Blackmailing His Runaway Bride by Dance-is-me (carter reed .txt) 📗

Thirty Five

"What?" The Presiding Judge who hadn't spoken a word in a while looked startled.

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 felt heavier. That was one memory that caused a deep ache to rest in the depths of her heart.

"Miscarriage?" the interrogator asked, his voice carrying some sort of uncertainty.

Without a word, Mr. Richard's hand came onto Isabella's to offer his little support. While Isabella knew that her lawyer would have questions for her, 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." As Dr. Jones replied, the atmosphere became heavier with emotion. "I still remember that day clearly. Isabella was strong enough to help herself into the hospital. Even though she had lost lots of blood, she remained strong.

But then, she was silent. If people hadn't noticed the bloodstains on her gown, I don't think she would have been able to call attention to herself." A shuddering breath came from the man whose brows kept jerking out of habit. "Anyway, after we ran some tests, we found out that she had suffered a miscarriage."

"Did she eventually tell you what happened?"

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 "Contrary to how lively she used to be, after that incident, became gloomy and very withdrawn."

"What do you think that could imply?" 

Still glued to her seat, Isabella was on the verge of crying. That particular moment was a deadly trip to the past and it made her heart ache.

"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 in her marriage.

"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 "No. Like I said earlier, she was very withdrawn and it almost seemed like she had given up.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 silently apologize again.

"What happened recently?"

"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. And if he had realized that the battle is not his to win. For years he had her suffering but not anymore.

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

"Were the cops informed about this?"

"I did try to talk Isabella into speaking with the cops but she never read my texts or answered my calls to date. I tried to contact her father as well, but that was an attempt that yielded no results."

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."

Once the doctor was out of the room, the trial continued.

"Mr. Manifold..." The Presiding 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 and said instead, "Before we commence. Does Mr. Manifold's side have any other witnesses? I see there was only one witness listed for the hearing."

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

"Well then..." Her head swerved in Isabella's direction. "Mrs. Manifold's side?" 

Attorney Richard responded swiftly, "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 more emotions as Mrs. Rosafield's statement punched the atmosphere damn well.

Her words revealed how awkward and stiff the couple was with each other. It revealed the numerous parties Gabriel had when his wife wasn't around. The woman didn't leave out a detailed description of the model-like women who frequented their house either.

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

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

Isabella could somewhat sense a kind of sarcasm in her voice. She could tell the Judge couldn't help but be a woman at that instant. Certainly, all she had heard so far 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 plaintiff 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 were 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 add?"

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

"Very well then, let's stop here for today. This hearing is adjourned till the thirtieth. The verdict will be given on that day. Till then, stay safe."

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