Forbidden Sparks And Rebellion

Forbidden Sparks And Rebellion

~STELLA~

The courtroom remained silent as the judge looked over the final documents placed before him.

My heart pounded against my chest. I wasn't afraid of what came next because Dylan and I were already standing at the end of everything we had once called a marriage.

The judge adjusted his glasses before speaking. “After reviewing the divorce petition, the evidence presented, and the testimonies provided by both parties, this court has reached its final decision.”

My hands tightened together beneath the table.

“The marriage between Stella Scott and Dylan Lindesy is hereby dissolved, effective immediately. Both parties are legally declared divorced.”

A strange feeling settled in my chest. It was the feeling of freedom.

“The properties acquired during the course of the marriage shall be divided according to the ruling of this court. The marital residence shall remain under Miss Stella Scott’s ownership. Any shared assets acquired shall be distributed accordingly between both parties.”

Dylan’s expression remained cold, but I refused to look away.

“This court also orders Mr. Dylan Lindesy to provide compensation to Miss Stella Scott for the physical and emotional damages caused during the marriage. Furthermore, based on the evidence of repeated physical abuse, medical reports confirming injuries, and the circumstances surrounding Miss Scott’s miscarriage, this court finds Mr. Lindesy guilty of the charges brought against him.”

The judge picked up the gavel. “Mr. Dylan Lindesy is sentenced to six months' imprisonment, alongside the required fine and compensation payment.”

The gavel struck.

“My final judgment is passed. Court dismissed.”

I stepped outside of the courtroom when the judge passed his final verdict and dismissed everyone.

Judgment had been passed, but even though what was served didn't match what I wanted, things were still fine.

I'd gotten the main thing I wanted—my freedom. I decided somewhere within the space of one month that I wanted to live for myself.

“You stepped out before us, Miss Stella.” My lawyer, Desmond, called from behind with a smile wide on his lips.

“I…I needed fresh air.” I answered as I turned towards him.

He adjusted the rope of his briefcase strapped on his shoulder. “We got what we wanted, didn't we?”

I sighted Valerie approaching us from the end of the corridor. She had her handbag and three cups of boba tea all snuggled up her arms as she ran towards us.

A laugh crawled out of my throat. “Don't think my best friend is weird, Mr Desmond.”

He laughed too as she reached where we were, stretching the cups to Mr Desmond and me.

“I was a little worried you'd spill it over your dress.” He smiled at her.

God. I hated these two already. Was it just me or did their eyes say something else to me? Why was my lawyer flirting with my best friend?

“I didn't…” she smiled moron-ly (if any word like that ever existed).

God. “I mean it when I say I'll be available if you ever decide to throw a wedding party. Whether it's by the beachside or on a farmland—”

“Shut up, Stella.” She rolled her eyes playfully. “Desmond and I are just friends.” She said like she always had.

I nodded with a wide, teasing smile, turning my face, but right in the parking lot, Dylan was being escorted to the prison van in handcuffs.

All three of us saw it. That was proof of our victory. Valerie's hand rubbed my shoulder softly. She was probably expecting me to cry but I'd be a fool to be emotional for him.

Watching him walk away didn't hurt. The only thing that made my chest ache was the thought of my baby. I'd already imagined being called ‘mommy.’

“He's not going forever. I'm sure you all know that.” A masculine voice broke into our quiet moment from behind.

Taylor.

I faced him with a small composed smile on my lips. “At least, I know he got everything he deserved,” I said, folding my arms.

Taylor leaned against a pillar behind him. For someone whose partner was heading straight to jail, he looked way too composed and reserved.

I purposely didn't press charges against Dylan for other things. I only wanted revenge for the things that concerned me directly.

“I take it that you've just crossed a line, Stella. He paid for you and in return—”

“And I won't let you talk to her like that while I'm present, moron.” Valerie snapped. “None of you both combined ever deserved her.”

Taylor stepped closer, wearing this wide smirk on his face. “And one more word from you might push me to have your name in my black book.”

“You're only pained that you're a stupid, wretched loser whose only means of living depends on another loser!” She sneered her nasty words in his face.

Taylor watched her for a while. His smirk widened into an amused smile and then he crossed his arms. “Want me to prove it to you, blondie?”

“Get your serial losing ass away from here before I call the security on you!” She shoved her hands right against his chest, pushing him away.

I glanced over my shoulder, and Desmond was there, looking Taylor eye-to-eye like a wild animal waiting for the best timing to snap.

My stomach knitted as I watched him walk away with his ever-present unbruised confidence.

The three of us headed to a nice eatery and had brunch before we went to our separate homes.

I didn't have a home because my parents stated several times after my miscarriage that if I divorced Dylan, they would no longer be my parents.

I'd rented a one-bedroom apartment in an estate no one around me lived in. At least, I'd meet new people and start life again.

The plan would work…. as long as I didn't let anyone else control my life for me.

Before driving into my apartment, I got a text from Rhys. He asked where I was headed and I lied, telling him I needed to be in a meeting.

Somehow, one of the people I was supposed to stay very far from was the exact person that'd shown up everywhere I never expected.

And speaking of places, I never expected to see him standing in front of an apartment only Valerie and I knew about, with a bouquet of white roses in his hand.

“How did you find me?” I whispered, bringing down the phone from my ear.

He brought his phone down to his mouth with a knowing smile. “I guess you have a meeting now, Miss.” He smiled.

I should've been embarrassed, but I wasn't. Some things between Rhys and me were starting to get complicated… no, not complicated. They just weren't right and this was proof.

My ex-husband's stepbrother bringing me flowers was totally absurd for anyone with a sane mind and here I was with a fluttering heart as he stretched the bouquet.

I didn't like Rhys. Not after the shit I was just pulling out of… but seeing him as an active supporter every damn time was starting to make me imagine things.

“Thank you.” I smiled, tears welling in my eyes. “How did you know?”

I was expecting him to ask what I meant, but he answered. “Valerie told me white scented roses are your favorite and since I couldn't show up to support you, I'm doing it with flowers.”

For one reckless second, I wanted to wrap my arms around him tight. But I didn't. Before anything else, Rhys was still Dylan's step-brother.

“Thank you,” I whispered, nodding quietly as I collected it from him. “How did you find this place?” I chuckled, inputting the pin to unlock my door.

“Moving from one apartment to the other wouldn't stop someone from worrying about you, you know.”

I didn't step inside yet. Instead, I turned towards him, glaring.

“Relax, Stella.” His smile tightened. “Valerie told me, and I'm not a stalker…at least not today.”

He hadn't said anything funny, but I laughed.

“Welcome to my mini abode.” I smiled, walking to the dining table so I could drop the flowers.

My phone beeped in my pocket, and from the different ringtone, I knew it was Valerie. She'd nag the life out of me later, but for now, I couldn't let her tease me a million times for whatever ‘chemistry’ she'd claimed to be seeing between Rhys and me.

Rhys—my ex’s husband's stepbrother and I being this close was one of the things I never expected… yet, it happened.

“Please feel at home while I get you something.” With that, he grabbed the remote and turned on the television.

“You're so weird.” I raised my eyes to see the news displayed on the TV screen.

“No. Look, Stella…” Rhys drew my attention when I almost laughed. In fact, I already laughed, but I held it back when I saw my Father's face on the TV screen with a headline attached to it.

MARCUS SCOTT PUBLICLY DISOWNS STELLA SCOTT FOR LYING AND FRAMING HER HUSBAND, DYLAN LINDSEY.