In the year they had known each other, Victor had never given her a reason to doubt. He was an open book with no secrets, no double lives.
The trial of Ethan Ortega and their accompllices was widely covered by the media. They called it the case of the century and a victory for justice. Emily attended all the sessions as a victim and witness.
It was painful to see Ethan again, but it was necessary. That story had to be put to rest.
Ethan looked terrible. He had lost weight, gone gray. His eyes had lost their sparkle. There was nothing left of the arrogant lawyer.
In his testimony, he tried to justify himself several times. “I did not want to hurt my wife. I was confused. I was influenced.”
“Influenced by whom?” the prosecutor asked by Ortega. “He forced me to join the scheme. He threatened me.”
“And the attempted murder of your wife, did he force you to do that, too?”
“I was not going to kill her. They were just words.”
“We have text messages with the hitmen. You paid a down payment of $100,000.”
Ethan was silent. There was no point in justifying himself. The evidence was overwhelming.
Ortega was more dignified. He did not justify himself. Did not blame anyone. He remained silent or answered in monosyllables.
“Do you admit your guilt?” the judge asked partially.
“In what exactly? Incorruption. The rest let the court decide.”
The trial lasted three months. During that time, dozens of witnesses were questioned. Hundreds of documents were reviewed.
The sentence was harsh. Nicholas Ortega was sentenced to life in prison. Ethan Hayes to 31 years in prison. Pamela to 3 years.
Leaving the courthouse, Emily felt relieved. Finally, the story was over. Ethan would no longer cheat, steal, or betray.
Outside, Victor was waiting for her with Noah.
“How did it go?” Victor asked, hugging his wife.
“It is over. He got 31 years.”
“That is a long time.”
“It is fair. For such a crime and a murder plot, it should be more.”
“And how do you feel?”
Emily thought about it. What did she really feel? Joy, satisfaction, pity for her ex-husband.
“Peace,” she finally replied. “Justice has been served. Now we can move on.”
In the evening at home, they celebrated the end of the trial. A simple family celebration. They toasted with a glass of red wine to the new life. In just over a year, everything had changed.