“All right, it’s about time. Let’s go in,” Lydia said with a soft sigh. She felt pessimistic about today’s case, convinced that Dominic’s chances of winning were slim.
Dominic nodded and entered the courthouse with her.
It was 10:00 a.m. The courtroom was quiet, with only a small audience present. Aside from the parties involved, only James and a few others had come to observe.
The atmosphere felt oppressive.
Dominic and Isabella took their seats on opposite sides.
After a brief interval, the court verified the identities of both parties. The judge then tapped the gavel and read the courtroom rules in accordance with procedure.
Isabella did not listen. Her gaze remained fixed on Dominic. ‘Honey, I will not get a divorce.
“Next, the plaintiff,” the judge said. “Please state the reasons and evidence for the divorce lawsuit.”
All eyes turned to Dominic.
Lydia started to rise, but Dominic lifted a hand to stop her. “I’ll do it.”
He cleared his throat and spoke in a steady voice. “Your Honor, the relationship between Isabella and me has already broken down. Over the past three months, we have argued repeatedly over trivial matters. During this time, Isabella has shown signs of infidelity by repeatedly crossing boundaries with other men beyond what friendship allows. This kind of life has become torturous for both of us. For these reasons, I am requesting a divorce.”
Isabella’s eyes reddened as she listened. She stood and replied emotionally, “What he’s saying isn’t true! My husband and I have not broken up. I… I made a small mistake, but that is not grounds for divorce. I have not been unfaithful.
“Our eight–year relationship, and our daughter who isn’t even seven yet, cannot be torn apart over this. A divorce for such reasons is irresponsible to our family and to our daughter!”
“Quiet,” the judge said, striking the gavel without expression. “It is not yet time for the defendant’s response.”
Lydia’s heart sank. She leaned toward Dominic and whispered, “Something’s wrong. Normally, the judge would have stopped your wife as soon as she spoke.”
Dominic nodded. He understood now. Isabella must have used connections to influence the judge.
The judge continued, “Defendant, do you have any evidence to submit?”
Lydia stood. “Your Honor, my client, Dominic Fleming, has done everything possible over the past three months to preserve the marriage. However, the conflict between the two parties is irreconcilable and extends beyond ordinary marital disputes.
“A third party has been involved, effectively destroying the foundation of the marriage. Forcing them to remain together would benefit no one. We would like to submit the following evidence.”
She presented a series of materials: a video of Isabella and Alexander drinking together, the staged hospital ‘gitlttiend‘ incident, Alexander’s unusually rapid promotion within the company, and the 70,000 dollar bonus Isabella had given him, among other items.
The judge accepted the materials and reviewed them carefully for a moment.
He then said, “Defendant, please respond to the plaintiff’s statement.”
Isabella’s lawyer was about to speak, but Isabella stood first.
Chapter 158
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Her voice trembled with emotion. “During this period, I admit that my husband and I had conflicts, but those conflicts are absolutely not sufficient grounds for divorce. I swear to God that I have not been unfaithful. I love my family, my husband, and my daughter deeply. I recognize my mistakes and have already made changes. I ask the court to give us another chance.
“Furthermore, in order to protect this marriage, I am willing to transfer all my assets to my husband unconditionally, including all my savings and all my shares in the Belladom Group.”
The courtroom fell into stunned silence.
James frowned.
Yvonne whispered in disbelief, “Has Isabella lost her mind?”
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