CHAPTER 8 — The First Hearing
CHAPTER 8 — The First Hearing
The courtroom was colder than Valeria expected.
Julian arrived in handcuffs, but still tried to smile at her.
As if nothing had changed.
As if love could overwrite evidence.
The prosecutor opened the case:
Domestic violence.
Financial fraud.
Forgery.
Coercion.
Identity theft.
Each word landed like a hammer.
Julian leaned forward.
“She forgave me before.”
Valeria finally looked at him.
“I was surviving before.”
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The judge did not interrupt.
Because there was nothing left to misunderstand.