Chapter 13 - The Trial Begins

|

The courthouse steps were a sea of flashing cameras and shouting reporters.

Emily linked her arm through mine, keeping my head down as police escorted us through the mob. The courtroom inside was packed, the air thick with anticipation. It felt less like a hall of justice and more like a colosseum waiting for blood.

Daniel sat at the defense table. He had dropped the arrogant smirk. He wore a somber gray suit, looking down at his hands, playing the role of the broken, remorseful husband to perfection.

The trial opened with Ms. Sterling painting a horrific picture of domestic terrorism. She didn't hold back. She described the utility room in visceral detail, ensuring the jury understood the sheer brutality of the act.

Then, the defense took the floor.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," the defense attorney began, his voice dripping with mock sorrow. "What you are going to see in this trial is undoubtedly tragic. A child was lost. A marriage was destroyed. But the prosecution wants you to believe my client is a monster."

He pointed a theatrical finger at Daniel, who obligingly wiped away a fake tear.

"Daniel Vance was a man pushed beyond the limits of human endurance," the lawyer lied smoothly. "You will hear testimony that Rachel Vance was suffering from severe, undiagnosed psychosis. She repeatedly threatened to harm herself and the unborn child. Daniel didn't tie her up to torture her... he tied her up to restrain her from committing suicide."

May you like

She Gave His Mistress Her Wedding Ring Without Crying—Then the Billionai...

My Mafia Husband Saved His Mistress While I Bled Pregnant Upstairs—Three...

He Came Home After Twelve Christmases—Then Found His Elderly Parents Loc...

A collective gasp echoed through the gallery.

I sat entirely frozen, the breath knocked out of me. It was the most brilliantly evil defense I had ever heard. He wasn't denying the video. He was turning himself into the savior.