During the divorce, the husband declared, «Return everything I ever gave you and the kids!» A week laterthere were boxes onhis doorstep. When he opened them he was astounded…

They’re worth a good amount, and, well, I’d like them back. Valerie’s breath caught, her heart pounding so loudly she thought it might echo in the room. She stared at Leon, searching for some trace of the man she’d once loved, but all she saw was a stranger, his eyes cold and calculating.

This wasn’t just petty. It was a deliberate jab, a final twist of the knife to humiliate her. She glanced at Annabelle, whose smirk was barely concealed, and realized this wasn’t just Leon’s idea.

It was a performance, orchestrated to strip Valerie of even the smallest remnants of their shared past. Doana’s pen froze mid-note, voice a fierce whisper. This is absurd.

He has no legal standing to demand gifts back. Let me handle this. But Valerie barely heard her.

The audacity of it, Leon standing there, listing off tokens of a life they’d built together like items on a garage sale list, left her reeling. The emerald necklace, a gift after a tearful reconciliation when Steve was born. The earrings bought on a whim during a rare moment of joy.

The bracelet, which she’d worn to feel strong at events where she played the perfect wife. These weren’t just objects. They were fragments of her heart, now being haggled over in open court.

The judge cleared his throat, his expression a mix of disbelief and irritation. Mr. Carter, gifts given during a marriage are generally considered the property of the recipient. If you’re seeking to reclaim these items, that would require a separate hearing with proper documentation and valuation.

This court isn’t the place for itemized disputes of this nature. Leon opened his mouth, but before he could respond, Valerie’s voice rang out, steady despite the tremor in her chest. Your Honor, there’s no need for another hearing.

The room stilled. Doana’s head snapped toward her, eyes wide. Valerie, don’t.

Valerie raised a hand, silencing her lawyer. She stood, her posture rigid, and faced the judge. I’ll return everything.

The necklace, the earrings, the bracelet, the vase, the bags. All of it. He can have them.

The judge’s brow lifted and he leaned forward, his voice gentle but probing. Ms. Carter, are you certain? You’re under no obligation to agree to this. We can address this matter formally.

If necessary. Valerie’s throat tightened, but she forced a small, resolute nod. I’m sure, Your Honor.

I don’t want to drag this out any further. She paused, her gaze flicking to Leon, who looked momentarily startled, as if he hadn’t expected her to capitulate so easily. I’m done holding on to things that don’t matter anymore.

Annabelle’s smirk faltered, and Leon shifted uncomfortably, his bravado dimming under the weight of Valerie’s quiet dignity. The judge hesitated, then nodded. Very well, Ms. Carter.

If you’re certain, the court will note your agreement to return the specified items. I’ll leave it to both parties to coordinate the details outside of court. Joanna leaned in again, her whisper urgent.

Valerie, you don’t have to do this. This is just him trying to hurt you. Valerie met her lawyer’s eyes, her voice barely audible.

I know, but I’m not fighting over scraps. Let him have his trophies. I’m keeping what matters.

My kids. My self-respect. The courtroom, already thick with tension, seemed to constrict further as Annabelle tugged at Leon’s sleeve, her manicured nails glinting under the fluorescent lights.

Leon straightened, emboldened, and fixed Valerie with a defiant stare. I want everything that cost more than $50 that I gave you returned, he declared, his voice ringing with a bravado that made Valerie’s jaw tighten. He paused, glancing at Annabelle, who leaned in and murmured something in his ear, her lips curling with malice.

Leon nodded, then added, And the gifts I gave the kids as well. If they cost more than $50. A collective gasp rippled through the room…