Batman Damian

'Alarys Military Academy welcomes all the candidates to its doors. I would like to thank all the Kruvaryans for dispatching their youth to us. I may remind you again that this is not a sacrifice but a step towards the eternal prosperity of Kruvarys. Do your Army proud, so you do your Kingdom proud.' Alarys Military Academy was nothing more than a slaughterhouse and Gwen was one of the many sacrificial goats who were forcefully shoved into the entry trials this year. To live, she must survive. To live, she must bond with one of the fire-breathers. But even if she did survive the trials, she had to survive the military academy filled with the offspring of the generals who destroyed the lives of everyone in their Kingdom. However, later she figured out that she had more life-threatening problems in hand. In the Academy, a different sort of mystery awaited her and she couldn't help but think that there was something more sinister about the Military Academy than what met the eye. Bound with her enemy and the Governor General's handsomely infuriating son, Damian Thorndyke, she had to figure out the links between the magic of the lands and the sinister incidents that happened in the Academy every year. All her life, Gwen was considered an outcast for not having a magical moon stone just like every human on the lands. But now that she had the magic she yearned for, why did it seem like the magic in their lands was more of a curse than a blessing? ——— "You are no princess, Gwen," his fingers brushed her cheek as his twilight eyes bore into hers, "You are wild. A breathtakingly ethereal, murderous little venom. You bow to no one. And when I look at you? I am terrified. Terrified of the things that I would do for you." This is a fantasy-romance enemies to lovers trope. Update rate: 1-4 chapters every day, along with a mass release during the weekends. 1 super gift = 6 extra chapters Do support me by sending a gift!

When ruthless judge and executioner Kian Mathis is betrayed and left to die by his partner, he believes his life is over. But instead of fading into darkness, he awakens in a strange, endless void and is offered a second chance—a chance to be reborn in a world that desperately needs someone like him. Kian is transported to Gotham City in the DC Universe, a place teeming with corruption, masked heroes, and villains who wield powers beyond imagination. Unlike the heroes who walk the fine line between justice and mercy, Kian is given a singular purpose: to be the judge this world lacks. Granted powers that amplify his physical and mental prowess, he gains the ability to see into the hearts of others, delivering his brand of justice without restraint. As he carves a path through Gotham’s underbelly, Kian finds himself crossing paths with both allies and enemies—from Batman, whose strict moral code clashes with Kian’s lethal methods, to crime lords and supervillains who recognize in him a new and unpredictable force. While some see him as a dangerous vigilante, others recognize him as an executioner willing to do what others won’t. But in a world where power and corruption are in constant battle, Kian must decide how far he’s willing to go. His past life taught him that survival means ruthless pragmatism, but the stakes in Gotham are higher than ever, and he begins to question whether his role as judge will consume him or force him to redefine his sense of justice. Judge of Shadows is a dark, gripping tale that follows a man from another world who becomes a merciless enforcer in the chaotic heart of Gotham. Faced with heroes who fear his methods and criminals who dread his wrath, Kian must balance his mission against the shadows threatening to engulf him and decide what kind of judge Gotham truly needs.

In the city of Furwood, the mysterious billionaire Damian holds immense power, owning many of the city’s industries. He lives secluded in a grand manor on the outskirts, rarely seen by the public. Tall, striking, and enigmatic, he seems untouchable. Evan, a skilled young veterinarian, is unexpectedly hired to care for Damian’s pets, including a gentle Ragdoll cat named Leo and a friendly Golden Retriever named Max. Evan quickly finds himself drawn to Damian’s mysterious aura. One stormy night, while treating Leo, lightning strikes, and Evan loses consciousness. When he awakens, he discovers he can feel everything Leo experiences—and when he falls asleep, his soul completely merges with Leo, giving him the ability to observe Damian’s world up close. This peculiar bond pulls Evan deeper into Damian’s life. He is both charmed and frustrated, particularly when Damian often places Leo on his lap, affectionately petting him, a sensation that Evan feels yet cannot escape. The situation becomes even stranger when Evan, as Leo, discovers that Damian also has a hidden side: Max the Golden Retriever is actually Damian in disguise! As they navigate their double lives as both “veterinarian and billionaire” and “cat and dog,” Evan becomes entwined in Damian’s hidden struggles. Torn between their complicated friendship and growing attraction, Evan decides to help Damian achieve a secret goal, even as he questions the true depths of their connection.

Elias grew up knowing only pain, trapped in a home where cruelty and fear were his constant companions. Day after day, he endured relentless abuse that carved away pieces of his soul, leaving nothing but numbness and rage. One night, in a desperate fight for his life, he breaks free from his tormentors, leaving everything he knew behind. Embracing the shadows, he casts off his past, his innocence, and even his name. Now, he is only Shade.

Ben, a postgraduate chemistry student, envisions a future where science unlocks the secrets of the universe. But fate has other plans. In a sudden twist, Ben dies and awakens in a strange new world, reborn as a five-year-old boy named Damian Sunblade. Damian's joy at being part of a noble family is short-lived. His family, valuing gold over blood, sells him off to another noble house to be groomed as a homemaker husband, a mere pawn in their political games. Struggling with his new reality and the remnants of his past life’s knowledge, Damian refuses to succumb to his fate. In his new household, Damian discovers that this world is governed by magic circles, Runic symbols wielding immense power. Driven by his scientific curiosity, Damian begins to experiment. Applying the laws of physics to the Rune symbols, he deciphers their secrets and invents his own unique form of magic. However, The family that bought him has their own plans for him, seeing Damian as a valuable tool to enhance their power. But Damian, ever the independent spirit, has dreams beyond servitude. He longs for freedom, a place to call his own—a life where he can use his talents without restraint. And so Damian devises a daring plan to escape. His journey is fraught with danger and intrigue, as he navigates a world filled with mystical creatures, powerful adversaries, and ancient secrets. Along the way, he forges alliances and battles enemies, all while refining his magical and scientific skills. In "The Runic Alchemist," follow Damian Sunblade’s epic quest for independence and self-discovery. Witness his transformation from a forsaken child to a formidable Alchemist, determined to carve out an extraordinary future for himself in a world teeming with infinite possibilities. ***** Author Note : Hello! GlaringError here! As I have already mentioned in my author review I am restating it here since I am getting tons of comments about it, that I am more of a reader myself than a writer, I made this novel in an attempt to capture my fantasy world residing in my mind into words.. Writing is new for me.. The premise of my novel is inspired by many great works that I have loved over the years. And some elements I have in my novel that are slightly similar to them but it's just the skeleton of it, the real meat of the plot is entirely my own cooking. Some of the influence that is more noticeable is from The Runesmith (By Kuropon), The King's Avatar (By Butterfly Blue) and Shadow Slave (By Guiltythree). I have immense respect for these legends and I can only hope to follow in their footsteps. To all those who comment just by judging the name, at least give it a chance before letting your opinions known. Thank you.

"No... don’t kill me, please! I promise, I won’t interfere in your lives again!" she pleaded desperately. But her words faded into silence as the gunshot echoed, and her world went dark. Yet, the next morning, she opened her eyes—alive. Dazed, she stumbled to the mirror, her heart pounding. They killed me… or didn’t they? When she checked the date on the calendar, shock froze her: it was 2022. She had been given a second chance, reborn to the moment before her life spiraled into betrayal and deceit. This time, no more naivety, she vowed, a fierce spark igniting within her. She would make them pay for every betrayal. And her plan started with finding the one person she needed for her revenge—but would Damian help? With a silent prayer for courage, she headed toward his company, determined to change her destiny. "But to help her, he sets a condition." Join Aria on her journey of vengeance, a tale where love and betrayal collide, and no one will be left untouched.

Damian’s life as an ordinary bartender takes a wild turn after he meets a powerful witch, Evelyn. Suddenly, he's thrown into a hidden world of magic, dangerous creatures, and powerful magical women. With the Warlock’s Contract System now awakened, Damian can form pacts with supernatural allies, with every new bond granting him abilities that drive his magic and power to insane levels. But with power comes a whole mess of complications. Damian’s new world is a deadly maze of supernatural politics, hidden agendas, and ruthless enemies who’d want to steal his Mana Core. Damian has to figure out who to trust, how to survive, and what the System’s secrets. Later, Damian finds that his System might be the key to an ancient artifact, a long-forgotten power, and strangest of all… the lost fragments of his own memory. The question is, can he survive long enough to unlock it all? Join my discord channel for illustrations: https://discord.gg/mSRHyMVhnG Bonus Chapters! *600 Power Stone = 1 bonus chapter *400 Golden Ticket= 1 bonus chapter *Magic Castle= 4 bonus chapters  *Space Craft= 6 bonus chapters  *Gachapon= 8 bonus chapters  Important Note: No NTR, No yuri, No rape Tags: Mature Content , R18, Gore, Weak to Strong, Monster Girls , Witch , Magic , Demons , Dragons, Elves, Vampire, Fae, Beasts , Action , Mystery , Harem ,  System , Servants , Fast Learner.

Desperate circumstances force Lily Sinclair to accept an offer she can’t refuse, now she's bound to a dominating beast who ridicules her. Damian Reed, a ruthless billionaire, makes her an offer that feels like a trap in exchange for playing the role of his perfect wife— submissive behind closed doors and in public too. He manipulates her every move with a cruelty but Lily swears she won’t break, no matter how far he pushes her. How long can she resist the beast who controls her every moment? Or will she find herself falling into the very trap he’s set for her heart?

Anna discovered her ability to rewind time involuntarily when she saved a child from the orphanage where she lived. Over time, she found out that she could use this power at will, and with the help of her friends, she became a great player, eventually earning a lot of money. However, rumors soon began to spread. After being adopted by the Blackwood family, Anna quickly noticed that Damian, like the rest of his family, had no real interest in her. Indeed, they treated her like an object once she displayed her extraordinary ability by never losing a game. As time went on, Anna fell ill from the excessive use of her power, and just when she felt she was going to die, remembering her time in the orphanage where she had made many friends, she encountered an unknown entity. To her surprise, this entity sent her back to the past. In disbelief, but after confirming it wasn't a dream, Anna decided to make as many allies as possible to ensure her survival.

Hundreds of years ago, a new energy invades and alters the earth completely. Normal animals are transformed into Ether Beasts and strange entities pop up all over the globe. Huamnity in a desperate bid, discovers a certain gene that taps into the mysterious energy known as Ether. Damian, a 15-year-old boy, is framed for a crime he didn't commit and is regarded by society as a waste who cannot contribute. He is ruthlessly shipped off to the most notorious and dangerous prison on Earth where he is forced to contend with powerful Ether Beasts and even more dangerous criminals. However, he is fortunate to find an unlikely ally in the creatures on the deadly prison island. Starting from the complete bottom of the food chain? How will he survive the Ether Beasts and avoid treacherous schemes? Follow Damian's journey as he cleverly and ruthlessly deals with opponents all the while using his unique power to dominate and grow stronger.

Full title: [The Knight’s Multiverse] - A Knight’s Journey: The journey of a cultivator in a superhuman’s modern world After Damian Knight sacrificed himself to save a woman and her daughter, he gets reincarnated in a parallel Earth with three Perks by an unknown Entity. Using those Perks to help himself and his loved ones grow stronger, he will have to deal with many threats on his journey, whether the ‘Superheroes’ in the light or the Underworld (Crime Syndicate) in the dark. Fortunately, a few key people will help him on his journey, helping him embark on his cultivation's Path in this Universe. ‘Choices have consequences.’ Disclaimers -The MC will not get to cultivate right away because he's born in a modern Earth and in a normal family. But thanks to his perks, he will still be able to grow in power until he learn it. -I'm trying my best to release three chapters every week for my two novels (Either two of this novel and one of the other or the opposite) -All romantic and sexual relationships in this book will be between consensual adults. -It will be a small harem. -There will be some blood-related romantic relationships. Let’s enjoy this adventure together. Calm Wanderer

Damian, a 9-star Heavenly Knight died at the hands of a formidable mystical creature that wielded unimaginable power. Just when he thought that it would be the end of his journey, he found himself reincarnated into the body of a young boy who was born with a nine-ringed soul mark and nine anma cores. Used to the harsh environment of his past life, Damian was surprised to find a peaceful place in a world teeming with ferocious mystical beasts. The cruel experience he had, shaped him to become a detached and cold-blooded machine, indifferent to the life and death of other people. Will the tranquil new world thaw his ice-cold heart or will he remain indifferent to everything?

Melody was Betrayed by her best friend and even by her family members. She was drugged and defamed. When she thought that things could not get any worse she received the news of her parents dying in a plane crash. As if that was not enough, an assassin was sent to kill her. But miraculously, she survives and finds herself in a different city. After five have passed, she returns to avenge her family and take back all that was hers. She meets Damian, a young billionaire who falls in love with her and offers to help her seek justice for her past. Will Melody be able to get justice for her family? And will Damian's family see Melody in a good light? Will their relationship be able to withstand the test of time? Please read to find out. ************ The book cover is mine do not use it without permission

Damian Thorne, a 25-year-old struggling artist, leads an ordinary life in a bustling city—until the day he receives a mysterious letter from a long-forgotten relative. His estranged grandfather, a reclusive alchemist, has passed away, leaving Damian his secluded estate in the countryside. Intrigued, and with little to lose, Damian decides to visit the property, only to discover that his grandfather’s legacy is far more complex than he imagined. At the heart of the mansion is an ancient, hidden laboratory filled with cryptic notes and strange, alchemical equipment. Damian quickly learns that his grandfather was part of a secretive alchemical order dedicated to uncovering the Philosopher's Stone. His grandfather had been on the verge of a breakthrough—one that involved transmutation of not just metal, but reality itself. As Damian delves deeper into his grandfather's research, he starts experiencing strange occurrences. Time warps. Shadows move on their own. Old enemies of the order resurface, determined to seize the secrets Damian has inherited. To protect his life and the legacy of his family, Damian must master the forbidden knowledge of alchemy before it consumes him. In a race against time and enemies both seen and unseen, Damian discovers that the true power of alchemy is not in transmuting gold—but in unlocking the secrets of life, death, and the universe itself. However, every step he takes closer to mastering alchemy brings him closer to a dangerous truth: that some knowledge was never meant to be found.

Damian Abraxas started one normal morning the same way he always did, preparing breakfast while engaging in typical banter with his sister, Lotte. However today was different when his sister abruptly seemed to have vanished from the room he searches to look for her and discovers her secret of being from the idealistic Terravalonia. Unfortunately the odds of a possibly relaxing summer vacation aren't in his favor at all when he's inadvertently brought there to become a non volunteer soldier for slaughter. The world of Terravalonia has a prophecy and it looks like Damian fits the description especially when he wields the acclaimed Evil half of the Sword of Destiny. Damian sets out to prove the prophecy wrong, but is such a thing really possible in a world he knows so little of? THIS STORY WILL SOON BE TAKEN DOWN SOON IN AN ATTEMPT TO REWRITE IT.

How did I get here? The last thing I remember was falling asleep after finishing the book: Trials Of Love. How did I become the villainess Camilla who has the same name as me? **************** Our female lead, Camilla used to be a very extrovert person who had many friends and was socially liked by everyone. However, after her parent's death, she was assigned to live with her Uncle and Aunt. Over time she slowly distances herself from her friends as she believes that she doesn't deserve happiness. She thought that she was the reason her parents died. Back then her parents died in a car accident when they were speeding toward the hospital where she was kept. On that very eventful morning, she had accidentally burnt her hand during food tech and was rushed straight towards the hospital. When her parents heard they too rushed over there hence they got into a car accident and eventually passed away. The only thing that would bring her happiness was that one book her parents left for her: Trials of love. It talked about a young boy named Damian who grew up in poverty but eventually became the grand duke of the Thedo empire. The Thedo empire was named after the first King founder of the empire. Damian grew to love his housekeeper's youngest daughter Eveline. The two had to go through many trials until they earned their happy ending... Of course with the occasional villainess ruining the happy pair. But who would've thought that our female lead ended up as the villainess? The character she hated the most. Camilla Rose Avery was the lost daughter of the present King and Queen. Camilla had been stolen when she was a year old by a maid. She was found by her older brother when he ran into her in an orphanage on one of his royal tours. Her love for Damian meant that she would try to kill Eveline. Because of her evil deed, she ended up being banished to the eastern empire when Damian became the grand duke. He married Eveline and then the story closed. Ella transmigrates into Camilla. However, there was still time to fix everything. She would be kind to Damian in the hope that he would remember her kindness in the future. Our female lead has decided to change her destiny so she tried very hard not to fall in love with Damian. However, the storyline seems to be changing. Why is the male lead running after the villainess this time? ********************************************************** Please vote for this book as I've entered a completion with it. English isn't my first language so bear with my grammatical. mistakes. The book cover is not mine, I found it on Pinterest. Please support my other books: - Prince and his wives ( sterilizing) - Rebirth for him (sterilizing)

An old Earth is falling apart. A new Earth is rising together. The Spheric Embodiment finally reached their hands towards Earth, awakening the dormant mysteriousness that sleeps within. The result was palpable. An apocalypse descended. Abilities awakened. Animals became terrifying Spheric Beasts. Towers ascended into the surface. Those unable to withstand the wave of this mysteriousness became mindless, soulless husk with only a goal: Kill. Amidst this chaos, Damian, a fairly unpopular student of the Northernshire University from a normal background, after having his hope dashed by a girl he crushed on, turned out to be an unmatched genius of an extremely powerful House. Now, with this advantage at hand, he swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming an existence the entire cosmos had no hope to match. He became the Chaos Embodiment! ****" Cover is not mine.

Emily, a desperate young woman, agrees to a fake marriage with billionaire Damian Blackwood to save her mother's life. As she enters Damian's world of wealth and deception, Emily must navigate a complex web of lies, secrets, and hidden agendas. As she struggles to maintain her own identity and morals, Emily finds herself drawn to Damian, despite the danger and darkness surrounding him. With each step, Emily risks losing herself in the game of love, loyalty, and survival. Will she find a way to escape the shadows, or will she become a pawn in Damian's sinister plans?

Alexis Sterling has it all—power, wealth, and a perfect marriage. Or so she thought. When she discovers her husband’s affair with his secretary, her world shatters. But Alexis doesn’t crumble. Instead, she fires him from her own company, swears off love, and sets her sights on reclaiming control of her life. Enter Damian Blackwood, her husband’s fiercest business rival and a man with his own agenda. In a moment of reckless passion, Alexis finds herself entangled with Damian, appointing him as the new CEO of her empire. But as corporate sabotage, betrayal, and a dark past threaten to destroy everything she’s built, Alexis must decide if she can trust Damian—or if he’s part of the plan to take her down. In business, trust is everything—but in love, it could cost her everything.

Being the decent of the King of Heroes Gilgamesh and the True Sun God Ozymandias, having the name of Rael Ozymandias Sun Gilgamesh (Yes the name can suck? yes I liked it more).

Synopsis: In a far-off futuristic realm at the peak of the love of football, where futuristic technology and ancient magic coexisted, a young football prodigy named Lio thrived. His talent on the field was unmatched, drawing awe and admiration from all who witnessed his skills. However, jealousy festered in the heart of his best friend, who sabotaged Lio during a crucial scouting match. The betrayal led to a severe injury leaving Lio handicapped. As he fell from grace, anger and determination fueled his spirit. Gradually, Lio envisioned a path of revenge, a quest that would lead him to unexpected realms beyond imagination, pushing the boundaries of sports and magic alike. Would he rise to the challenge, and conquer the world of football as the star he was born to be? or will he fail and let the ones who wronged him have their way over trampling on his dreams.

When Damian is on the mission to achieve a friend who is NOT a certain kryptonian, he at long last meets one. Going through countless memories in the span of 2 years, can she even be called a friend? Or... a sweetheart? What happens when this darling sweetheart of his leaves him?

Damian got reincarnated into a game of his as the protagonist and decided to go on a hunt for woman whether, mature or inexperienced, short or tall, chest big or small, a demoness or goddess even his own blood relatives. He would got them all

Warning: Mature content, R18, Harem, No NTR, No Rape An 18-year-old poor college student tried to apply for a job as a tutor but his life almost ended as demons' meal. In his last breath, a mysterious woman gave him a strange power. When he opened his eyes he had turned into a demon with a system that will turn him into... A pervert. Now he must live with his dual identity as a model student named Ethan and an incubus named Damian, while conquering MILF, monster girl, beautiful elf, demon loli which sometimes leads him to complicated relationships. ------------ Other tags : Hiding Identity, Monster Girls, Tentacles, Character Development, Weak to Strong, Incest *Most of my story has a big harem, I'm not interested in writing a small harem with only two or three girls. The MC is not an arrogant type and doesn't carelessly kill people nor let the others died in his presence. He also doesn't treat his woman as a sex object. Even though this is a harem story, some parts of this story will make you tear up and have some funny scenes. *This story has a lot of steamy scenes and playful kinky games that you've never read before. Read by your own risk. Some illustrations and characters images are on my Discord channel. My Discord: https://discord.gg/mSRHyMVhnG ------------ Other works: *Seven Sins System *Dragon King's Harem *Dark Moon: Rise of The Dark King *Demon Lord's Succubus (Completed)

An assassin who was assigned to kill the biggest businessman in the world. What will happen when she will fall in love with him . What will happen when he will find out about her true identity . Sirin , world's scariest assassin , even government are afraid of her . She can bring down a big ass empire with her skills . One thing about her , she doesn't like to loose . Beautiful like a butterfly , preety to watch but hard to catch . No one knows anything about her except for her name . Damian Martinez , CEO of MARTINEZ Group of companies . Hot , rich , powerful , and most eligible bachelor of the world . Everyone thinks he is popular and rich because of the company he runs . But in reality he is merciless the Mafia King . Cold towards everyone , doesn't like waiting , dark personality and don't believe in love . What will happen when she will get mission to kill him but will fall for him instead ?

Damian, a frustrated video game developer, was reincarnated into another world, a fantasy world set more than a thousand years in the future, where technology and magic have blended the best of both. Realizing he could use video games from Earth to climb up in this new society, he will seek fame, wealth, and power to enjoy this new opportunity. ... This novel has been translated into English, and while we've taken care in the process, some errors may remain. Thank you for your understanding.

When the survival of his village is threatened by a ferocious, unrelenting beast, who among them has the courage to face it? “Damian should go!” The elders chanted. Damian, the sixth son of King Gario of Akrifous, is unexpectedly chosen to confront the creature. The stakes are high: if he succeeds, he will be crowned the next King of Akrifous. There's just one problem—Damian is barely an adult, inexperienced, and, to make matters worse, he can’t fight for shit!

Damian Xavier, a notoriously bad boy and heir to a powerful royal vampire lineage, has earned a fearsome reputation as the campus bully and the baddest boy. He was extremely proud of his royalty and powerful suraname .He preys on the innocent and nerdy newcomers. Delilah Scarlett has just migrated from a small city with a scholarship that offers her a chance at a brighter future. Although she struggles with her insecurities and often feels out of place among her elite peers,Damien gave her a real tough time at the campus and become an enemy as she was accused of something she was not supposed to do and it costs a much to Damien. And in many encounters he came to knew that there’s something unique about her blood that draws Damian’s unyielding attention. But as he learns of her anemia and the fainting spells that follow their encounters, his fascination darkens into a dangerous obsession. Damian came to know that her lineage traces back to an extraordinary bloodline the Golden-Blooded a rare heritage that could bestow unparalleled power upon him. With each encounter, her blood calls to him, awakening his darkest desires. In a twist, Damian discovers a secret pact between their families, that bound Delilah to him in a contract of marriage.She fights against a life dictated by her enemy while he wrestles with his burgeoning feelings for the girl he once tormented.Both characters are thrust into a chilling game of power, betrayal, and desire. Bound by blood, power, and the weight of their families’ legacies, both of them feel themselves into a high-stakes game of desire and passion. Will they succumb to their dark instincts, or can love blossom amid the shadows?

A classic video game Isekai, but with a twist. Ren's obsession with multiclassing in Monsters and Mazes has driven his friends away, tired of his constant rule-bending. When the mysterious Maze Master offers him a chance to beta test the latest update, Ren eagerly accepts, only to find himself trapped inside the game world. His love for multiclassing backfires, leaving him with a crippling experience penalty that hinders his progress. Now, without his friends and burdened by his own reckless choices, Ren must use his wits to survive in a realm where every trick he once exploited now works against him. Can he outsmart a world where the game itself fights back?

After staying in a loveless marriage with her long-time crush for two years, Lisa finds out that she's pregnant. Her whole world crumbles when he throws divorce papers at her face. To make matters worse, she is betrayed by the people whom she calls family. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is actually the heiress of the largest shipping conglomerate on the continent. She leaves the town, pregnant. Five years later, she comes back to town, hellbent to take revenge on her ex-husband, cold and domineering billionaire, Damian. She is determined to make everyone who has ever hurt her pay!  However, little did she know that there was more to the divorce years ago.