A one-time transfer of $100,000.
No future financial claims by either party.
No contact from Mason, Carol, Savannah, or anyone acting on their behalf.
No defamatory publications.
And a signed statement from Mason acknowledging that there had been no fraudulent scheme connected to the wedding money.
Then Rachel added, “They want you permanently barred from speaking about the marriage.”
“No.”
“Thought you’d say that.”
“I’ll agree not to release private financial details beyond what’s already public. I’ll agree not to harass them. I’ll agree not to make false statements.”
I paused.
“But they do not own my memories.”
Negotiations continued for several hours.
Eventually, Mason’s attorney accepted.
Two weeks later, we met at the courthouse.
Mason came alone.
I almost didn’t recognize him.
The man who had looked so confident at our settlement meeting now had dark circles beneath his eyes.
His expensive shirt was wrinkled.
