Chapter 1 - The Ultrasound on the Table
Adrian Vale placed the ultrasound photo on the courtroom table like it was a weapon.
The paper slid across the polished wood and stopped inches from Naomi’s hand. She did not touch it. She only looked at the blurred black-and-white image, then at the woman standing behind her husband with one hand resting proudly over the curve of her pregnant belly.
Celeste Warren wore a cream maternity dress and nude heels, her glossy brunette hair falling neatly over one shoulder. She looked nervous, but not ashamed. That was the part Naomi noticed first. Celeste had come to court dressed as proof. As replacement. As the future Adrian wanted everyone to see.
Adrian turned slightly so the gallery could hear him.
“This is the real heir.”
A murmur moved through the courtroom.
Naomi felt heat rise into her face, but she kept her hands folded in her lap. She had promised herself she would not break in front of him. Not after the affair. Not after the financial lies. Not after six years of marriage reduced to a public performance in a divorce hearing.
Adrian had always loved an audience. In business, in restaurants, at charity galas, even in their own living room, he became crueler when people watched because attention made him feel untouchable.
The judge looked over his glasses. “Mr. Vale, this court will not tolerate theatrics.”
Adrian smiled as if he had been gently complimented.
“My apologies, Your Honor. I only want the record to reflect why my family estate should not be divided based on outdated assumptions.”
Outdated assumptions.
That was what he called Naomi now. The wife who had helped him build his public image, hosted dinners for investors, covered for his temper, and stayed through years of failed fertility treatments while he privately blamed her body for their silence.
Naomi looked at Celeste again.
Celeste’s smile tightened.
It was small, almost invisible, but Naomi caught it.
Fear hiding behind victory.
Then Dr. Samuel Levin rose near the witness stand, holding a sealed medical folder.
The courtroom settled.
Adrian kept his chin lifted, confident enough not to understand that the room had shifted.
Dr. Levin looked at the judge.
“Your Honor, the test results do not support Mr. Vale’s claim.”
May you like
Celeste’s fingers curled into the fabric of her dress.
Naomi noticed before anyone else did.
