"What?" the Judge who hadn't spoken a word in a while, asked.

Isabella's eyes shut and her head ducked. As her mind replayed the events that led to her losing her child at that time, her heart became even heavier.


"Miscarriage?" the man's deep questioning voice asked almost uncertainly.

As Mr. Richard's hand came onto hers to offer his own little support, her mind instantly went to Charles. There was a time she wanted to tell him about it. But at that moment... her entire being was against the idea.

"Yes." The atmosphere had become heavy with emotion. "That day when she helped herself into the hospital, she was so numb. It was until I noticed bloodstains on her gown and ran tests that I could deduce she had suffered a loss."


"Did she say what happened?"

Dr. Jones shook his head. "Contrary to how lively she used to be, she suddenly became gloomy and very withdrawn."


"What are you trying to imply?"

Isabella was almost crying. It really was like reliving the past all over again.

"Well, I could dare say that ever since she told me she had gotten married, Isabella began to have injuries too frequently. That was suspicious enough, so when she suffered that loss... I knew something had gone wrong."

"And she still never said anything to you despite the questions you asked?"

Dr. Jones shook his head. "No. Like I said earlier, she was very withdrawn and it almost seemed like she had given up. But of recent..." His eyes met Isabella's to apologize again.

"What happened of recent?"

"Well, a couple of weeks ago, she came by the hospital. While I wasn't the one who attended to her, I got a hold of her medical report and what I saw was... terrifying."

"What would that be?" Isabella wondered if Gabriel was still wearing his pride on his face. Or if he has realized that the battle is not his to win. For years he had her suffering but now, she wasn't going to let him do that anymore.

"Well, according to the reports I have provided to the court, Miss Shade happened to have been seriously molested. There were signs seen by the doctor that attended to her and those signs clearly pointed out that she was forced."

The tall man took another look at the paper in front of him and he let out a sigh. Then, his eyes shot into Gabriel's which Isabella still hadn't brought herself to look at. "Dr. Jones. I think that will be all. We have limited time to spend. But thank you for your contribution."

"I am more than glad to be of help to Miss Shade one more time."

"Mr. Manifold..." The Judge's firm voice called the man.

"Yes, your Honour?"

At first it seemed like she wanted to spit something out in anger but she held herself back and said instead, "Does the plaintiff have any other witnesses?"

His attorney got up, still wearing confidence. "No, your Honour."

"Well then..." Her head swerved in Isabella's direction. "The defense?"

"Yes, I would like to call in Mr. Caleb now."

~

After a few more minutes of listening to what Caleb and Mrs. Rosafield had to say, the room fell silent. Actually, it became burdened with a kind of emotion as Mrs. Rosafield's statement punched the atmosphere damn well.

Her words revealed how unfamiliar the couple were around each other. It revealed the numerous parties Gabriel had when his wife wasn't around. She didn't leave out the model-like women who frequented their house either.

Isabella was then more than grateful. And for the first time, she saw some advantage in being a nosy person.

"Mr. Manifold..." The Judge's voice broke the silence. "Quite interesting day it has been, isn't it?"

Isabella could somewhat sense a kind of toxicity in her voice. She could tell the Judge couldn't help but be a woman at that instant. Certainly all she had heard wasn't something fun to her.

"Uh... well, your Honour.... I-"

"Do you have anything to say about the testimonies given today by the witnesses the defense has provided?"

"Uh..." He adjusted uncomfortably and Isabella's eyes finally met his. "I believe the truth will prevail in the end."

"Hmm, I hope it does." Isabella tore her eyes from the man and cursed within her. What does he know about the truth? A cunny, manipulative and monstrous man like him would only know nothing but lies.

Those are his foundation.

"Isabella Shade..." Isabella noticed how the judge didn't call her by her matrimonial title and she loved that.

"Yes, your Honour?"

"Do you have anything to say?"

"No." Not at the moment. When it is all over, she will pour everything out.

"Very well then, let's stop here for today. The hearing is adjourned till the next three days, July thirtieth. Till then, stay safe."

Isabella let out a huge breath as the panel got up and walked out of the room. She could feel it, it was going to be over soon. All of it.

"Isabella..." Mr. Richard tapped her gently. "Shall we leave now?"

"Mr. Richard?" Her eyes met his. "Please I have a thing to beg of you."

"I am all ears." Even he wore a pitiful look and that was more reason for her request.

"Please don't tell Charles about the doctor's statement."

"But he will certainly ask Isabella."

"But I don't want him to know." She almost cried. "Because of me, he has been dealing with so many stuff and I don't want to add to it with the loss I once suffered. I don't want him to share that burden."

"But what if he wants to? Isabella..." His hands clasped her. "I know you mean him well but at this stage, Charles won't mind sharing any of your burden. He is already crazy about you and your request won't stop him from doing or getting what he wants."

Isabella sighed. "Can you just please, try not to tell him for now? I won't be able to face him if you do."

"If that's what you want... fine. Shall we leave now? Charles must be waiting for us."

"Sure," she said.

As they both got up, Gabriel walked over to her. His eyes bearing danger, Isabella just had to take a step back before he could stupidly act out.

"Do you think you are winning already? Uh?" He moved even closer and the offensive stench was more reason for her to walk out of the room. Without a word or even a glance at the bellowing man, she manoeuvred her way out of his sight, her lawyer behind her.