“Honestly, we don’t know. In every aspect, Mr. Joshi is superior. Our conclusion is he’s either lied to her, somehow brainwashed her, or threatened his way into her life.” Sam’s lawyer said smoothly.
Judge Walker turned the floor back to Sophia.
“I’d like to ask Ms. Shah to speak to the lack of a contract and then hear from both her and Mr. Caldwell as to why they’re together,” Sophia stated.
“Your Honor, is that really necessary? She’s confused, and he’ll lie,” Sam’s lawyer objected.
“Mr. Forsythe, your client and his friend were permitted to testify. The same courtesy will be extended to Ms. Shah and Mr. Caldwell,” Judge Walker stated. Forsythe shut up.
“Ms. Shah, you denied there was ever any contract between you and Mr. Joshi, either verbal or written. Did your brother, Arish, or your dad, Savar, speak to you before that dinner about marriage?” Sophia asked me.
“No, they did not. I had no idea Sameer was going to be there that night or who he even was until after I walked in and found him there.”
“Is an arranged marriage something you would ever consider?” Sophia asked.
“No. Some do them, but I have no intention of marrying for any reason other than love,” I said firmly.
“Did you have feelings of love for Mr. Joshi?” my lawyer asked next.
“No, I did not. Yes, I found him funny, and we had good talks on the few occasions we had coffee or a meal, but no more.”
“Did you sleep with Mr. Joshi?” Sophia asked.
“No, I did not. He and I never even kissed.”
“Tell us, how do you feel about Mr. Caldwell?” The judge asked this one.
I looked at Reign. I never took my eyes off him as I answered. I knew he saw love staring back at him.
“Reign Caldwell has made me feel so many emotions, and they’re more intense than any I’ve ever felt for a man in my life.He’s everything I want and need. As crazy as it might sound, it was love at first sight.”
“Has there been any talk of marriage?” Sophia asked.
“Yes, there has. We’re waiting for this to be resolved, but we’re living together. And we know our future will include children,” I concluded.
My answers caused Sam and his supporters to mutter and become restless. There were a few more things asked of me, then Sophia asked Reign to come up. She had only one question for him.
“Mr. Caldwell, is there anything that constitutes a contract of marriage between you and Ms. Shah?”
“Yes, there is. I have changed my will to make her my sole beneficiary. My properties, investments, all assets, and even my medical and legal powers of attorney have been conveyed to her. I have copies here if you’d like to see them. These changes were done to prepare for our marriage.”
A thick folder of documents was given to Sophia, who passed them along to the judge. Judge Walker took her time flipping through them. When she was done, she made an announcement.
“I believe I have what I need. We’ll be in recess, then I’ll give you my verdict on whether there is any basis for this lawsuit. The court is dismissed for one hour.”
The next hour passed in a haze for me. There was talking, but I couldn’t concentrate. We stayed well away from Sam and the rest of my family. Finally, it was time. We all waited for Judge Walker to declare there was no basis for the lawsuit. Would it become a full-blown court hearing?
“I’ve considered all the testimony and the evidence that was presented. And it’s my legal judgment regarding the alleged breach of a marriage contract: there was not one. There wasnever an agreement, verbal or written, between Mr. Sameer Joshi and Ms. Anastasia Shah. This case is dismissed.”
My relief was so intense I heard nothing else she said, though the judge continued. When she was finished and left the bench, hands were shaken, backs slapped, and more, while I was held in Reign’s arms. Eventually, we exited the courtroom. It was in the hallway that the confrontation occurred. Arish, Dad, my brothers-in-law, and Sam marched up to us. They were scowling.
“You’re ruining your life, Stasia. Leave that man and come home,” Dad demanded.
“Sam is willing to take you back,” Arish added.
“Don’t come crying to us when he leaves you,” Rahul snapped.
“Those fake-ass papers in there might’ve fooled Judge Walker, but we know they’re not real. You’ve just made things worse for yourself,” Harish said.
