LOGIN"And the contract was withdrawn shortly after." "Yes." "How did you interpret that?" "She followed through." Cole objected. Speculation. Sustained. "Ms. Holloway. Across three years of events. How would you describe Alicia Valentine's manner?" "Controlled. Always controlled. She was never visi
Her smile faltering. A shadow passing across it. "Because I want you to understand—" "No." A step closer. "You are here because you are terrified. Because despite everything. Despite the photo. Despite Edward sleeping with you. Despite wearing his grandmother's necklace. You're still not his wife.
Alicia's POV The screen came on. The photography gallery. Museum lighting. Artwork on the walls. I was already there when Lucy walked in. I watched myself from across a courtroom. The navy gown. Hair up. Standing in front of a photograph of a woman whose face was half in shadow. Lucy stopped be
"No." She picked up one page from her table. Set it back down without reading it. The movement of someone who had taken in every word long before this moment and no longer needed to see them again. "Mr. Valentine. You called Alicia Valentine thirteen times that morning." "Yes." "She didn't answe
Edward's POV Four steps to Cole's table. Folder down. His hand moved over it without looking up. Done. Seven more to the stand. I sat. Adjusted once for the shoulder. Hands open on the railing. The sling pulled across my chest and I left it. Cole stood at the podium. "Mr. Valentine. Please sta
Judge Harmon returned at fourteen minutes. She set the folder on her bench and read without acknowledging either side. Two pages. She closed it. "The exhibit will be admitted with the following limitation. The jury is instructed that Exhibit D is to be considered only in the context of witness tes
Edward's POV I stood there. Couldn't move for a second. Then a full beat passed and it felt heavier than it should. My eyes followed her. Alicia. The way she tilted slightly. Elena's hand on her elbow holding her steady. She didn't look at me. Not once. My fingers balled into fists. I felt the t
“I’m sorry,” she said, voice sugary-sweet. “Did you need something from my friend, or are we just rehearsing for a gossip column?” Silence followed. They ducked their heads and shuffled off. Elena smirked. “Still got it.” I shook my head, a small laugh escaping me before I could stop it. “You’re t
He didn't speak. Didn't move. Just stared like seeing me like this broke something he wasn't prepared to carry. Elena's voice cut through the quiet. Fierce. "Don't act confused. You ignored her for days. She survived that alone. Showing up now doesn't erase any of it." The air tightened. Edward
The apartment was dim when I got back. I didn’t bother with the lights. Evening slid in through the curtains, turning everything the color of old photographs. I still hadn’t unpacked. My bag sat by the wall, half-open, clothes wrinkled from the drive and the days before it. I hadn’t touched them. I







