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…

Valerie’s heart plummeted. The words slicing through her like a cold blade. This was beyond humiliation.

It was a deliberate, calculated cruelty. She stared at Leon, searching for any remnant of the man who’d once tucked Steve into bed or braided Rose’s hair for school. But all she saw was a stranger, his face alight with a smugness that made her skin crawl.

The kids? He was dragging Steve and Rose into this petty vendetta, demanding the return of birthday presents, Christmas gifts, tokens of a father’s love now reduced to line items on his ledger. Are you serious? Valerie asked, her voice low, trembling with the effort to remain calm. Her hands gripped the edge of the table, knuckles whitening.

Absolutely, Leon replied, his grin widening, all teeth and arrogance. Everything down to the last souvenir. I’ve spent quite a bit on you and your offspring.

I know I can’t demand money back, but I want at least the things back. He leaned back, crossing his arms, as if he’d just delivered a checkmate. Annabelle stood beside him, her smile predatory, eyes glinting with triumph.

She was the puppeteer here, Valerie realised, the instigator of this grotesque display. This wasn’t just about reclaiming gifts. It was about stripping Valerie bare, making her feel small, poor, discarded.

Annabelle wanted her to feel the weight of what she’d lost, to rub salt in the wound of her shattered marriage. Dwana English shot to her feet, her voice sharp with indignation. Your Honour, this is outrageous.

There’s no legal basis for demanding the return of gifts, especially those given to minor children. This is harassment, plain and simple. But Leon cut her off, his tone unwavering.

I’m entitled to what’s mine. I’m not backing down. The judge, visibly exasperated, raised a hand.

Mr Carter, I’ve already stated that such matters require a separate hearing. I strongly advise you to reconsider this course of action. Valerie barely heard them.

The room seemed to blur, the voices fading into a distant hum. She looked at Leon, then at Annabelle, their smug satisfaction radiating like a toxic haze. Leon’s eyes met hers, and his smile widened, as if he expected her to crumble, hoped for it even.

He was waiting for a spectacle, for tears, for her to beg or rage. But Valerie felt something else entirely. Not anger, not even pain, but a strange, clarifying indifference.

They were so small, so pathetic in their greed, clawing at trinkets to prop up their hollow victory. It was almost pitiable. She rose slowly, her movements deliberate, and the room fell silent.

It’s fine, she said, her voice calm and firm, cutting through the tension like a blade. I’ll return all your gifts, everything, down to the last one. Annabelle’s eyes lit up, gleaming with a feverish excitement.

Valerie could almost see her mentally cataloguing the spoils, the emerald necklace, the diamond earrings, the silver bracelet, perhaps even Rose’s music box or Steve’s telescope, gifts Leon had once presented with a smile. Annabelle’s anticipation was palpable, a vulture circling a carcass, eager to claim her prize. Leon, however, faltered, his smirk wavering.

He hadn’t expected this, Valerie’s quiet resolve, her refusal to give him the emotional outburst he craved. You’re… sure? he asked, a trace of uncertainty creeping into his voice. Completely, Valerie replied, her gaze steady.

I’ll box it all up, the jewellery, the vase, the handbags, the kids’ gifts too, Steve’s telescope, Rose’s music box, the books, the toys. If it costs more than fifty dollars, it’s yours. She paused, letting the words settle, then added, I hope it’s worth it, Leon.

The judge cleared his throat, his tone weary. Ms. Carter, I must reiterate that you’re under no obligation to comply with this request. If you wish, we can… No, Your Honour, Valerie interrupted, her voice unwavering.

I’m done with this. Let him have his things. I don’t need them.

Leon shifted uncomfortably, his bravado dimming under the weight of Valerie’s composure. Annabelle, oblivious to the shift, squeezed his arm, her smile triumphant. But Valerie saw it, the flicker of doubt in Leon’s eyes, the realisation that he’d miscalculated…