The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY novel Chapter 8

The investigation confirmed everything.

Abuse of power. Adultery. Obstruction of justice.

Zane was sentenced to three years.

They took everything. His reputation. His titles. All of it.

Before he was transferred, he had someone reach out.

He wanted to see us. One last time. Just ten minutes.

I hesitated.

Looked at Leo.

Finally nodded.

Leo needed to see this. Needed to understand what kind of man his father really was.

The prison visiting room smelled like disinfectant and stale air.

Zane sat behind the glass, wearing a jumpsuit.

In just one month, his hair had gone gray. Deep lines around his eyes.

He looked small. Defeated.

Nothing like the man I used to know.

For a second, I wondered if that man had ever been real. Or if I’d just been lying to myself all along.

The second he saw me, his eyes filled with tears.

His voice came through the phone, rough and broken.

“Jenna… I messed up. I know I did.”

“I didn’t mean to- I never wanted to hurt you. Or Leo. It’s just… Emily, back in high school, she got expelled because of me, and I- I felt like I owed her. I thought if I could just help her…”

“She was struggling. Single mom. I just wanted to make it right. That’s all. I swear, I don’t have feelings for her. Not anymore.”

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The Verdict on My Hushad the Judge: GUILTY

Chapter 8

He swallowed hard.

“The truth is… I fell in love with you. Years ago. I just couldn’t say it. But I did. I do.”

“I know I was cold. Distant. But I stayed. Ten years. Doesn’t that count for anything?”

I sat there. Listened. Didn’t react.

Ten years of silence. Ten years of separate rooms.

Watching my son get hurt–twice–while Zane did nothing.

Standing in that courtroom while he tried to destroy me.

A few words weren’t going to fix that.

When I didn’t respond, he turned to Leo.

His voice dropped. “Leo, buddy… Daddy made a mistake. A really big one. I know I wasn’t there for you. I know I let you down.”

“But when I get out, I’ll make it up to you. We’ll go to the am

L

park. I’ll get you that Transformers set.”

“I’ll help with your homework every night. I promise. Can you forgive me? Please?”

Leo’s grip tightened on my hand.

He stepped closer to me. Away from the glass.

Looked right at Zane.

“You hurt Mom.”

His voice was small but steady.

“You hurt me too. I don’t want you.”

Zane froze.

The light in his eyes went out.

Tears slid down his face. His mouth opened. Closed.

Nothing came out.

I stood.

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The Verdict on My Husbat the Judge: GUILTY

Chapter 8

Pulled Leo close.

Looked at Zane one last time.

“Goodbye, Zane.”

Then I turned and walked out.

Didn’t look back.

Outside, the sun was warm on my face.

I took a deep breath.

Two weeks later, the divorce was finalized.

Zane was at fault. The court ruled in my favor.

He walked away with nothing.

I sold the house immediately.

That house held too many bad memories. I didn’t want any

Leo and I moved south.

A smaller city. Warmer weather. Fresh start.

I bought a little apartment with the money from the house.

It wasn’t big. But it was ours.

Leo started at a new school.

Within weeks, he had friends. Real ones.

He smiled more. Laughed louder.

The fear–the shame–it was gone.

After school, he’d grab my hand and talk nonstop about his

He’d hug me and say, “Mom, I’m so happy.”

And I believed him.

Walking home with Leo’s hand in mine, listening to him lat

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The Verdict on My Husba

Chapter 8

Pulled Leo close.

Looked at Zane one last time.

“Goodbye, Zane.”

Then I turned and walked out.

Didn’t look back.

Outside, the sun was warm on my face.

I took a deep breath.

Two weeks later, the divorce was finalized.

Zane was at fault. The court ruled in my favor.

He walked away with nothing.

I sold the house immediately.

That house held too many bad memories. I didn’t want any of it.

Leo and I moved south.

A smaller city. Warmer weather. Fresh start.

I bought a little apartment with the money from the house.

It wasn’t big. But it was ours.

Leo started at a new school.

Within weeks, he had friends. Real ones.

He smiled more. Laughed louder.

The fear–the shame–it was gone.

After school, he’d grab my hand and talk nonstop about his day.

He’d hug me and say, “Mom, I’m so happy.”

And I believed him.

Walking home with Leo’s hand in mine, listening to him laugh-

19:59

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The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY

Chapter 1

Chapter 1