04 The Hearing

Lauren

We were still sitting on the bench on the courthouse's open floor when a woman in red being photographed by reporters walked in. Xavier was tense immediately when he saw her.

She was a brunette with pale skin and plump red lips.

She looked like the models in the magazine. Perfect in every way. She had two men with her, and the reporters were questioning her. The woman looked in our direction, and there was anger in her eyes.

"What's with her?" I asked.

"That is Isabella knight," Gibert said, and my eyes opened wide before I composed myself again.

Why will Xavier run away from that? She did not seem like a golddigger to me.

She looked well off. She looked like she was coming from money. I might be wrong, but she put much effort into her wardrobe and looks.

"I tracked her down when I looked up the licence Citadel to request an annulment, and she decided to sue. I am sure we will throw it out," Gabriel said confidently, looking at her and the people she was with; I wasn't so confident anymore.

Seeing the amount of press there, I knew Xavier was in trouble with his father.

What will this mean for him? I know he worked hard to prove his worth to his father, only for this to happen. I reached out for his hand and held it tight.

"It's okay; we will beat them," I said, and he squeezed my hand gently in return, looked at me and nodded.

Isabella and her crew walked past us into a room, and Gilbert stood up.

"It is time," he said. I got up and almost fell back. The fear that engulfed me while the reality sunk in made my knees feel like jelly. Xavier supported me and held me close. He was gentle about it, too, and the Oudwood scent of his perfume was comforting. My heart was beating fast. I did not know why, but I tried to steady it.

We walked hand in hand into the courtroom and went to take our position where the claimant usually sits. At the same time, Isabelle was seated where the defendant sat. I sat directly behind Xavier and Gilbert.

The judge walked in, and we all stood up. It was an old man in his sixties. He had glasses on and looked really stern. I glanced in Isabella's direction, and her confidence worried me.

The judge addressed the court and read the case, and Gilbert was given the floor to present his argument.

Gibert stood up.

"Your Honor,

I stand before this honourable court to present a compelling argument about why the marriage between my client, Mr Xavier Blackwood, and Miss Isabella Knight should be annulled. The grounds for this annulment are based on the fact that Mr Blackwood had no recollection of the event and was not in his senses when the purported marriage occurred. Furthermore, I would like to state that Mr Blackwood is already married, having secretly wedded Miss Lauren Vale three months before the alleged marriage with Miss Isabella Knight.

Firstly, I must emphasise that the institution of marriage holds great significance and must be entered into with the full knowledge and consent of the parties involved.

Mr Blackwood, however, was not in a state to provide such consent during the purported marriage to Miss Knight.

It is well-documented that the event occurred at the Remington Hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning. However, medical records and eyewitness accounts indicate that Mr Blackwood was heavily intoxicated during that time, rendering him incapable of making informed decisions, let alone entering into a legally binding contract such as marriage.

His lack of recollection of the event further proves his impaired state of mind.

Secondly, Mr Blackwood is already married, having exchanged vows with Miss Lauren Vale three months before the alleged marriage with Miss Isabella Knight. This fact alone casts serious doubt upon the validity of the purported marriage with Miss Knight. It is an established legal principle that a person cannot be married to more than one individual at a time. The existence of a prior, undisclosed marriage renders the subsequent marriage null and void.

Given these compelling reasons, it is clear that the marriage between Mr Xavier Blackwood and Miss Isabella Knight cannot be upheld as legal or valid. The circumstances surrounding the event, including Mr Blackwood's incapacitated state at the time of the alleged marriage and his existing marriage to Miss Lauren Vale, warrant the annulment of this union.

I implore this honourable court to recognise the undeniable evidence before it and grant the marriage annulment between Mr Xavier Blackwood and Miss Isabella Knight. Doing so would uphold the integrity of the institution of marriage and protect the rights of all parties involved. Thank you for your attention to this matter." He said, and the judge nodded. Granting Gilbert permission to sit, he gave Dwayne Nikelson, Isabella's lawyer, the ground to speak.

Dwayne stood up and adjusted his suit, chest up. I looked at Isabella, and she seemed genuinely pissed and sad.

Dwayne stood up to speak.

"Your Honor,

I present a compelling counterargument against the marriage annulment between my client, Miss Isabella Knight, and Mr Xavier Blackwood. The claims put forth by Mr Blackwood's legal representation are based on flimsy grounds, and lack substantial evidence. Allow me to address each point and demonstrate why the marriage between Miss Knight and Mr Blackwood is legal and valid.

Firstly, it is crucial to note that my client possesses recorded evidence of Mr Blackwood clearly stating that he was not married at the time of their union. This recording refutes the claim of Mr Blackwood's prior marriage to Miss Lauren Vale. Moreover, multiple eyewitnesses at the Remington Hotel can attest that Mr Blackwood and Miss Vale did not behave as a couple during their stay. In fact, Mr Blackwood and Miss Vale did not even share a room; Miss Vale shared a room with a friend, corroborating the assertion that their relationship was not as claimed by Mr Blackwood's legal team.

Additionally, we have substantial video footage of the wedding that clearly depicts Mr Blackwood as being in a coherent state of mind. The wedding officiator can also attest that both parties were fully aware of their actions and willingly entered the marriage. These facts cast doubt on the assertion that Mr Blackwood was intoxicated or incapacitated at the time of the union.

The allegations put forth by Mr Blackwood's legal team regarding a purported prior annulment request by him hold no legal standing. Such a claim appears to be an attempt to manipulate the court's perspective. Furthermore, we believe that the sudden marriage between Mr Blackwood and Miss Vale is a sham devised to facilitate Mr Blackwood's desired annulment after Miss Knight refused his request. This underscores the fraudulent nature of his intentions.

My client, Miss Isabella Knight, implores this court to uphold the legality of her marriage and consider her emotional distress caused by Mr Blackwood's actions. She intends to file a counter-suit against Mr Blackwood for abandonment, deception, and emotional stress. She also requests that Mr Blackwood fulfil his conjugal rights. She requests a formal apology for the embarrassment he has caused her.

In light of the evidence presented, it is clear that the marriage between Miss Isabella Knight and Mr Xavier Blackwood is legally valid and binding. The court is urged to reject the annulment request and, instead, consider granting a divorce should Mr Blackwood continue pursuing actions that undermine their marriage's sanctity. Thank you for your consideration," he said and sat down.

Suddenly I was afraid. I doubted the case would be as easy as Gilbert had said.

I could not see Gilbert's expression as I was sitting directly behind him and Xavier, but there was no way this could be good. I looked at the judge, whose enigmatic expression gave me no clue where this would lean towards.

Both parties added to their arguments with a bit of back and forth that irritated the judge, especially when Dwayne got on Xavier's nerves, and he almost lost his cool in court.

Soon it was time for the judge to speak. I hoped dearly that Isabella's case would be thrown out and Xavier's prayers would be answered. Still, seeing the look on the judge's face and hearing their compelling argument, I knew it wouldn't be so.

The judge took off his glasses and looked at both parties preparing himself to speak. I was attentive, but I wasn't hopeful.

"In the matter before the court today, I have carefully considered the arguments presented by both parties. It is apparent to me that both sides have put forth compelling and substantive arguments that warrant thorough examination and consideration. As a judge, it is my duty to ensure a fair and just resolution to the dispute before us.

Upon reviewing the case, it has become apparent that the issues are complex and multifaceted. The legal principles involved are intricate and have far-reaching implications. Both parties have exhibited diligence in their preparation and presentation, contributing to the depth of their respective positions. Undeniably, each side has brought forth compelling legal reasoning that deserves careful attention.

In light of these circumstances, I find it prudent to acknowledge that the arguments presented by both parties carry significant weight. It is not a matter that can be summarily dismissed without due consideration. The intricacies of the case require a thorough examination that cannot be adequately addressed in the confines of a single hearing.

With this understanding, I have concluded that the case cannot be definitively resolved in this current sitting. However, it would be unjust to simply dismiss the matter outright. Therefore, I rule that the case shall proceed to the next stage of the legal process. This will allow for a more comprehensive review of the arguments, evidence, and legal precedents.

I want to stress that this decision does not reflect any perceived weakness in either party's case. On the contrary, it recognises the depth and complexity of the issues presented. I hope the parties involved will continue to engage in good faith, providing additional insights and evidence to facilitate a more thorough and well-informed adjudication.

In conclusion, while the case will not be decided today, it will not be discarded either. It will progress to the next stage of the legal process, where a more extensive examination can occur. I encourage both parties to continue diligently presenting their arguments and evidence. I intend to reach a just and equitable resolution in due course." He stated and banged the gavel. People were murmuring, and just then, I knew we were in deep shit.