“Objection!” Blackwood was on his feet.
“Withdrawn,” Damian said before the judge could rule. “Mr. Delaney, Alex’s medical records document multiple hospital visits over the past three years—a broken wrist, cracked ribs, a concussion. How do you explain these injuries?”
“Alex was prone to accidents. He was often distracted, careless, and clumsy. And as I’ve mentioned, there were periods where his mental health was precarious, exacerbating these issues.”
“Are you suggesting he injured himself deliberately?”
“I can’t say for certain. I only know I was never the cause of those injuries.”
“Yet each hospital visit occurred after what witnesses described as ‘arguments’ between you. Quite a coincidence, wouldn’t you say?”
“We had disagreements like any couple. They were unrelated to his injuries.”
Damian picked up a document from our table. “Your Honour, I’d like to enter into evidence phone records showing Mr. Delaney sent text messages to Alex’s new number from multiple burner phones after the protective order was issued.”
“Objection!” Blackwood called. “These records weren’t disclosed during discovery.”
“They were obtained only yesterday, Your Honour, when the phone company responded to our subpoena. We provided copies to opposing counsel this morning.”
Judge Patterson frowned but nodded. “I’ll allow it, but counsel should be more timely with evidence in the future.”
“Mr. Delaney,” Damian continued, “these messages include phrases like ‘I know where you are’ and ‘You can’t hide from me.’ How do you explain these if you were simply concerned for Alex’s welfare?”
“I never sent those messages. Anyone could have obtained his number.”
“Yet they came from phones purchased with your credit card.”
For the first time, Marcus’s composure cracked slightly. “That’s impossible. My card must have been stolen or compromised.”
“How unfortunate for you.” Damian’s tone made it clear he didn’t believe a word. “One final question, Mr. Delaney. If you’re so concerned about Alex’s well-being, why have you refused to return his artwork and personal possessions despite court orders?”
“I haven’t refused. His artwork is still in our home—our shared home. He’s welcome to collect it anytime. As for Buster, as I’ve saidrepeatedly, the cat is missing.”
“No further questions, Your Honour.”
As Marcus stepped down, his eyes met mine briefly. Behind the mask of concern, I saw a flash of the cold rage I knew so well—the promise of consequences for my defiance. I held his gaze steadily, refusing to look away first. Something must have shown in my face—a strength he hadn’t anticipated—because he was the one who finally broke eye contact.
Judge Patterson checked the time. “We’ll adjourn for the day. Court will resume tomorrow at 9 AM for closing arguments.”
As people began filing out, I turned to Damian. “He’s lying about everything—Buster, the alibi, all of it.”
“I know,” Damian said quietly. “But we’ve created reasonable doubt about his version of events. The phone records were particularly effective—did you see his reaction?”
I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time since the trial began. Marcus wasn’t invincible. His carefully constructed facade had shown cracks under Damian’s questioning.
As we gathered our things, I caught sight of Marcus conferring intensely with Blackwood near the door. The expression on his face—cold calculation beneath a veneer of dignity—sent a chill through me. He wasn’t finished fighting. Not by a long shot.
But neither was I.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
I SAT BESIDEDamian in the courtroom, my hands trembling slightly as the final day of trial began. After yesterday’s testimony—laying myself bare before strangers, enduring Blackwood’s insinuations—today would determine everything. Closing arguments, then the jury’s decision.
The courtroom filled quickly. I noticed several journalists in the back row, their presence suggesting the case had attracted more attention than I’d realized. The thought made my stomach clench. If Marcus won, my humiliation would be public.
“Remember to breathe,” Sandra whispered, sliding a glass of water toward me.
The bailiff called the court to order, and Judge Patterson entered with his customary stern expression. After the formalities, he turned to the attorneys.
