{"id":680,"date":"2025-12-02T12:59:04","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T12:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/?p=680"},"modified":"2025-12-02T12:59:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T12:59:04","slug":"during-the-divorce-hearing-my-husband-sat-with-his-legs-crossed-smug-you-will-never-touch-my-money-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/?p=680","title":{"rendered":"During the divorce hearing, my husband sat with his legs crossed, smug: \u201cYou will never touch my money again.\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\nThe courtroom felt colder than usual that morning\u2014sterile, echoing, and humming with the kind of tension that coils around your ribs. Claire Bennett sat upright at her table, hands clasped tightly together.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAcross the aisle, her estranged husband, Daniel Foster, lounged back with his legs crossed, wearing the kind of smug grin that could sour the air.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cYou will never touch my money again,\u201d he said loudly enough for people in the first two rows to hear. His tone was not just confident\u2014it was taunting.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBeside him, his mistress, Brianna Hale, rotated her bracelet like she was showcasing it. \u201cThat\u2019s right, honey. She\u2019s squeezed you dry already,\u201d she chimed, offering Claire a smile so sharp it could cut.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAnd then came Margaret Foster\u2014Daniel\u2019s mother\u2014whose unblinking stare could rival a hawk\u2019s. \u201cShe doesn\u2019t deserve a single penny,\u201d she said with the authority of a queen delivering a decree.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nClaire didn\u2019t flinch. Weeks of humiliation, betrayal, and gaslighting had worn her nerves down to steel. They thought she was cornered, that this hearing would be their final showcase of dominance. What they didn\u2019t know\u2014what they could not know\u2014was that the letter she had mailed to the judge three days earlier had already changed the direction of the storm.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJudge Hartman entered, thin-framed glasses perched on his nose, and took his seat. The courtroom quieted. He sorted through several documents, then paused when his fingers touched the sealed envelope marked with Claire\u2019s handwriting.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe slit it open, skimmed only the first few lines\u2026 and then, unexpectedly, a burst of laughter escaped him. He covered his mouth for a second, cleared his throat, but the amusement was unmistakable.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJudge Hartman slowly tilted his head toward Daniel\u2019s side of the courtroom, eyes narrowing with intrigue. \u201cOh\u2026 now this is interesting,\u201d he murmured, letting the words sink into the silence like dropped stones.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel\u2019s face drained first. Brianna stiffened. Margaret\u2019s smirk collapsed in on itself.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThey had no idea\u2026 but Claire did.Home Security Systems\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe letter had already ended their game.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAnd the real blow hadn\u2019t even landed yet.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJudge Hartman rested the letter on the bench, tapping it lightly as if deciding how to proceed. \u201cCounsel,\u201d he said, addressing both attorneys, \u201cwe will begin by discussing this newly submitted evidence from Mrs. Bennett.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel\u2019s attorney shifted. \u201cYour Honor, we were not informed of any new submissions.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cThat,\u201d Hartman replied, \u201cis because you weren\u2019t supposed to be.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe lifted the letter again. \u201cMrs. Bennett, would you like to explain this\u2026 rather substantial content?\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nClaire nodded gently. \u201cYes, Your Honor. Everything in that letter is supported by documentation, recordings, and financial statements. All of it has been submitted to the clerk\u2019s office as instructed.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel\u2019s jaw clenched. \u201cWhat the hell is she talking about?\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBut the judge wasn\u2019t listening to him anymore.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe opened a binder, flipping rapidly through the papers Claire had provided. Every turn of a page seemed to widen his eyes.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFinally, he exhaled deeply. \u201cWell. Mr. Foster, this changes the nature of today\u2019s hearing significantly.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe courtroom held its breath.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJudge Hartman continued, \u201cFor the record, Mrs. Bennett has presented proof that you, Mr. Foster, concealed over $1.2 million in undeclared assets during the marriage. Offshore accounts, undisclosed investments, and falsified tax statements.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nA gasp rippled through the room.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBrianna grabbed Daniel\u2019s arm. \u201cYou said she didn\u2019t know anything about that!\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJudge Hartman raised a hand. \u201cThere\u2019s more. Mrs. Bennett\u2019s letter includes bank statements showing that Mr. Foster used marital funds to support Ms. Hale financially for nearly two years before the separation.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMargaret sputtered, \u201cThat is absolutely\u2014\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cSit down,\u201d the judge said firmly.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel looked like he had swallowed a rock. \u201cThis is all exaggerated\u2014\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cIt is not exaggerated,\u201d Judge Hartman cut in. \u201cIt is detailed, timestamped, and corroborated. And I will remind you, sir, that perjury and financial fraud are criminal offenses.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nClaire sat still. Calm. Prepared. For the first time in years, she felt the weight lift off her.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe judge leaned back. \u201cGiven this evidence, the court will immediately suspend all proceedings related to Mrs. Bennett\u2019s financial claims\u2014because those are no longer claims. They are facts.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe turned to Daniel with a cold stare.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cAnd Mrs. Bennett is entitled to far more than a penny.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe courtroom erupted.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel\u2019s composure cracked like thin glass. \u201cYou can\u2019t do this,\u201d he stammered, gripping the table. \u201cThis is\u2014this is a misunderstanding.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJudge Hartman did not soften. \u201cThe only misunderstanding is your belief that this court tolerates deceit.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe addressed Claire again. \u201cMrs. Bennett, we will be appointing a forensic accountant to finalize the division of assets. Until then, you are granted temporary control of all marital accounts.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel\u2019s head snapped up. \u201cTemporary control? Over my\u2014\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cThey are marital assets, Mr. Foster,\u201d the judge corrected. \u201cAssets which you unlawfully attempted to hide.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBrianna shot up from her seat. \u201cThis is insane! You\u2019re destroying his life!\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJudge Hartman peered over his glasses. \u201cMs. Hale, please sit down before you cause further damage.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMargaret, usually the loudest in the room, quietly sank back, lips pressed tight as regret began to sour her expression.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nClaire inhaled, steady. She wasn\u2019t proud of the situation\u2014just relieved the truth finally had a voice louder than their manipulation.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJudge Hartman folded his hands. \u201cBefore we adjourn, Mrs. Bennett, I want to commend you. Most spouses in financially abusive marriages don\u2019t prepare themselves this thoroughly. You did.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nClaire nodded. \u201cThank you, Your Honor.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel\u2019s attorney whispered frantically to him, but Daniel didn\u2019t hear a word. He stared straight ahead, hollow-eyed. The man who had strutted into the hearing certain of victory now looked like a gambler watching his last bet burn.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe judge stood. \u201cThis hearing is recessed. Further orders will follow pending the accountant\u2019s findings.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe gavel struck once.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAnd just like that, it was over.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel slumped back, defeated. Brianna stormed out. Margaret followed slowly, silent for the first time in years.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nClaire remained seated for a moment, letting the noise fade around her. She hadn\u2019t won out of revenge\u2014she had won because she finally chose herself.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAs she walked toward the exit, her attorney whispered, \u201cClaire\u2026 that was brilliant.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nShe allowed herself a small, genuine smile. \u201cIt had to be done.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOutside the courthouse, sunlight hit her face\u2014not dramatic, not symbolic, just warm. Real. A reminder that life could move forward now.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAnd for the first time in a long while\u2026 she believed it.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIf you enjoyed this story and want more courtroom drama, real-life revenge twists, or empowering comeback tales, drop a comment or share which character you\u2019d like to see get their own story next. American readers\u2014what would you have done in Claire\u2019s place?\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMy father asked in surprise, \u201cSweetheart, why did you come by taxi? Where\u2019s the Mercedes your mom and I gave you for your birthday?\u201d Before I could answer, my husband smiled and said, \u201cThat car belongs to my mother-in-law now!\u201d My father went silent for a moment, thinking deeply\u2026 And what he did next made me truly proud of him.Home Security Systems\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen Emily and her husband, Daniel, arrived at her parents\u2019 home that Saturday evening, she already sensed trouble brewing. The moment she stepped out of the taxi, her father, Richard Hayes, raised an eyebrow so high it nearly disappeared into his silver hair.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cSweetheart,\u201d he exclaimed, genuinely baffled, \u201cwhy did you come by taxi? Where\u2019s the Mercedes your mom and I gave you for your birthday?\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily opened her mouth, ready to explain the long, uncomfortable story she had rehearsed in her head. But before she could utter a single word, Daniel placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and answered with an almost casual confidence.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cThat car,\u201d he said with a warm smile, \u201cbelongs to my mother-in-law now.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHer father froze. His hand, halfway toward taking Emily\u2019s purse, slowly dropped to his side. He blinked once, twice, as if trying to determine whether this was a joke or a confession of insanity.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily\u2019s mother, Linda, who had just stepped out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a towel, stopped in her tracks. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2014what?\u201d she whispered.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily felt heat rise to her face. She hadn\u2019t wanted things to come out this way. But the truth was simple: she had given the Mercedes to Daniel\u2019s mother after discovering she\u2019d been struggling financially but was too proud to ask for help. Emily wanted to tell her parents gently, with context, not like this\u2014blurted out in their driveway like some impulsive decision.Kitchen supplies\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nRichard folded his arms, the faint disappointment in his eyes stinging more than any raised voice could have. He looked at Daniel, then at Emily, then toward the street as if searching for answers in the quiet suburban evening.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFor a long moment, no one spoke. Even the breeze seemed to pause.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThen Richard inhaled deeply, straightened his posture, and said, \u201cAlright. Come inside. Both of you.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBut instead of heading toward the house, he turned abruptly and walked back to the garage. His steps were firm, deliberate\u2014too deliberate. Emily exchanged a worried glance with Daniel.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhatever Richard was about to do, she knew it was going to change the tone of the entire night.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAnd she wasn\u2019t wrong.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBecause what he did next completely stunned her.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nRichard disappeared into the garage without another word, leaving Emily and Daniel standing in tense confusion. She could hear the clinking of metal, cabinet doors opening, drawers sliding, and then the unmistakable beep of a car being unlocked.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cOh no,\u201d Emily whispered. \u201cHe\u2019s upset.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel shook his head gently. \u201cHe\u2019s thinking. Give him a moment.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nA moment later, the garage door rolled up. Richard stepped out, keys in hand, expression calm yet impossibly focused. Behind him sat his meticulously kept 2019 Lexus sedan\u2014the one he treated almost like a second child.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cEmily,\u201d he said, \u201ccome here.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nShe approached slowly, heart pounding.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe held out the keys. \u201cTake my car.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cWhat? Dad, no,\u201d she protested. \u201cYou love this car\u2014\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cI do,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut I love you more. And if you gave away your Mercedes for the right reasons, then clearly you need a car more than I do.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily shook her head, tears forming. \u201cDad, I didn\u2019t want to burden you. I just\u2026 I wanted to help someone who needed it.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nRichard placed a firm hand on her shoulder. \u201cAnd that makes me proud. You acted with compassion. That\u2019s worth more than any car I\u2019ve ever owned.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLinda finally spoke up, stepping closer with gentle eyes. \u201cSweetheart, we raised you to care about others. We\u2019re not angry. We just needed to understand.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel added quietly, \u201cShe didn\u2019t want anyone to feel guilty. Not me, not her parents, not my mom.\u201dHome Security Systems\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nRichard nodded slowly. \u201cI get it now. Truly.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe took a deep breath. \u201cBut next time\u2014don\u2019t carry something like this alone. Family is supposed to help family.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily finally let out the breath she didn\u2019t realize she\u2019d been holding. Relief washed through her.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBut Richard wasn\u2019t finished.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe walked over to a metal shelf, pulled down a dusty old sign, and wiped it clean. It read: \u201cFOR SALE.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe slapped it onto the hood of his Lexus.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cDad, what are you doing?\u201d Emily gasped.Home Security Monitoring\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019m selling my car,\u201d he declared. \u201cAnd I\u2019m going to buy something bigger. Something we can all share. Something that\u2019s not just mine but supports the whole family.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily stared at him, overwhelmed. She had expected anger, lectures, maybe even disappointment\u2026 not this.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHer father was building something new. Something that would redefine their family in ways she hadn\u2019t imagined.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily stood speechless as her father stepped back and admired the crookedly placed \u201cFOR SALE\u201d sign like it was a badge of honor. The move was bold, unexpected, and entirely characteristic of Richard Hayes\u2014a man who didn\u2019t react impulsively but acted with intention once he understood the full picture.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cDad,\u201d Emily whispered, her voice soft with admiration, \u201cyou don\u2019t have to do this for me.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe smiled warmly. \u201cI\u2019m not doing it for you. I\u2019m doing it because of you.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThose words hit her deeper than she expected.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLinda slipped an arm around Emily\u2019s waist. \u201cYour father\u2019s been talking about upgrading for years. He just needed the right push.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel chuckled. \u201cGuess you gave him one.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBut then Richard turned serious again, resting both hands on the car roof. \u201cListen, all of you. This family has grown. We have more people, more responsibilities, more reasons to stay connected. So I\u2019m buying something that reflects where we are now, not where I was five years ago.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily eyed him skeptically. \u201cWhat exactly are you planning to get?\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cA minivan,\u201d he declared proudly.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDaniel blinked. \u201cA minivan? Really?\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cYes,\u201d Richard said firmly. \u201cA reliable, comfortable, family-sized minivan. I want room for everyone. For holidays. For road trips. For emergencies. For the future.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily laughed through her tears. \u201cDad, you used to swear you\u2019d never drive one.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u201cI know,\u201d he admitted, chuckling. \u201cBut priorities change when you realize what truly matters.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe four of them stood together in a quiet moment of unity\u2014one that felt like a reset button on their relationships. What began as awkward tension had transformed into clarity, pride, and a sense of renewed family purpose.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\"\"<\/figure>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLater that night, over dinner, Richard raised a glass. \u201cTo compassion,\u201d he toasted, \u201cand to the people who remind us of what\u2019s important.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEmily clinked her glass against his, feeling a profound wave of gratitude. The events of the evening had shown her something she never expected: generosity didn\u2019t just inspire others\u2014it multiplied.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHer father\u2019s reaction hadn\u2019t just solved a transportation issue. It had strengthened their family\u2019s bond. It had sparked reflection, openness, and a willingness to grow.Home Security Monitoring\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAnd maybe, she thought, as she glanced at the future minivan-enthusiast across the table, it had even started a new chapter for all of them.\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The courtroom felt colder than usual that morning\u2014sterile, echoing, and humming with the kind of tension that coils around your ribs. Claire Bennett sat upright<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-viral-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/680","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=680"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/680\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":682,"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/680\/revisions\/682"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=680"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=680"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davisrubin.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=680"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}