My Husband Wants An Open Marriage

CHAPTER 083: Defamation Claire

CHAPTER 083: Defamation Clause

I sit frozen in my seat as the courtroom buzzes around me.

Maya leans in close. "You okay?"

I nod, though my throat feels tight. "I should be."Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

"It's not over. Stay sharp."

I swallow hard. I've seen Ryan break down before-his temper, his desperation-but this was different. He didn't just concede; he imploded. And that scares me more than any fight he could've put up.

Some minutes later, the bailiff's voice sounds. "All rise."

Judge Harper returns, her robe flowing like a storm cloud. She takes her seat.

"Be seated," she says.

Everyone shuffles back into place.

Judge Harper clears her throat. "Before we continue, I want to make one thing clear: this court will not tolerate any further emotional outbursts. Mr. O'Brien, you are expected to maintain your composure." Her gaze pierces him. "Do I make myself clear?" Ryan nods. "Yes, Your Honor."

Maya adjusts her blazer and stands. "Your Honor, given Mr. O'Brien's sudden decision to no longer contest the divorce, we believe it is in the best interest of both parties to move forward with the proceedings and finalize the dissolution of this marriage today." "Mr. Roth," Judge Harper says, "do you have any objections?"

Roth stands, smoothing the front of his suit. "No objections, Your Honor."

But he doesn't look happy about it. I guess Ryan's last outburst wasn't planned.

"Let's proceed with the settlement agreement," Judge Harper says. "Ms. Ramos, you may present the proposed terms."

Maya stands. "Your Honor, the settlement is fair and reflective of the contributions made by both parties during their seven-year marriage." She takes a slow breath, glancing at me before continuing. "The marital home, located in Tribeca, is under Mrs. O'Brien's name. While it was purchased by Mr. O'Brien, it was explicitly placed in Mrs. O'Brien's name with the intent of it being a personal asset. Therefore, we argue it remains under her sole ownership as agreed upon at the time of purchase."

Roth's eyes flicker, but he says nothing.

Maya presses on. "Additionally, Mrs. O'Brien shall retain sole ownership of her personal bank accounts and other non-marital assets. While she does not hold any investment stakes, it's important to recognize her substantial contributions to Mr. O'Brien's personal and professional life throughout their marriage." She pauses for a beat." We are, however, requesting a one-time spousal support payment of $50 million to account for the significant disruption caused by the dissolution of this marriage and the emotional distress resulting from Mr. O'Brien's actions."

Roth's lips twitch. "Objection, Your Honor. Emotional distress is not grounds for financial compensation in this context,"

Judge Harper nods. "Sustained. Ms. Ramos, stick to the financials."

CHAPTER 083 Defamation Cause

"Of course, Your Honor. Moving on. The division of joint assets includes: both parties will relinquish any claims to each other's future earnings, and Mr. O'Brien will retain his 20% stake in Paragon Jewels. However, we request that Mr. O'Brien forfeit the marital vacation home in the Hamptons to Mrs. O'Brien, as it was primarily used by her during the marriage and is of sentimental value."

The room goes still. This is the first landmine. The Hamptons house isn't just real estate-it's a symbol. Every weekend, every summer spent there. It's where our marriage looked perfect from the outside, even as it rotted from within.

Roth doesn't stay quiet for long. "Your Honor, the Hamptons property was jointly purchased. It was intended as a shared asset, not a personal retreat." He glares at Maya. "Suggesting that Mr. O'Brien forfeit it is absurd."

Maya lifts a brow. "Jointly purchased, perhaps, but Mrs. O'Brien was the one maintaining it, paying for renovations and upkeep. Mr. O'Brien rarely visited, except for events to further his business connections." Ryan shifts in his seat, muttering something under his breath. Roth raises a hand, signaling him to stay silent. Judge Harper taps her pen against the bench. "Counselors, this isn't a debate club. Either agree, or I'll make the decision for you."

Roth glances at Ryan, whose jaw tightens. "We're willing to discuss a buyout. Mr. O'Brien values the property and is prepared to offer compensation for full ownership."

Maya doesn't hesitate. "Mrs. O'Brien isn't interested in a buyout. This isn't just about money-it's about preserving a place she's poured herself into."

Ryan suddenly stands, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Enough. The Hamptons house? Fine. She can have it. Burn it down for all I care." His voice is strained, and Roth winces. "But the 3% shares of Paragon Jewels we discussed privately? I want them secured in my name, and I don't want her contesting it later."

Maya turns to me, and I give her a small nod. I don't care about Paragon Jewels. Let him keep his shares. They're nothing but blood diamonds to me now.

Maya adjusts her stance. "Mrs. O'Brien has no interest in contesting Mr. O'Brien's 3% additional shares of Paragon Jewels. However, we request an addendum ensuring Mr. O'Brien's immediate cessation of all defamation attempts against Mrs. O'Brien, both directly and through third parties." Roth stands, exasperated. "What defamation?"

"Let's not insult the court's intelligence, Mr. Roth. The anonymous articles? The planted rumors? Mrs. O'Brien's reputation has been systematically dismantled in the media over the past weeks."

Ryan slams his hand on the table. "I didn't plant those stories! I'd never stoop that low."

Judge Harper's gavel cracks like a gunshot. "Mr. O'Brien, you are out of line!"

Ryan breathes heavily, his fists clenching and unclenching. "Apologies, Your Honor," he grits out.

Maya steps forward. "If Mr. O'Brien is genuine about moving forward without contest, then agreeing to cease defamatory tactics shouldn't be an issue."

Judge Harper levels her gaze at Roth. "Mr. Roth?"

Roth exhales. "We agree to the defamation clause."

The courtroom feels like a battlefield littered with words instead of bodies.

Judge Harper leans forward, her expression firm. "Given the parties' agreement and the court's observations, the proposed settlement will be accepted with the following stipulations: Mrs. O'Brien will retain the Hamptons CHAPTER 083: Defamation Clause

property and all previously outlined assets. Mr. O'Brien will retain his full 23% share of Paragon Jewels, and both parties will relinquish any claims to future earnings or property." She pauses, eyeing both lawyers. "Additionally, in recognition of the financial disparity between the parties, Mr. O'Brien will provide a one-time spousal support payment of $50 million to Mrs. O'Brien. This payment is final and non-negotiable."

Roth opens his mouth, but Judge Harper cuts him off with a sharp look. "Mr. Roth, if you're about to object, I advise you to reconsider. I've reviewed the financial disclosures, and this amount is reasonable given Mr. O'Brien's substantial net worth." Roth exhales sharply but says nothing. Ryan, his jaw clenched, offers a curt nod

Judge Harper's eyes narrow. "And one more thing. No more media slander. If I see one more article, this court will revisit the settlement, and it won't be pretty. I trust that's clear?"

The room is silent for a tense moment before both legal teams respond in unison.

"Yes, Your Honor."

Satisfied, Judge Harper picks up her gavel. "This court finds the settlement fair and equitable. The divorce between Julie O'Brien and Ryan O'Brien is hereby finalized. This court is adjourned."

The gavel strikes one final time, and it feels like the earth beneath me shakes. It's over.

I don't look at Ryan. Not when we stand, not when we gather our things. As I walk past him, I hear him whisper You've won, Julie. You always win."

I don't respond. I don't even turn around. He doesn't deserve my words anymore. Not today. Not ever again. The weight of the victory, of what this moment truly means, pulls me down, yet I feel strangely weightless at the same time. I'm free. Oh my God, I'm free. "We head to the conference room for the final paperwork.

The notary sits at the end of the table, expression neutral, his hands folded over a neat stack of papers. My eyes zero in on the bold, black letters at the top of the document: FINAL DIVORCE DECREE.

Maya takes a seat next to me. "This is it, Julie. Just a few signatures, and you're officially done."

Roth and Ryan sit across from us. Roth is still stewing, his jaw tight, but Ryan's gaze is locked on me. He doesn't say anything, just watches as I pick up the pen.

I pause for a second, savoring this moment. Then I sign my name.

Ryan takes the pen when it's passed to him. Just like me, he hesitates. But unlike me, he doesn't look happy. There's something in his eyes. But I don't care to decipher it. He signs and then pushes the papers back toward the notary.

The notary stamps the document, the sound loud in the otherwise silent room. "Congratulations. It's official" I stand, my legs trembling. Maya rises beside me and pulls me into a firm hug. It's unexpected, but it feels right. The relief coursing through me is overwhelming. and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

I can see Ryan storming out.

Maya pulls back, smirking. "Look at you. Free at last. Now, don't go marrying another billionaire anytime soon.

I laugh, wiping at my eyes. "I'll try to resist the temptation

As I gather my bag, already ready to leave, Maya asks, "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"Nowhere. I just... have somewhere to be."

CHAPTER 083 Defamation Clause

Maya's grin widens, "Uh-huh. Let me guess meeting a certain someone! Your beaut"

I blush, and she takes that as confirmation.

"Go." She waves me off, "You're free, Enjoy it,"

The sun is blinding as I step outside, I'm smiling-no, beaming as 1 push open the heery dens, 18yo step into my new life,

And then I collide with someone,

Hard.

My smile drops as I stumble back, "I'm so sorry," I blurt out, looking up.

A familiar voice responds, "Hi, Julie,"