Chapter 12
The criminal trial was six months later.
Nolan pled guilty.
He didn't have a choice. The evidence was overwhelming.
Forgery. Fraud. Embezzlement.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
I testified at the sentencing hearing.
I didn't yell. I didn't cry.
I just told the truth.
"I hand-washed his clothes while he stole my father's life savings. I paid him rent on my own house. I lived in fear of a $1.94 Venmo request. He took five years of my life. I'm here to get them back."
The judge nodded.
Nolan looked at me.
"I'm sorry," he mouthed.
I didn't believe him.
But I accepted it.
Because I was done carrying his weight.
After the hearing, Lana Brooks approached me.
She looked different. Tired. Older.
"Claire. I just... I'm sorry. I knew. I knew what he was doing. And I didn't say anything."
I looked at her.
"Why didn't you?"
She sighed.
"Because he told me I was the one he loved. Because the condo was supposed to be mine. Because I was stupid and greedy and I wanted to believe him."
She paused.
"He used me too. Just differently."
I nodded.
"I forgive you. But don't ever do it again. To anyone."
She cried.
May you like
I walked away.
And I didn't look back.
