The judge turned the page, carefully studying the medical documents. «Indeed, here is a conclusion from cardiologist Dr. Mercer, stating that magnetic items are strictly contraindicated for the plaintiff with this diagnosis, and results of Holter monitoring showing episodes of heart rhythm disturbance during the period of wearing the bracelet.»
«Mr. Vance, can you comment on this data?»
Victor stood up. «I am not a doctor, Your Honor. I just wanted to help my wife. If the bracelet turned out to be harmful, it was an unintentional mistake, not an intent to cause harm.»
«And the threats addressed to the plaintiff after she left home?» The judge looked at him strictly. «How do you comment on those?»
«I was in an emotional state, Your Honor. Did not want to lose my family. Perhaps I expressed myself harshly, but I did not intend to threaten seriously. Those were just words said in the heat of the moment.»
The judge turned on the audio recording. Victor’s voice, recorded by Ada, rang out through the hall.
You will regret this. Think it’s so simple to leave me? I won’t give you a divorce. I will fight to the end. You are my wife, and you will remain so. I can make it so you get fired from work. I can ruin your reputation. I can…
The recording cut off. Silence hung in the hall.
The judge continued. «Mr. Vance, is that your voice?»
Victor paled, sweat appearing on his forehead. «Yes, Your Honor, but I didn’t mean… Those were just emotions. I wasn’t planning to act on those words.»
«Enough,» the judge cut him off in a cold tone. «I see sufficient grounds for the dissolution of the marriage. Considering the circumstances of the case, systematic psychological pressure on the plaintiff, causing harm to her health by insisting on wearing a contraindicated item, and threats addressed to her, I consider the preservation of this family impossible.»
She paused, writing something down.
«I am not assigning a period for reconciliation due to the obvious impossibility of restoring family relations. The marriage between Victor Vance and Ada Vance is considered dissolved. The decision enters into force one month from the day of issuance.»
Ada felt something snap inside her—not from pain, but from relief. Huge, all-consuming relief rolled like a wave over her entire body. She was free. Officially, legally free.
Victor jumped up from his seat. His face was distorted with rage. «This is unfair, Your Honor! I will appeal. You cannot just destroy my family like this!»
«You may file an appeal in accordance with the procedure established by law,» the judge answered calmly. «But the decision in this case is made based on the presented evidence and state laws. The hearing is adjourned.»
She struck the gavel on the table, and the sound rang through the hall like a final sentence.
Ada walked out of the courthouse, feeling her legs carry her on their own. The sun shone brightly, blindingly. The air was warm and fresh, smelling of lilac and young leaves.
Eleanor walked beside her, smiling. «Congratulations, Ada. You are free. In a month, the decision will come into force, and you will receive the divorce decree.»
«Thank you.» Ada hugged her, feeling tears flowing down her cheeks. «Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t have made it without you.»
«You would have.» The lawyer smiled. «You are a strong woman. Sometimes we just need support to realize it.»
A month later, when the court decision came into force, Ada received the divorce certificate. She stood by the window in the apartment she had rented a week ago, a small studio in a quiet area with a park nearby.
The apartment was modest, but only she lived in it. No one controlled when she came and went. No one checked what she ate or who she talked to. No one forced her to wear something that harmed her health. Ada held the document in her hands—official proof that she was a free, independent woman—and she smiled. Life was starting anew.
She returned to work in mid-June. Silas Kincaid greeted her warmly, shaking her hand firmly.
«Glad to see you back in the ranks, Ada. Hope you are feeling well.»
«Yes, thank you. I am ready to work.»
Iris hugged her maternally. «If you need anything, reach out. You know where to find me.»
Colleagues congratulated her on her return without asking unnecessary questions. Everyone understood she had gone through something heavy and respected her choice not to spread details.
Ada busied herself with her duties again—planning meetings, coordinating departments, running conferences. Work absorbed her completely, but now it wasn’t an escape from problems but a return to her true self. She felt strength, confidence, and joy from what she was doing, returning day by day.
At the end of June, something unexpected happened. Silas called her into his office and offered a promotion.
«Position of Vice President of Administration,» Silas proposed. «I value your work. You are a professional one can rely on. And after everything you went through, you became even stronger. Think about my proposal.»
Ada thought for two days and agreed. It was a new turn in her career, new opportunities, a new life.
One day in early July, she was sitting on that same bench by the business center where she first met Arthur Vaughn. It was lunch break. Ada was drinking coffee from a paper cup and reading a book, enjoying the warm summer day.
And suddenly, she saw a familiar figure. A man was walking down the path, leaning on a cane.
«Arthur!» she called out, jumping up from the bench.
He turned around, peered into her face, and smiled broadly. «Ah, the girl with the bracelet. How are you doing?»
«Excellent.» Ada walked up to him. «Thanks to you. You saved my life back then, and I want you to know that.»
He stepped closer, sat on the bench, placing his cane next to him. «I just stated the obvious, but you made the decision yourself. That is your merit, not mine.»
«Still, thank you.» Ada sat next to him. «I got divorced, started a new life—without the bracelet, without control, without fear. I got promoted at work, rented my own apartment. I am happy.»
Arthur nodded. His wrinkled face glowed with kindness. «You breathe differently now. I see it. When we met the first time, you could barely breathe. And now, freely and easily.»
Ada smiled. Yes, she really did breathe differently. Freely, deeply, without looking back, without fear that someone was controlling her every breath.
The man stood up, leaning on his cane. «Take care of yourself, young lady. And remember, your health, your life, your choice. No one has the right to take that away from you. No one, ever.»
He slowly walked away down the path, and Ada watched him go, feeling warmth in her chest.
It was over. The past remained behind.
Ada stood up from the bench, turned around, and walked back to the office, feeling incredible lightness in her body and clarity in her thoughts. Ahead was work, new projects, and plans for the future. Ahead were meetings with friends, trips, and dreams she could now fulfill herself.
Ahead was a life without the bracelet. The very life she chose herself, built with her own hands, which belonged only to her.