CHAPTER 268

Elijah’s POV

I sat in the courtroom, the air heavy with the murmur of spectators and the tension of the day’s proceedings. Chris was beside me, fidgeting nervously. He leaned in close, trying to whisper and yet be heard above the ambient noise.

“Julia promised she’d tell the truth today,” he said, a faint note of hope in his tone.

I nodded, though I couldn’t muster any optimism. My trust in Julia was long gone, eroded by countless betrayals. I expected nothing from her. The bitterness had set in so deep that even the prospect of justice couldn’t stir much excitement within me.

She had betrayed me so damn hard. I was so stupid for believing her, and for almost marrying her. Twice.

I couldn’t help but hate myself for this, for being fooled by her. And it made me despise her even more.

As the court clerk began calling for order, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I discreetly pulled it out, glancing at the screen. The message was from Trevis: Sophia went to the office looking for you. She t