“Remember,” Damian said quietly, “you’re not alone up there. If you need a moment, ask for it. The judge will grant reasonable requests.”
I nodded, unable to form words as the bailiff called the court to order. Judge Patterson entered, his stern face revealing nothing as he took his seat and surveyed the courtroom.
“All rise for the Honorable Judge Robert Patterson, presiding.”
I stood on shaky legs, acutely aware of Marcus and Blackwood entering and taking their places at the opposite table. I kept my eyes fixed on the judge, refusing to acknowledge Marcus’s presence.
After the formalities, Judge Patterson looked between the two tables. “We’re here for case number 2025-CV-4875, Lajeunesse versus Delaney. Are both parties ready to proceed?”
“Yes, Your Honour,” Damian and Blackwood answered in unison.
“Very well. Opening statements. Mr. Richards, you may begin.”
Damian rose, buttoning his suit jacket with a single fluid motion. He moved to stand before the judge, his posture relaxed but commanding.
“Your Honour, this case is about power and its abuse.” His voice filled the courtroom without seeming to rise. “It’s about how Marcus Delaney, a wealthy, respected member of our community, used his position and influence to methodically isolate, control, and ultimately assault a young artist who had the misfortune of catching his attention.”
Damian turned slightly, including the entire courtroom in his address.
“Over the course of this trial, we will present evidence that Mr. Delaney engaged in a calculated pattern of abuse against my client, Alex Lajeunesse. This abuse began with psychological manipulation and escalated to physical violence that sent Mr. Lajeunesse to the emergency room with broken ribs, internal bleeding, and injuries consistent with sexual assault.”
I stared at my hands on the table, feeling the weight of eyes on me. Damian continued, his voice steady and measured.
“We will show how Mr. Delaney used his financial resources to control every aspect of Mr. Lajeunesse’s life—from where he lived to where he worked, from what he wore to whom he could speak with. We will demonstrate how Mr. Delaney deliberately cut Mr. Lajeunesse off from friends, colleagues, and professional opportunities, creating a prison of dependency.”
Damian paused, allowing his words to settle in the courtroom.
“Most disturbing of all, we will present evidence that even after Mr. Lajeunesse fled this abusive relationship, Mr. Delaney has continued to harass and threaten him—using my client’s beloved pet as leverage and his considerable influence to interfere with legal proceedings.”
He turned back to face the judge directly.
“Your Honour, domestic violence hides behind closed doors. It thrives in silence and shame. Today, we break that silence. Today, we ask this court to recognize that wealth and social standing do not place anyone above the law, and that every person deserves protection from abuse, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.”
Damian returned to our table, his hand briefly touching my shoulder as he sat.
“Mr. Blackwood,” Judge Patterson said, “your opening statement.”
Edward Blackwood rose with practiced ease, his expensive suit and silver hair creating an elder statesman appearance. His voice, when he spoke, carried the polished cadence of someone accustomed to deference.
“Your Honour, this case is indeed about truth, but not the version Mr. Richards has presented.” He smiled benignly at the courtroom. “This is, regrettably, a case about opportunism and ingratitude.”
My stomach clenched as Blackwood gestured toward Marcus, who sat with an expression of pained concern.
“Marcus Delaney is a pillar of our community. His charitable foundation has funded hospitals, arts programs, and domestic violence shelters. He sits on the boards of five non-profit organizations. He has, by all accounts, lived an exemplary life dedicated to public service.”
Blackwood’s voice hardened slightly.
“Three years ago, Mr. Delaney met Alex Lajeunesse, a struggling young artist working at a gallery. Moved by Mr. Lajeunesse’s talent and difficult circumstances, Mr. Delaney offered mentorship, support, and eventually, his heart.”
I dug my fingernails into my palms, fighting the urge to shout denials.
“The evidence will show that far from being abused, Mr. Lajeunesse enjoyed substantial benefits from this relationship—living in Mr. Delaney’s home, receiving financial support, introductions to influential art world figures, and access to opportunities he could never have secured on his own.”
Blackwood shook his head with practiced regret.
“Unfortunately, when Mr. Delaney began to question certain behaviours—unexplained absences, concerning communications with unknown parties, suspicious spending patterns—the relationship deteriorated. Rather than addressing these legitimate concerns, Mr. Lajeunesse chose to flee and fabricate allegations of abuse.”
He turned to look directly at me, his eyes cold despite his sympathetic expression.
