Richard suggested that she had exaggerated her injuries.
“Mrs. Miller, you are wearing a high-necked blouse today. You have told the court that you suffered bruising around your collarbone. But we have not yet seen those injuries in this courtroom.”
Grace looked at Rebecca.
Her lawyer rose.
“Your Honor, my client has photographs and medical documentation. If the court considers it appropriate, she can demonstrate the location of the injury without exposing more than necessary.”
Judge Collins looked at Grace.
“Mrs. Miller, you are not required to expose your body to prove your case. The court can review properly submitted photographs and medical records. Would you prefer to proceed with those?”
Grace swallowed.
She had thought about this moment every night since leaving Nathan.
She knew that photographs could document what happened. She also knew how easily a picture could be dismissed as something taken out of context.
She wanted the judge to understand what she had been hiding—not because she wanted to shock anyone, but because she was tired of being asked to explain away the evidence written across her own body.
“If the court permits it, Your Honor,” Grace said, “I would like to show you where the injury is. I can keep the rest of my clothing in place.”
Judge Collins considered her request.
“Proceed only to the extent necessary. You may stop at any time.”
Grace took a breath.
With one trembling hand, she carefully moved the neckline of her blouse aside just enough to expose the upper edge of her collarbone.
The room went silent.
Dark bruising spread across the area near her shoulder. The skin was discolored, and the outline of the injury was unmistakable.
Grace did not pull her blouse any farther.
She simply stood there.
No speech.
No accusation.
Just the evidence she had hidden beneath her clothes.
