Judge Collins leaned forward.
Her expression changed.
“Mrs. Miller, you may cover the area now.”
Grace adjusted her blouse and stepped back from the witness stand.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Judge Collins turned toward Nathan.
“Mr. Miller, your counsel has argued that these allegations are exaggerated. Do you have an explanation for the injuries described by your wife and documented in the materials before the court?”
Nathan’s lawyer rose immediately.
“Your Honor, we object to any suggestion that the appearance of an injury alone establishes who caused it.”
The judge nodded.
“That is a fair distinction. The court will consider the injuries alongside the medical records, the testimony, and the other evidence. Mr. Miller, you will have an opportunity to respond.”
Nathan adjusted his tie.
For the first time that morning, he looked uncertain.
7. “She Fell Against the Counter”
Nathan took the stand.
His lawyer asked him to explain what had happened on Thursday evening.
Nathan said the couple had argued about Grace’s plans to visit her sister.
He admitted that the argument had become heated but denied intentionally hurting her.
“She lost her balance,” he said. “The kitchen was crowded with things on the counter. She turned away from me and struck herself.”
Grace stared at him.
She could hardly believe he was saying it.
The same man who had grabbed her arm was now describing the incident as an accident.
Nathan continued.
“I was worried about her. I offered to take her to a doctor, but she told me she was fine.”
Grace’s lawyer asked whether he had sent the message warning Grace that she would regret telling anyone what happened.
Nathan said he did not remember the exact wording.
Richard objected to the characterization of the message.
Judge Collins asked to review it.
Rebecca submitted the saved communication with the supporting information available to establish its context and authenticity.
