All Chapters of Divorced and Left Broke: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"Ms. Montana, if you're sure you want to sell the house, just sign here." The realtor, Anna Charleton, handed me a contract.It was Anna who sold this house to us two years ago.I took the pen and took a final look at the house that I once thought would be my forever home. Then, I signed my name. "It doesn't matter if the price is a little lower. Just sell it as soon as possible."Anna looked at me, hesitant to speak.I knew what she wanted to ask.When I accompanied Neil Young to view the house two years ago, I pointed at the empty, unfinished house and excitedly planned everything. Where to put the green plants, which corner to put my bookshelf in...I was so enthusiastic as I looked forward to the future.Two years passed. Anna grew from a newcomer in the industry to a top salesperson. However, this place had not become the marital home I had dreamed of. Instead, it was going to be sold.The turning point came because of a jigsaw puzzle.Last week, Neil was hospitalized wit

The next afternoon, I was handling the handover of my resignation when Neil's call came through. "Ruby said you were mean to her in front of her classmates and even canceled her card. When did you become so petty? She's my sister. What's wrong with her spending some of your money? Have we mistreated you? You'd better apologize to Ruby right now and transfer $5,000 as pocket money to her. Otherwise, I'll divorce you!" I rolled my eyes and sneered. "Neil, she's your sister, not mine. Why should I give a random girl unlimited access to my money when she calls me an old hag? Anyway, this is perfect timing. When are you coming back? I have something to tell you."Just then, Neil paused, seemingly not expecting my firm attitude.Soon, he resumed his impatient attitude, trying to pressure me in his usual way. "You just want to keep nagging about that shabby house renovation, don't you? I don't get it. Living with my family will at least provide you with some support. Why do you insist on

When I finished, I decisively hung up. Without the slightest hesitation, I blocked Neil's number and deleted all his contact information.Thinking of that old lady, a glimmer of compassion welled up in my heart. I called the nursing home.The phone rang for a long time before it was answered, and I tried to keep my voice calm. "Grandma, it's me, Ellie. I want to talk to you about the nursing home expenses. About the subsequent payments..."Before I could finish, shrill shouting interrupted me, "You jinx! Shameless creature! How dare you call me! Who do you think you are, not using my grandson's money on me? Did you secretly steal his money to support your poor family, huh?"Marianne Young's words were like poisoned needles, stabbing into my ears one by one. "I realized long ago that you're not someone obedient. The Young family is supremely unlucky that you married into the family. I'm telling you, hurry up and pay, or I won't let you go!"'I see,' I thought as the last shred of s

I froze, my mind going blank for a moment.These groundless accusations hit me like a sudden downpour.I frowned, suppressing my anger as I asked, "What nonsense are you talking about? Whose money did I swindle? How dare you slander me like this!"Seeing my rebuttal, the man seemed even more agitated. He took out his phone and shoved the screen right in front of me, his tone full of provocation. "Hilarious! Do you really think you can get away with such a despicable act these days? Your ex-husband exposed you! The whole internet knows about it!"A video was playing on the screen.In the video, Neil was wearing a crumpled shirt, his hair disheveled. He tearfully accused me in front of the camera. "Hello, everyone. I have no choice but to come forward in this way... My ex-wife, Ellie Montana, took advantage of my trust in her and a divorce agreement I knew nothing about to cheat me out of all my savings. It even included the money for my grandma's medical care!"His eyes were red a

I used my phone to take clear photos from multiple angles of the scene at my doorstep as evidence to supplement the case and sent them to my lawyer immediately. At the same time, I asked her to apply to the court for an early hearing of the case.Due to the massive attention this incident received online and the wide-ranging social impact it caused, the court attached great importance to it. After reviewing the preliminary evidence we submitted, they not only agreed to the request for an early court hearing but also decided to livestream the trial, considering the public's right to know and the societal significance.Neil had been totally quiet since the day I published the lawyer's letter online. He did not post any videos nor contact me privately.It was not until the day of the trial that I saw the Young family again.Neil's hair was even more disheveled than in the video, and he had dark circles under his eyes. He looked tired and haggard. His grandmother and sister sat beside