CHAPTER TWELVE–DISPUTE AT THE COUNTS
Hot, stinging tears spilledower before Jasmine could stop them, her competinally sharing under the immense weight of all the broken dreams, betrayals, and dashed hopes Boeing her path
How could he? How could than so casually discard something toured that had bonded them together once, all in pursuit of his selfish affairs and wounded ago? Was she truly so deed of value to him now that even the manual anguish had last meaning?
Digging the bowls of her palms into her eyes, Jasmine straggled to reign in the sobs wracking her body: She felt utterly unmoed, consumed by a vote of emotions and the profound sense of all she’d lost somewhere in the ruins of her mariage.
Eventually, she would pull herself regether and begin plotting out the next calculated maneuvers in this endess chess match of divatce procending.
For now, though, she allowed herself to drown in the tempestuous rides of grief and righteous indpution over the duplicitous man who had torn away her security and identity.
Ethan wanted to wage war over who had camished their relationship the most in the end? Well, she would show him jest how high the stakes could climb when he recklessly gambled away the heart and dreams of the woman who once cherished him above all l
The courtroom buzzed with an undercuriofisimine sat at the plaintiff’s cable, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched a pen. On the opposite side, Ethan us with hin lawyer, his one–familiar face or a mask of cold detachment. The judge, astern woman with piercing eyes, took her seat and called the court to order.
“The court is now in session. We are here to finalize the divorce proceedings between Jasmine Delacroix and Ethan Delacrats. Let’s begin with the opening statements,” the judge announced, have cutting through the murmur of the countroom
Jasmine’s lawyer, M. Harper, stood up. “Thank you, Your Honer. My diet, Mas. Delacroix, has endured a great deal of emotional trauma due to Mr. Woodridge’s infidelity and subsequear abandment. Today, we seek a fair division of asses and proper spousal support to help her rebuild her life”
Ethan’s Lawyer, Mr. Collins, responded amsethly, “Your Honet, Mr. Woodridge has always been a dedicated professional and a faithful husband until cecent, unfortunate misunderstandings Jedinthe breakdown of their manage. We believe a reasonable settlement can be reached without undue financial burden on Mr. Woodridge
The judge nodded thoughtfully. “Very well Let’s proceed with Max. Delacrata’s testiming.”
Jasmine took the stand, her heart pounding, She glanced at Ethan, who avoided her gaze, and then turned back. Harper
“Jaiminis, can you please describe the events that led to the beakdown of your marriage?” Ms. Harper inked gently.
Jasmine rock a deep breath. “It started with small arguments, but things got worse when I discovered than was having an affair. I overheard him talking to his coworker, Lila, in his office. Heholder that he felt trapped in our marriage and that proposing to me was a mistake.”
The courtroom was silent, one hanging on her every word Jasmine’s voice trembled, but she pressed on. “Hound them in his attion, kissing. It was clear they were more than just
Ms. Harper odded. “And how did this discovery affect you, Jasmine?”
Tears welled up in Jamie’s eyes. “It broke me. I couldn’t believe the man I loved, the man I thought was my soulmate, had betrayed me like that. I felt worthless, like our entire marriage
Ms. Harper placed a comforting hand on a
shuder before turning to the judge. “Your Honor, as you can see, my client has suffered greatly because of Mr. Woodridge’s actions. Wie
believe she deserves a fair selement to help her move award”
Mr. Collins stood and approached Jasmine “Mrs. Delacroix, did you and Mr. Woodridge attempt any of counseling concilation after you discovered the affair
Jasmine shookher head. “No. After what beard, I couldn’t bring myself tory. It was clear to me that Ethan didn’t want to be with me anymore.”
Mr. Collin nodded Thank you Noterther questions.”
Jasmine returned her seat, heart still racing Echock the stand next, his expression unti
* Woodridge, can you tell us your side of the story? Mr. Collinsked
Tihan sighed. “Tes admit I made a mistake. I was unhappy in our marriage, and Ironfided in Lila ter inded for things to as far as they did I didn’t want their Jasmine”
Ms. Harper stood up, her pace piercing “Mr. Woodridge, you say you didn’t want to hurt Jasmine, yet you continued your affair with Lila. How do you reconcile that?
Ethan looked down, avoiding her eyes was confused‘ know how to handle my feelings. But I never stopped caring about Jasmine. I just lost my way.”
“And did your consider how your action would attem Jasmine?” Ms. Hapet pred
Ethan’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I did. And I’m deeply sorry for the pain caused her
Ms. Harper turned to the judge. “Your Honor, while Mr. Woodridge may express regret now, his actions speak louder than his words. He betrayed his wife and broke their vows. We ask for a ta division of assets and appropriate spousal support”
The judge nodded, her expression stern. “I will take everything into–consideration. Vire will reconvene after a short recess.”
Et joined her
Jaumine left the courtroom, her emotions a whirlwind. She stepped outside into the hallway, the cool as a stark contrast to the headersion of the courtroom. M. Harper pently squeezing her shoulder.
“You’redingen, Jasmine Stay strong.” Me Harper said, her voice filled with a quiet confidence that bolstered Jasmine’s resolve.
Jasmine nodded, trying to steady her breathing. “Thank you. I just want this tube over.”
After the recess, the courtroom was called back to order. Jasmine took her seat, herpes darting briefly to than. He looked tear, his jaw set in a right line. There was a new energy in the room, analele anticipation that something significant was about to happen
The Judge–entered, her presence commanding immediate silence. “We will now proceed with the final bestimonies and closing statements,” she announced.
Harper wood and approached the bench. “Your Hor, I would like to call Lila Thompson to the stand.”
A murmur rippled through the casa, the woman at the center of the flair, erantly made her way to the witness stand the looked nervous, her eyes darting around the room before selingan Dhan, who refused to meet het gaze.
“Lils, please state your relationship with My Woodridge,” Ms. Harper began.
La cleaned her throat, her walce shaky. “Twas Ethan‘. We worked together on several projects at Graystone Design
“And how did your relationship progress beyond a professional one?” Ms Harper asked, bet tone sharp,
Lila hesitated, glancing at than see more. “It started with late nights at the allice. We were both stressed, and h
and in just happen
happened. We became close, and one thing led to another.”
Ma Harper nodded, I expression hardening “Did Mr. Woodridger discuss his marriage with you!” Lilledfortably. “Yelde he was unhappy, that he felt trapped. He said he loved jasmine but didn’t feel the same connection they once hall” “Didkeover mention wanting to end his marriage? M. Haier pressed.
Lila’s face paled. “Yes, He said he was thinking about leaving her, but he didn’t know hav
how to do it with causing more pain.”
CHAPTER TWELVE – DISPUTE AT THE COURTS :