Chapter 4: The Trial
Chapter 4: The Trial
Six months later, the courtroom was filled.
Victor wore a suit instead of arrogance.
Helena avoided my eyes.
Raúl stared at the floor.
Nora had accepted a plea agreement after agreeing to testify truthfully.
When I entered carrying my newborn daughter, every head turned.
The prosecutor played the kitchen recording.
No dramatic speeches were needed.
The jury watched.
They listened.
They heard every insult.
Every laugh.
Every strike.
Victor's attorney argued that emotions had escalated.
That stress caused poor decisions.
Then the prosecutor displayed the text messages.
Weeks of threats.
Months of control.
Years of abuse.
It wasn't one terrible morning.
It was a pattern.
When I testified, I didn't speak with anger.
"I stayed because I believed surviving another day meant protecting my child."
"I finally left because I realized surviving wasn't enough."
After only three hours of deliberation, the jury returned.
"Guilty."
On every felony count.
Victor looked toward me one last time.
I didn't look away.
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But I also felt nothing.
His control over my life ended the moment the verdict was read.
