Chapter 19 - THE HOUSE IS NOT A TROPHY
Temporary possession did not mean I should keep the house forever.
The backyard made me panic.
The kitchen reminded me of locked food.
The office reminded me of missing phones.
At first I wanted the house because leaving felt like Berenger winning.
Then Dr. Mira asked:
“Do you actually want to live there?”
I looked around.
No.
That was difficult.
Because Leandra said:
After the baby comes, you’ll leave with nothing.
Leaving the house felt like proving her right.
Then I understood:
Leaving by choice is not being thrown out.
I asked for an appraisal.
Market value.
Mortgage.
Equity.
Could I buy Berenger out?
Yes, probably, using separate funds and refinancing.
Did I want to?
No.
Could he buy me out?
Maybe.
Would I trust clean separation more if sold?
Yes.
So I proposed sale after postpartum recovery, with temporary exclusive use until then.
Berenger initially refused.
He wanted the house.
Then wanted me to pay occupancy credit.
Normal divorce arguments.
We negotiated later.
May you like
No symbolic house victory.
Just property.
