She was not looking for revenge.
She wanted to be safe.
She wanted the court to understand that the man everyone admired was not the man she knew.
Most of all, she wanted to stop living as if telling the truth were the most dangerous thing she could do.
4. The Day They Faced Each Other
The courtroom was crowded when Grace arrived.
Nathan had come wearing a charcoal suit, a crisp white shirt, and an expression of quiet confidence.
He greeted his lawyer, shook hands with an acquaintance near the entrance, and took his seat as if he were attending an ordinary business meeting.
Grace entered a few minutes later.
She wore a dark, high-necked blouse with long sleeves, black trousers, and simple shoes.
Her hair was tied back.
She carried a small folder against her chest.
There was nothing dramatic about her appearance. She did not want to draw attention to herself before she had the chance to speak.
But the blouse served another purpose.
Beneath its fabric were injuries she had spent days trying to conceal.
Her collarbone was still painful. Dark bruising extended across the upper part of her chest, and another bruise marked her arm.
She had considered wearing a lower neckline that morning.
Then she imagined Nathan looking at her and smirking.
She imagined his lawyer asking why she wanted the court to see her injuries.
She imagined the room judging her.
So she chose the high-necked blouse and reminded herself that she did not owe anyone a performance.
Rebecca sat beside her.
“You don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with,” her lawyer whispered. “If you decide to show the judge the injuries, we’ll ask permission and proceed appropriately. You can also rely on the photographs and medical records.”
Grace nodded.
Across the aisle, Nathan glanced at her.
