As Imelda reached the witness chair, the courtroom's anticipation became almost tangible. Freya and Diego were left dumbfounded, their collective gaze fixed at the witness stand. Attorney Anthonia's expression seemed less confident and utterly confused. Meanwhile, Desmond and Mr. Thompson smiled confidently throughout. Just then, Judge Ava Harrison intervened, her brows furrowed in a slight frown, "Counselor, I wasn't aware of this witness. What relevance does Ms. Wilson have to the case?" "Your Honor, Ms. Wilson has critical information regarding Freya's parenting and mental health in relation to her capability of signing consent forms. We only recently became aware of her testimony”, Mr. Thompson responded, his tone laced with sincerity. Frustrated, Attorney Anthonia swiftly interrupted, "Objection, Your Honor! We had no prior notice of this witness." "Overruled”, Judge Harrison said, “But, Counselor, ensure Ms. Wilson's testimony is relevant and doesn't unfairly prejudice
The room fell silent as Attorney Anthonia cleared her throat, ready to question Imelda. The air was thick with anticipation, suspense etched on everyone's faces. Imelda hardened her expression, rekindling her confidence. Freya, on the other hand, froze Imelda with a glacial stare, her brown eyes spelling utter disgust. Diego's expression remained neutral. He seemed like he had vowed not to be surprised by anything anymore. Whatever would be, would be. With a firm voice, Attorney Anthonia began, "Ms. Wilson, can you explain why you're testifying against Freya?" "I'm concerned for Noah's well-being. I want to ensure he's protected”, Imelda said, her expression stern. Freya's lips curled in revulsion at Imelda's statement, her eyes burning with intense hatred. Diego stole a concerned glance at Freya whose face was red with anger. “Don't you have a history of disagreements with Freya?" Attorney Anthonia pressed on. “We had differences, but that doesn't change what I saw. I'll a
With a loud and clear voice, Judge Ava Harrison declared, “When we resume, the defense will need to provide compelling evidence to counter Ms. Wilson's damaging testimony.”Attorney Anthonia nodded slightly to the judge's order, uncertainty etched on her face. Diego let out an exasperated sigh, his hope hanging on a thin thread. Freya's heart sank and she couldn't hold back the tears which welled up in her eyes.Sternly, Judge Ava continued, “After recess, the court will consider motions to nullify Freya's consent form and potentially revoke Diego's adoption of Noah."Freya's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes widened in shock at the Judge's declaration. The Judge's firm words hung in the air, echoing in Freya's ears.Diego's shoulders slumped and his jaw clenched. His grim expression highlighted his dismay at the twist of events. His lips were curved downward in despair, and he let out a deep sigh of defeat.Following the Judge's announcement, the courtroom erupted into murmurs as th
The court resumed and the defense team reassembled, little confident smiles on their faces. Freya, Diego and Attorney Anthonia, walked majestically into the court, their faces masks of confidence. They were accompanied by a middle-aged woman, whose eyes were hidden behind spectacles.Desmond watched the defense team keenly, his brows raised in curiosity. Suspense was etched on his face as he scrutinized the trio intensely, wondering why they suddenly seemed more confident. He also tried to figure out who the new witness was.Freya and Diego took their seats gently, a ray of hope reigniting within them. Like a routine, Diego's hand found Freya's and he intertwined his fingers with hers; his gentle touch was soothing to Freya's nerves.Freya, in response, gave a warm smile at Diego, her heart aglow with gratitude. She was thankful that despite the misfortunes they had been encountering for the past few months, they were still together. And their bond was even stronger.Judge Ava Harriso
Imelda grasped her purse and frantically dashed out of the courtroom, her gaze lowered. She avoided eye contact with everyone and hastened her pace, guilt gnawing at her conscience.She couldn't shake the image of Freya's anguished face, but she refused to show weakness. She had to get home on time before she would get caught by Freya.She was fully aware of what she had done and the consequences of her actions. But she had no choice. Her financial life was in trouble and only Desmond could help. She turned a corner, heading out of the courthouse to halt a taxi. Her feet carried her swiftly, her eyes fixed on the ground. Suddenly, while she wasn't looking, she collided with a figure, and her apology died on her lips.Slowly, she raised her head to see who the obstruction was. As soon as she set her eyes on Freya, she froze in shock, her eyes widened.Freya stood rigid before her, fury reignited in her eyes. Her brown eyes blazed with rage, the intensity of her stare sending shivers d
Freya and Diego were on their way home, driven by Diego's driver. The courthouse's imposing structure receded into the distance, but its impact lingered. A wave of silence settled between them as they sat beside each other in the back seat, their fingers intertwined.Diego's gaze remained fixed on some distant point outside the window, his thoughts consumed by the Judge's verdict. The tension in his body was tangible, his jaw clenched and shoulders rigid. The unfair judgment unleashed on them threw him off balance, threatening to shatter his composure.Freya's gentle squeeze on his hand went unnoticed as he wondered how the subsequent court proceedings would look like with Freya's consent form annulled. He would definitely lose the case as the major anchor he held onto was eliminated.The board of directors of his company were still contemplating permanently removing him as the CEO. The lawsuit gave them reasons to consider his permanent removal and they were working towards it.His l
The next court session had finally arrived. With Freya's consent form annulled, Diego's chances of winning the case were slim. And his lawyer, Attorney Anthonia, was beginning to run out of ideas on how to save him. Everything seemed bleak.As the litigants took their seats, the courtroom fell silent, heavy with anticipation. Diego sat rigidly, his eyes fixed on the empty bench. His charming gray eyes had lost their spark and were now vague. With the way events were unfolding, Diego slowly began to lose interest in his physical appearance. He now paid less attention to the way he dressed and how his hair looked. He dressed simple, in a white dress shirt and black corporate pants; no tie as per usual. His dark longish hair was simply tied up in a small ponytail, revealing the majestic sweep of his forehead.Freya sat beside him, her fingers intertwined with his. She stole concerned glances at him at intervals, hoping he was fine. Though she couldn't help but notice just how much his ph
The oath-taking was over and it was time for Mr. Thompson's direct examination. Mr. Thompson approached Ms. Regina Jenkins and with a clear crisp voice, he began his examination, "Ms. Jenkins, can you describe your role in the adoption process between Diego Hunter and Freya, Noah's biological mother?"Ms. Jenkins nodded, taking a deep breath before speaking, "As director of the adoption agency, I oversaw the entire process. Mr. Hunter approached us seeking a private adoption, presenting Freya's consent form. So, I facilitated the adoption, ensuring all parties complied with state and federal regulations.""Did your agency verify Desmond July's paternity before finalizing the adoption?" Mr. Thompson asked further.Diego let out a deep sigh, his face etched with uncertainty. Sensing his growing worry, Freya reached for his hand and squeezed it gently in a reassuring manner. She stole a fleeting glance at him, as if pleading with him to calm down.At Mr. Thompson’s question, Ms. Jenkins
Diego stopped a few feet away, tilting his head. A sly smile was plastered on his face, and he locked hands with Freya, who mirrored his smile."Well, well," he mused, his voice laced with satisfaction. "What do we have here?”In unison, Freya and Diego laughed, deliberately jeering at Desmond. Diego shook his head, reveling in Desmond's misery.“We finally meet again. After a long while”, he went on, his grip on Freya's hand tightening possessively. “But this time, I'm the one laughing and you…whatever this is.” He shoved his hands in the air, making mocking gestures at Desmond, while staring at him in a condescending manner. Desmond's face was contorted with rage, but he said nothing.“I have to say, Desmond—I never thought I’d see the day," Diego added.Desmond’s fists clenched, his eyes blazing with hatred and rage. He couldn't take the insults anymore. Enough was enough. "You son of a…""Careful," Diego cut in smoothly, a vicious glint in his eyes. "You're not exactly in a posit
Desmond went still. He stared down the barrel of the gun, his breath coming hard and fast. The metallic scent of the warehouse mixed with the faint oiliness of the weapon, the cold steel mere inches from his forehead.Freya's eyes pierced deep into his soul, her hand steady, unwavering. Her expression was sterner than before, her jaw stiff with determination. There wasn’t a hint of hesitation in her stance, not a flicker of doubt in her eyes. She didn't seem angry. She was unnervingly calm, and that was what unsettled Desmond.For the first time since this confrontation began, he felt something creeping into his chest, something foreign—fear.She meant it. This wasn't a bluff.Freya raised a brow slightly, her voice smooth, almost bored as she spoke.“Why don't you spare your life and sign these?” she mused, nodding towards the divorce papers beside him. “Losing your life while I still get the separation I need to move on is gonna be a win-win for me.”Desmond swallowed hard, his Ada
A dull persistent throb pulsed behind Desmond's eyes as he stirred from unconsciousness. His body felt heavy, weighted down by something tight and unyielding. There was a pressure against his wrists, his shoulders aching from an unnatural position.The first thing he noticed was the cold. It seeped into his skin, a sharp contrast to the warmth of unconsciousness. He inhaled sharply, only to be met with the pungent smell of damp concrete, rusted metal, and oil lingering thick in the air.A faint dripping sound echoed somewhere in the distance, rhythmic and taunting. His senses sharpened, but his mind was sluggish, still clawing its way out of the haze.With effort, Desmond's eyelids fluttered open, his gaze unfocused at first. The dim light hanging overhead burned his retina, making him squint.The world was blurred at first, shifting between shadow and light. After a few seconds, he began to get a clearer picture of his surroundings.The space around him stretched wide and empty, the
Desmond looked away, inwardly battling with indecision—whether to believe her or not. He took a deep breath, his mind racing.On the other hand, Freya watched him closely, her gaze unwavering. His tired eyes spoke volumes about his intoxicated state. He was getting tipsier than before. And it was time to act.Freya tilted her head, her lips curving into a soft, understanding smile. “I know you're overwhelmed and can't seem to believe me. And that's understandable. I've practically ruined your life,” Freya said softly, her eyes locked onto his. She paused briefly, allowing her words to sink in. Then she let out a deep sigh and went on. “But people change, Desmond. You claimed you were a changed man, right? So why can't I claim I'm a changed woman as well?” Her voice was low and soft, but a hint of sarcasm was hidden in it.Desmond stared hard at her, reflecting on her words. His expression was a softer version of the skeptical mask he wore. And Freya smiled inwardly, realizing he was
9:32 PMThe hum of the engine was the only sound breaking the silence inside Freya’s car. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white as she stared through the windshield. Outside, the city lights shimmered, coupled with the lights coming from the inside of Desmond's office building, casting a pale glow over the darkened streets. The building loomed tall and ominous in Freya's rearview mirror, its shadow stretching across the pavement like a veil.Freya’s heart hammered against her chest as she adjusted her rearview mirror to get a better view of Desmond's movements. She had been waiting patiently for him to retire home, watching him closely in order to decide her next course of action.Just then, she saw him exit the building, his silhouette sharp under the yellow glow of the streetlights. He walked with the same arrogance she despised so much, his leather shoes clicking against the pavement. He was on the phone, his voice muffled but animated, likely barking or
“Evening, husband.”Freya's voice was thick with sarcasm, and her lips curved into a smirk. Without giving Desmond a chance to speak, she stepped into the room, her gaze sweeping over the mess he had made.The acrid stench of whiskey flooded her senses, making her grimace in disgust. She turned away, scrunching up her nose to fight the nausea it triggered. “What's that smell?” she mumbled, her face contorted with displeasure.Desmond fixed her with a deadly stare, his eyes blazing with unrestrained rage. “Why are you here?” he spat, leaning forward.Freya stared hard at the shattered pieces of glass, infused into the nasty pool of golden liquid on the floor. Her brows furrowed in a frown, and she shook her head in pity."Really, Desmond?" she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "Breaking bottles and shouting at doors? How…predictable."Desmond’s eyes darkened, his rage momentarily stunned into silence by the audacity of her presence. He watched as she walked further into the
Desmond sat alone in his dimly lit study, the amber glow of the desk lamp casting long shadows across the mahogany furniture. The air reeked of whiskey and regret. His hand trembled as he brought the glass to his lips, but the drink did little to dull the bitter thoughts swirling in his mind. He leaned back in the leather armchair, his eyes drifting shut. Freya. Her name alone sent a wave of anger coursing through his veins. His jaw tightened as he replayed the events of the past months in his mind. It was certain that Freya’s schemes had been meticulously calculated and set into motion long before she returned to his house. She couldn't have possibly just woken up one day and chosen violence. Who knew what had been going through her head for months now?She had walked back into his life as someone hardened, vengeful, and utterly fearless, not as the meek woman he had once controlled. He swirled the whiskey in his glass, watching the golden liquid catch the light. The burn of alcoh
Diego sat back in his executive swivel chair, a small cup of coffee in his hand. His professional attire was a perfect contrast to the warmth of his triumphant grin. The sun poured in through the window walls, casting golden light over the rich wood and steel accents of the room. The television in his sleek office played the breaking news on every major channel. The headlines blared across the screen: "Corporate Scandal: Freya July Sells Major Stake in Dexus Innovations to Rival Competitor!" The accompanying footage showed reporters scrambling outside Desmond's towering headquarters, desperate for a comment, while stock market analysts discussed the fallout of Freya's calculated move.Diego took a tiny sip of the warm liquid in his mug, his eyes glued to the TV, as if savoring every word the reporters said."...a shocking betrayal by Freya July, Desmond's wife, who has sold a substantial portion of her shares to RavenTech Industries, one of Dexus Innovations’ fiercest competitors," t
The morning air in the city was crisp, carrying the faint hum of activity that grew louder with each passing hour. The glass façade of Dexus Innovations shone in the sunlight, casting a long shadow over the busy streets below. And inside, the tension was palpable. The grand ballroom on the twenty-fifth floor had been transformed into a stage for a high-stakes event. Rows of chairs lined the room, facing an imposing podium framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. A team of technicians moved swiftly, adjusting microphones and ensuring the lighting was perfect. Journalists were already streaming in, setting up their equipment and chatting in low tones as they speculated about the announcement that had drawn such a crowd. Desmond had spent the morning pacing his office, his mood growing darker with each passing minute. Freya’s announcement had come with little warning, just a cryptic notification sent to his inbox the night before. He hated s