Cassian’s defense countered with patronizing smiles. His lawyer claimed her accusations showed signs of “pregnancy induced emotional distortion,” which made Sabine smirk openly. Each time Marina’s name was mentioned, Sabine leaned toward Cassian and muttered insults that were barely audible. Even the defense attorney looked uncomfortable.
The atmosphere cracked when the topic of Cassian and Sabine’s affair surfaced. Sabine abruptly stood, slamming both hands on the table.
“That is ridiculous! She lies because she wants attention!”
Judge Callister raised his voice sharply. “You will sit down at once.”
Sabine’s cheeks flushed with rage. Instead of complying, she took several furious steps toward Marina. Security officers shouted for her to stop. She did not listen. Her heel connected violently with Marina’s abdomen.
Marina screamed so loudly that the walls seemed to vibrate. She collapsed to the floor, her arms instinctively shielding her stomach. A dark stain formed beneath her. Panic exploded across the courtroom. Journalists shouted above the chaos. Officers restrained Sabine as Cassian shouted incomprehensibly.
“Call emergency services immediately!” Judge Callister commanded, his face pale.
As paramedics lifted Marina onto a stretcher, Judge Callister noticed something around her neck. A pendant. Simple. Familiar. Familiar in a way that sent a cold shiver through him.
He knew that pendant. He had not seen it in more than three decades.
Marina awoke in a warm but sterile room at Saint Clarion Hospital. Machines beeped softly beside her. The fetal monitor flickered with signs that were not as stable as they should have been. Her body ached everywhere, but fear overwhelmed all physical pain.
Her phone buzzed constantly with messages. She read only one: a smear released by Cassian’s media team, claiming she had simply tripped and exaggerated the situation. The comments beneath were filled with cruel attacks. She set the phone aside as tears pricked her eyes.
Hours passed before the door finally opened. Judge Callister stepped inside, not with the air of a judge, but of someone deeply troubled. His posture held hesitation and yearning all at once.
“I am not here in an official capacity,” he began gently. “I came because I believe that perhaps… there is a connection between us that neither of us expected.”
Marina blinked. “What do you mean?”