Chapter 9 - THE HEARING
The courtroom was small.
Natalie sat beside Gloria.
Ethan sat across the aisle.
His attorney whispered constantly.
Ethan looked exhausted.
Natalie looked calm.
The judge reviewed the documents.
Messages.
Financial records.
Property deeds.
Travel arrangements.
The emergency order.
Then the judge looked at Ethan.
“Did you send these messages?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tell Mrs. Caldwell to leave the property?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tell her the children would travel with you?”
“Yes.”
“Did you believe you owned the property?”
“Yes.”
The judge raised an eyebrow.
“Did you verify that?”
Ethan paused.
“No.”
Gloria didn't smile.
She didn't need to.
The evidence spoke for itself.
The judge granted Natalie temporary exclusive possession.
The children could remain with her.
Ethan received supervised visitation until the family court could determine a permanent arrangement.
Outside the courtroom, Ethan approached Natalie.
“This isn't over.”
Natalie looked at him.
“No.”
She nodded toward Gloria.
“It isn't.”
Ethan lowered his voice.
“I'll take you down.”
Natalie's eyes hardened.
“You've been trying to do that for nineteen years.”
She stepped closer.
“And you failed.”
Ethan stared at her.
Then Natalie walked away.
May you like
For the first time, he watched his wife leave without following.
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