“That’s not true. I need Deborah by my side,” Roger declared, standing up. “To have your maid cook and clean for free?” Christian retorted sarcastically. “The evidence of your infidelity is overwhelmingly clear. It’s obvious this started right when your marriage began. You’ve never respected Deborah, so why not separate? It’s clear you neither love nor respect her as a person.” Christian handed the judge a folder containing more evidence of how poorly Deborah had been treated at home. Roger scowled and clenched his fists, wanting nothing more than to punch this meddling fool, but he had to restrain himself. John was also worried about the situation. The video alone was a bombshell against them, and he realized that all the arguments and evidence he had prepared were now useless. Roger had flaunted his affair so openly that everyone in the company knew the mistress was the favorite. She was always at the office, taken on shopping sprees, and showered with all the new jewelry relea
"You can't do that, Your Honor," Roger exclaimed, seething with rage. "Then tell me, why shouldn't I approve the divorce?" the judge demanded. Roger glanced at John, allowing the latter to react and speak, as the humiliation was unbearable. "Apologies, Your Honor..." John stood, trying to appear confident as he approached the judge with a folder in hand. "The dramatic and tragic story painted by the opposing counsel is a fabrication," he declared, locking eyes with Christian before handing him a copy of the documents. "As you’ll see in these statements, my client deposits $19,000 monthly into Mrs. Peterson’s account to cover expenses. If she claims she only used a thousand, it was by her own choice." "Interesting, but I notice the account numbers are different," the judge pointed out. "Which means someone is lying." "It's obvious Mrs. Peterson is trying to play the victim. The account with the $19,000 deposit is with the bank where all the Peterson family accounts are managed
"Mrs. Isabelle Peterson, please proceed to the stand," the judge instructed. Isabelle approached the stand, took the oath, and sat down. "Mrs. Isabelle Peterson, could you tell us how your son has suffered at the hands of—" "Objection," Christian interrupted. "If he loves Deborah, how can she be cruel and abusive towards his mother? Isn’t that contradictory?" "Not at all. She bewitched my son, making him fall hopelessly in love, but in secret, she mistreated and insulted me," Isabelle replied melodramatically. "I’d like to know how some hand movements could insult you to the point of causing such offense," Christian said, glaring at the older woman. "Do not interrupt my questioning," John retorted angrily. "Counsel, wait your turn." "Tch..." [Calm down, Christian.] Deborah signed. "So, Mrs. Isabelle Peterson, can you tell us what you know?" John asked. "Of course, Deborah appears very kind and all that, but she’s actually very cruel and rude. In fact, even her own
Fortunately, the video stopped there, but it was clear that Christian had the entire recording. Isabelle was now terrified, especially when she noticed her husband furiously texting someone. She could also hear the audience murmuring and pointing fingers at her, disapproving of her double standards. This only added to her distress. "Well, I... it's not that I agree with my son's affair... but it's obvious that I will take care of my grandchild, no matter which woman gives birth to him," she declared, trying to appeal to the audience's humanity. With those words, many seemed to sympathize with the older woman. Christian smiled subtly and discreetly glanced at Deborah, who made a face and nodded. They had anticipated this scenario and had come prepared. Deborah sighed. Christian had predicted her ex-mother-in-law would use those words and thus planned a strategy to counter her argument. --- Flashback --- "Alright, Deborah, we’ve gone over all the questions you might be asked
“What?! You can’t—” Roger protested, jumping to his feet. “Yes, I can. In fact, I disagree with Mrs. Peterson’s request. You will be required to pay her $25,000 a month for her expenses and prenatal care.” “$25,000 is too much and—” “Shut up, Roger.” Roger turned around in shock to see his father standing beside him. “Don’t worry, Your Honor. This useless man will pay that amount promptly.” “You took the words right out of my mouth, Mr. George Peterson,” the judge said, smiling. “But to teach your son some humility, he will accompany your wife in a cell for 24 hours. Guards, take him away.” “What?! No! You can’t…” Roger tried to resist, but two policemen escorted him out. With that, the trial ended, and people began to leave. George and Elliot took the opportunity to approach Deborah. “Well… now you’re my ex-sister-in-law,” the teenager said sadly, running over to hug her. [You’ll always be my little brother to me.] Deborah smiled as she separated from the hug. [And no
The Andersons were itching to punch Deborah for the idiocy she had just spouted. They had none of that money left… In three days? They would never be able to gather the nearly $800,000 they had borrowed over the three years of marriage. The twins' plan was in shambles; they had intended to force the mute girl back home to steal her money, believing they deserved it as the beloved children of their parents. Caroline watched their faces intently, smirking as she discerned their obvious thoughts. “So… why did you come over? I doubt it’s to talk to Deborah,” Caroline commented. “Well, believe it or not, we do want to talk to her,” Cassandra insisted. “That’s right, we’re very worried about my big sister,” Ernest added. “Actually, we wanted to tell you that if you want, you can come back home, Debbie,” Vanessa said, trying to sound kind and understanding. [Oh really? And why would you want me back home?] “Deborah, come on, stop joking. We’re your family, and we’re worried abou
After escaping from the reporters, Deborah and her supporters ended up at a nearby restaurant to eat and celebrate her victory. Out of solidarity, everyone ordered juice or soda to accompany their meal, though Deborah insisted it wasn’t necessary. “Here,” said Caroline, passing Deborah a glass of orange juice. [Thank you.] “Well, let’s toast to freedom and a new beginning,” Jayden said, raising his glass of soda, and everyone followed suit. “Deborah, tell me, what will you do now?” asked George. [What do you mean?] “Well, I remember you haven’t worked, and you’re expecting my grandchild, so…” [Oh, that. Don’t worry, I have a way to survive. Thanks to a friend, I got a job behind Roger’s back.] “That’s great, Deborah. I commend your initiative. Can I ask what the job is?” [I’m an accountant. I help with a government support program.] “That is excellent, Deborah! Congratulations,” George said, noticing how his words made Deborah blush a little. “And how do you do the
Jayden explained the details of the party. For a moment, Deborah felt unsure because she had never attended such events. However, recalling her new mindset of leaving the old Deborah behind, she accepted the invitation, deciding to go and have fun with him.Thus, the day ended, feeling long for some and short for others. The only thing that mattered was that it was a day that marked the lives of many, causing a drastic shift in their way of life.The next day began with a new drama for those who had spent the most uncomfortable night of their lives. Isabelle and Roger were being released but not without fury and threats to the officers accompanying them.“Just you wait. I won’t let this go,” Roger spat angrily.“How dare they let a lady like me sleep on the floor without a sheet or pillow,” Isabelle complained.“Don’t worry, Mom, they’ll get what they deserve. Do you hear me?!”“It seems a night in prison didn’t teach you anything,” said a cold voice. They turned to see George st