After Mom passed unexpectedly, Jason’s first concern was the house’s value, not my grief. At the lawyer’s office, I learned the house was in a trust with one condition: divorce Jason, or it would be sold. Struggling with my emotions, I went home, where Jason was dismissive of my grief and blatantly disrespectful. That night, Lily told me, “You should leave him,” echoing what my mother had said.

The next morning, I made a decision. I filed for divorce. When I confronted Jason, he didn’t believe me. But I stood firm, telling him, “I’m finally taking it back.”As he stormed out, the silence in the house was overwhelming. For the first time in years, I could breathe freely.