Chapter 88
Chapter 88
Ares
Lencia? Who would have ever imagined she would walk into this courtroom?
The audacity. Why is she here?
Rusi turns to look at me and I swallow, trying to silently tell him I’m just as stunned as he is but the look he gives me says he is powerless now. This is something Neils never wanted, never foresaw, never wished to happen.
I try to move toward Valencia, to talk sense into her, but Kashi is faster. That too–good–for–his- own–good lawyer escorts her straight to the witness box. She swears to speak nothing but the truth, and the entire time her gaze stays locked on me, radiating hatred I cannot even begin to understand.
The last time we saw each other had been ugly, but I never expected her to walk in here.
Why is she here?
“State your name p>
“Valencia Rock p>
“And how do you know Mr. Ares Bani p>
“I met him at the store I worked in three years ago. He asked for my number and we began meeting after p>
Kashi nods, urging her to continue, but Rusi tries to interrupt only for Judge Rocco to shut my lawyer down without hesitation.
I set my jaw, knowing full well I am doomed the moment Roc is presiding. With Roc here, nothing favors me.
“Ares asked me out. I was shocked. He already had a beautiful wife who is young, a Frost. But he told me she was a leftover from men who raped her, and he wanted me instead p>
“So what did you two do after that arrangement p>
“That is NOT the right question to ask the witness!” I lose it, standing. “You should act like a professional, Kashi frost! Aren’t you the best lawyer here? Then act like it p>
1/4
“Order!” the clerk barks sharply and I grind my teeth, meeting Judge Roc’s cold, dead stare.
Rocco Frost. Eldest of them all. Coldest of them all.
He has never spoken directly to me, and he hates me more than any Frost in existence.
“Interrupt again, Mr. Bani, and I will see you punished,” he says, not a threat, a vow.
I swallow the fury rising in me, and as if sealing my coffin, Lencia drives the final nail.
“Ares and I have been sleeping together for years. I have pictures, videos, receipts, all of it p>
Kashi studies her for a long moment, then nods and turns to Roc.
“That is all, Your Honor p>
It is more than enough to destroy me.
Roc moves to give judgment, but Rusi cuts in desperately.
“Well, it is understandable for my client to seek marital comfort outside his marriage. His wife has never been available as she suffers trauma and is unstable p>
“I wasn’t suffering trauma,” Snow cuts in, her voice clear enough for the cameras to pounce. “I was suffering because of my husband p>
Husband.
My brow rises. What is she doing now?
“I tried to be the best wife. I kept quiet and endured his abuse, both violent and domestic. I thought I could survive it, but I was wrong p>
Kashi stiffens, and I feel my pulse spike.
She is not about to tell what happened two nights ago… is she?
She must have sensed my dread, because she looks directly at me and then she performs. Beautifully. Tears well, trembling at her lashes, and she sighs, offering a sad smile.
“You owe me nothing, and I owe you nothing. Let us separate. I cannot endure your violence anymore p>
Cameras explode, flashes multiplying, reporters inching closer.
2/4
Kashi steps forward, stunned, praying he misheard.
“What domestic violence? What… what violence?” he asks and Snow lifts her sleeve.
A purple bruise blooms across her wrist and gasps ripple through the courtroom.
I nearly lose my footing.
“Not only did I endure Ares‘ infidelity,” she says softly, voice breaking, “I endured this for four years in the name of marriage and love. I want a divorce now p>
Then she turns to me, holds my gaze and reaches for the ring I thought she lost. She flings it at my feet.
“That trash, that replica ring you proposed with… it’s yours. No need to pretend. You can give the real one to the woman you always loved p>
And that is it.
My knees weaken under the truth she twists to her favor, and I collapse into my seat, stunned.
How much does she know?
How cruelly has she turned everything to benefit herself?
“Is it true you have abused Snow p>
Kashi demands, the whole courtroom leaning in.
“You’ve been beating my sister all these years? Really p>
“I have shown Snow nothing but love,” I grit out. “She is lying to ruin me p>
“That is not true,” Valencia snaps from the witness box and I stare at her, stunned.
“You are violent, Ares. When I refused to be controlled anymore, you sent men to deal with. me. If they weren’t merciful, I wouldn’t be alive p>
My heart sinks.
Nothing adds up, not that accusation, not Snow’s sudden theatrics, not the ring revelation.
I never sent anyone after Valencia. I barely remembered her after dismissing her that day.
And Snow… how does she know the ring was fake?
3/4
And how dare she claim I was violent for years?
How dare she?
4/4
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.