LOGINDANTE Weston stood with a folder in his hand. Beside me, Oliviaâs fingers were twitching again and I didnât have to look at her to feel the nerves rolling off her. For all I knew, sheâd already decided her fate was sealed and Dominicâs lies had done their job too well. Her gaze kept darting between the jury box and Weston, like she was searching for a sign to tell her this wasnât over yet. I could guess the questions running through her head. What could Weston possibly say now? What could possibly undo the story Dominic told? Everyone in that room believed she had attacked him. To them, it was clear-cut and unprovoked. But Olivia knew the truth, and I did too. It wasnât as simple as they thought. It wasnât even close to the version Dominic was selling. Heâd painted himself as a helpless saint who was abused. And the worst part? The blood and the bandage on his head could convince the jury. Weston cleared his throat. âYour Honor, before I proceed with cross-ex
OLIVIA Everyone pushed back from their seats and stood. My knees wobbled as I rose, my palms slick against the polished wood in front of me. The judge entered wearing a black robe, his expression unreadable, and he took his seat. He set the gavel down with care and gave a single nod. âYou may be seated.â A hush fell as everyone lowered themselves back into place. I sank onto the bench, my stomach twisting so hard I thought I might be sick or worse, need to bolt for the restroom. I pressed a hand on my stomach, trying to stop the sickness from getting worse, but it only made me more aware of how bad it felt. Across the aisle, Dominicâs lawyers straightened their files, and they looked ready to strike. On our side, Mr. Weston leaned forward, rearranging his notes and even though I couldnât see his face from behind, the way his shoulders tensed said enough. Marcelle sat still, his hands folded while he radiated calmness. âWe are here for the matter of State of New
OLIVIA The last time I was this scared was at Lustra, when Dominic reminded me of the prenup and threatened to ruin my life if I ever tried to leave him. Back then, I thought nothing could hurt more than that. But now, as the car rolled closer to the courthouse, all I could think about was facing him again. Sitting there while the cameras flashed and the world watched every breath I took. Iâd spent days preparing myself for this day, but I still wasnât ready for it. This time, I wasnât losing quietly. This time, I was going to face him in front of a judge and I could go to jail. I stole a glance at Dante beside me. He had one leg crossed, his hand resting casually on his laps and he looked like we were headed to brunch, not a trial that could decide my future. Nothing ever seemed to shake him, and I wouldnât lieâI sometimes hated that about him. I clenched my hands in my lap and he noticed, but didnât say anything. He probably believed everything would work out, just l
DOMINIC âAre you sure she wonât just get probation?â I asked, leaning forward in my chair. Walter, my lawyer nodded. âIâm sure. Itâs aggravated assault, and there were multiple witnesses. Itâll be nearly impossible for her to walk away from this.â âI want her to get at least two years in jail,â I said, keeping my eyes fixed on him. He smiled faintly. âShe will. Everything will be handled exactly the way you want.â I exhaled slowly and leaned back, the leather creaking under me. My head throbbed beneath the bandage, and I rubbed it gently. The damn thing still hurt, like it was split open and stitched back. âI didnât expect her to attack me like that,â I muttered. âShe mustâve felt guilty for what she did, and instead of owning up to it, she resorted to violence. I mean, what was she thinking?â Walter let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. âThinking? I doubt there was much of that involved.â His smirk lingered as he gathered his files. âYou should get some rest. Iâ
DANTE The rest of the drive was quiet but she kept glancing my way like she had a thousand more questions but knew better than to ask. When we reached the office, she climbed out before I even cut the engine, her heels clicking impatiently on the pavement. I pushed open the door to my office, gestured toward the chair across from mine, and waited until she sat down. She fidgeted the whole time, crossing and uncrossing her legs like she couldnât sit still. Then I picked up the phone and called Weston. âIâm at the office,â I said when he answered. âCome now.â âOn my wââ I hung up before he could finish. Before I could even set the phone down, Lilian leaned forward, her words tumbling out fast. âHow good is this lawyer? Do you think he can win the case? Will he really help her?â I leaned back and nodded. âHeâs really good. Let me handle this.â She nodded, but the side-eye she threw me said enough. I ignored it, and reached for the files on my desk. She could do w
DANTE I sat on the edge of the couch, elbows on my knees, and watching Olivia pace across the space. Her bare feet dragged with every step, her fingers buried in her hair. âThis canât be happening,â she muttered, louder each time. âThis is notââ She spun around and started pacing the other way. I shifted, my shoulders tight. Watching her move like that made me feel uneasy. âOlivia, can you stop for a second?â She froze, her eyes wide and wet. âHow can I stop?â She almost screamed. âHe sued me, Dante! He actually sued me!â I exhaled and set my cup down. âPacing wonât fix it. Youâre just making yourself crazy and honestly, youâre making me nervous.â She stared at me, her face pale. âYou donât understand,â she whispered. âI could go to jail, Dante. Jail. Do you hear me?â Her voice rose again, shaking. âDominic wouldnât just sue me, heâd make sure Iâm locked up.â If it wasnât for her cute face, I mightâve been annoyed by how much she exaggerated her ex-husband. I lifted







