UPDATE: The hearing was today. My wife, a family law attorney, had boasted many times that she would destroy me in court. When she finally had a chance to speak, she sounded like a complete fool. The judge even told her to shut up at one point. He made a "T" with his hands like he was putting her on time out! It was just what I needed, because I just played it cool, although my heart was pounding under my shirt. I had the COVID mask on, so it was easy to maintain a poker face. Plus he couldn't see me laughing when he put her on time out. We have agreed to continue it out three months to allow for private mediation, which I think will work out.

The statement caused me to feel not dread but surprise, even relief. My wife had not called the police, although she had been threatening to do so for the past 20-30 minutes. Yet here they were. She had been yelling, "You hurt me! Admit it! Admit what you did! I'm going to call the police if you don't admit it right now!" I chose to exercise my right to remain silent. But apparently someone (her adult son, whom she still has living with us) took her shouts seriously and called the police. In fact everyone in the house heard her shouting and also believed that I had done something to hurt her. It was a very convincing fraud, far better than her earlier attempts.

Officer Dylan and his partner interrogated my family in the front lawn for about ten minutes, then left, warning me that if they had to come back, they would arrest "somebody." They didn't really seem to know what they were doing, but I thanked them for their service anyway.

I took that as my cue to leave. I usually spend the work week sleeping in a truck on the industrial side streets anyway. I spent the night in my home, on the couch, then left in the morning. The next day I made the mistake of trying to negotiate for a turn to use the house, and she filed a request for a DV restraining order, which was granted.

After that I decided to stop living in my truck and start sleeping inside. Every night. That is going to be my first priority from now on.

I am getting into a new exercise routine. I am able to be far more consistent in my own space, a little hotel room that feels like heaven after the chaos at my house.

I am trying to strategize both how to deal with the legal matter and how to deal with the wife's emotions. I am recognizing that they are intimately connected. I want to save the sanctity of the sex-marriage. I also want to make sure my kids have their father with them as they grow up. I also want to make sure they have their share of the wealth I am trying to build and pass on to them (rather than my wife and her adult son and her creditors).

Any insight or advice would be treasured. I would also like to think whoever has been praying for me and my family. God has worked wonders for me, and I believe He will again.

In case any of you are wondering, I have never beat my wife or any woman. That is a vile crime, and I cringe when I see my name attached to the false allegation.

BF: ~15%, 6'0", 160, no weights currently, but 50 pushups, 10 pullups, bodyweight exercises in my hotel room for now, starting to achieve some consistency.

Reading: Almost all of the MRP sidebar, just re-read the piece on beta divorce strategy

Finances: Were going well, until the other night. I had the Mrs. on the Dave Ramsay plan, and we turned our finances around in 6 months. Paid off all her credit cards, started stacking cash. Now up in the air. Work is steady, but having a hard time finishing education, moving on to the next goal.

Spiritual: Feeling more spiritually focused than ever at the moment. I am working on memorizing Isaiah 53. I have shared my faith with an old guy at work, and begun praying with him before we start work. I reached out to our old foreman about some conflict he was having with our new foreman, and he was receptive and encouraging, and also offered to inspire the old man with scripture. I actually had a feeling quite new to me the other night. It was the feeling that I hated everything that is not holy. I wanted it away from me. I have never felt that way before.