joy finally filling my eyes. “Forever.”
