Kevin goes back to his seat, and my lawyer calls me to the stand. My pulse hammers, but when he begins asking me the same questions he asked Kevin, the answers come easily.
Because I know them all.
Every detail. Every memory. Every piece of Mia’s world.
Kevin’s lawyer approaches, and my hands curl into fists beneath the table.
“Miss Montgomery,” she begins, her voice dripping with false politeness,“is it true you’re dating Mr. Ethan Hawthorne?”
I swallow.“I am.”
“And how long have you known Mr. Hawthorne?”
“I met him in September.”
Kevin’s lawyer nods as if this is exactly what she wanted to hear.“And when did you start dating?”
I look at Ethan. He gives me the softest nod, steady, reassuring.
“Since early December,” I say.
“And is it true you’re already living together?” the lawyer smirks.
“We moved in with Ethan the day before Christmas,” I answer evenly.
“Isn’t that a little soon? Just one month into dating? Putting Mia in a new home like that?”
“Objection!” my lawyer snaps.
“Sustained.” Judge Hale rubs his temple, annoyance clear.“Get on with it.”
Kevin’s lawyer bows her head, but her smile stays sharp.
“Is it true that your boyfriend hit Mr. Kevin Masters when he came by to see Mia?” she asks, triumph lighting her eyes.
“Objection!” my lawyer shouts.
“Overruled.”
The judge turns to me.“Answer the question, Miss Montgomery.”
My stomach twists.
“Kevin was hurting me and…”
“No,” the lawyer interrupts, smirking.“I asked you a simple yes or no question. Did Mr. Hawthorne hit Mr. Masters?”
I feel myself wilt.
Defeated.
“He did.”
My lawyer is on his feet instantly.“Your Honor, I have another question for my client.”
Judge Hale nods.“Proceed.”
He steps closer, voice firm but gentle.“What happened the day Mr. Masters came by your workplace?”
