It's never late for love.

Ellie's breath uneven. She stumbled toward the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water, but it didn't help. Her mind was spining, and she could only think one thing; Harry.

With trembling hands, she dialed his number.

- Hey princess... what's wrong? - Harry was filled with concerned as he heard her muffled sobs over the phone.

- I... I... don't know what to do... - She broke down in tears.

- Hey hold on!, I'm on my way. - Harry hung up immediately.

Ellie slid down onto the kitchen floor, wrapping her arms round her knees. She sobbed silently, overwhelmed.

Paula, who had almost fully recovered from her cold, heard the crying and hurried to the kitchen.

- Mommy? - Paula's voice was filled with worry. - Are you sick, mommy? -

She gasped and covered her mouth with her small hands when she saw her Ellie like that. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around her mother, hugging her tightly.

- Don't be sick mommy... I'll be healthy and eat all my veggies but please don't be sick. - Paula's voice trembled as she started crying too.

Ellie hugged her daugher back, holding her close. - I love you so much gorgeous. You are everything to me... Don't ever believe if someone tells you I don't -

Paula didn't fully understand her mother's words but she nodded anyway.

- I promise. -

Moments later, the doorbell rang.

Ellie kissed her daughter's forehead and stood up to answer. When she opened the door, Harry was standing there, breathless. He had clearly run all the way from this car. His forehead was damp with sweat, and the worry in his eyes was unmistakable.

Without hesitation, he pulled her into a tight hug.

- What happened? Is Paula okay? - Harry pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

Ellie felt her body finally relax in his arms. His presence was like a balm, slowly calming her racing heart. She stepped aside and invited him in.

- You're mommy's friend! - Paula cheered when she saw Harry. - Is Bites with you? -

- I'm afraid not... - Harry smirked. - But how about you watch some cartoons while I talk to your mom? -

Paula looked up at Ellie, waiting for her permission. Ellie nodded, and in an instant, the little girl ran off to the living room, turning on the TV.

Ellie and Harry sat at the kitchen table.

- Tell me what happened? You look really shaken. - Harry started making some tea.

- Amanda called... - Ellie hesitated, her hands slightly shaking. - Someone has been using my phone. They sent fake messages to the court... horrible things about Paula... -

- Did Amanda suggest any way to fix it? - Harry's expession darkened.

Ellie shook her head. - But she says we can still win. -

- Then... Why are you so upset? - Harry reached across the tabled and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Ellie's voice cracked as she spoke.

- Because I'm terrified that Paula will read those messages one day... and think I actually wrote them. That I actually meant them. -

She handed Harry her phone, showing him the fabricated messages.

His jaw clenched as he read them.

- Whoever did this to you... - His fist tightened so hard that his nails dug into his palm.

Ellie placed a hand over his, gently prying his finger apart.

- It was an anxiety attack... but now that you are here, I feel better, Thank you for coming. - Ellie wiped the tears away.

Harry smiled softly. - Here's what we're going to do... - He leaned in. - I'll cook dinner for the three of us, you'll go to bed early and get some rest, and tomorrow morning, we'll al go to Paula's favourite park. Sound good? -

Ellie looked at him, leaning closer - Sounds like I don't deserve someone like you. -

Harry smirked, leaning closer.

- Nonsense... You deserve better, but I'm the best you could find. -

Ellie laughed softly as he kissed her.

- Go rest, I'll take care of dinner. -

She did as he said. She felt emotionally drained, and the weight of the day had completely exhausted her.

Harry was a graet baker; maybe the best in town, but his cooking skills were far from impressive. After completely burning the dinner he had attempted to make, he finally gave up and ordered a pizza.

They ate together, enjoying the meal while watching Star Wars: The Empire Strike Back, which was being broadcast on TV. Ellie went to bed early, drained from the stress of the day.

Lying in bed, Ellie felt restless. She wasn't sure how much time had passed, but she could still hear the TV playing in the living room. Curious, she got up and quietly peeked in.

Harry and Paula were still glued to the screen, completely abosorbed in the movie.

It was that scene.

Luke Skywalker was locked in the battle with the mighty Darth Vader. The tension built until the famous line echoed through the room:

“You killed my father!”

“No, I AM your FATHER”

Paula gasped, her mouth forming a perfect O.

- What!? - She flailed her arms in excitement. - He was his father this whole time!?

Harry chuckled – Yeah, the whole time. - He smirked - Isn't it cool? -

Paula's eyes sparkled with sudden realization.

- So that means... anyone could be my father... maybe I already know him! -

Ellie immediately stepped in before Paula could back Harry into a corner. - Gorgeous, what time is it? -

Paula turned to the clock on the wall, but she hadn't fully learned how to read the time yet.

- Umm... bedtime? - She guessed.

- Aha – Ellie smiled. - Come on gorgeous, say goodnight. -

- Good night Harry! - Paula giggled as Ellie took her by the hand and led her to bed.

The next day, as Harry had suggested, the three of them went to Paula's favorite park. The little girl had the time of her life on the swings, the seesaw, and playing their improvised game where Harry became Darth Vader, Paula was Luke Skywalker, Ellie played princess Leia. They laughed, ran, and soaked in every moment.

For a few precious hours, Ellie felt she had her own family. She wished that day could last forever.

But tomorrow, she would face Jason in court, and no matter how much she tried to push it aside, the unease never left her.

Ellie woke up early. Harry was still asleep beside her, curled up under the sheets. She smiled and kissed him softly on the forehead before slipping out of bed.

She took a warm shower, letting the water run over her body, wasgubg away the weight of he worries. As she stepped out, she wiped the steam from the mirror and gazed at her reflection.

Naked as the day she was born, she traced the marks of time on her skin.

- You can do this. - She whispered to herself.

The woman in the mirror stared back; stron, determined, ready to weather the storm.

The smell of coffee and toasts filled the apartment. Ellie furrowed her brows, suddenly alert.

'Harry? Cooking?'

She rushed to the kitchen, half-expecting to see smoke filling the room.

But, to her surprise, everything was intact. Harry had actually managed to prepare breakfast without setting anything on fire.

- Goodmorning, princess. - He greeted her with a lazy smile before kissing her softly. - Sleep well? -

Ellie nodded. - Like a rock. - She glanced at the breakfast, smirking. - Just slightly burnt. –

- Ha ha ha! - Harry let out an exaggerated laugh. - So funny! - He handed her a piece of toast. - Eat well, it's an big day. -

Ellie took a bite, playfully raising an eyebrow. - Yeah... it is. - She sighed. - I justo hope after today, Jason is completely out of our lives. -

- He will be. - Harry assured her. - I'll take Paula to your parents' place, then head to the bakery. - He hesitated for a second. - Sorry I can't be there with you. -

Ellie placed her hand over his. - You did your part yesterday... in court, Amanda will be my sword and truth my shield. -

Harry chuckled - Looks like yesterday's roleplay inspired you. -

- Just don't turn to the dark side of parenthood, young padawan. - Ellie teased.

- If I do, it's only because I refuse to share Paula with that man. - His voice was serious.

Ellie softened. - Let Paula sleep a little longer. If you wake her up now, she'll be cranky all day... - She gazed at him and whispered. - Harry I love you. -

- I love you too, Ellie. -

Their lips met in a slow, gentle kiss before she finally turned away.

Ellie looked back at him one las time before closing the door behind her.

The bus was packed. Ellie stood in the middle, surrounded by half- asleep passengers, swaying as the vehicle moved. The air was thick with the mixed scents of sweat, perfume. And coffee. It made hare dizzy.

By the time the bus reached the courthouse, she was relieved to step out in the fresh air.

Amanda was already there, standing out from the crowd with her striking presence. She wore a fitted black suit with a long skirt and modest heels. A sleek, expensive-looking suitcase dangled from on hand wile she hed a cigarette in the other, talking on the phone with her usual commanding voice.

As soon as she spotted Ellie, she ended call and approached.

She extended her hand. - Goodmorning, Ms Lockheart. - Her voice was professional, unreadable.

Ellie shook it firmly. - Goodmorning, Ms Thorn... - Ellie took a deep breath. - What are the odds?. -

Amanda took a slow drag from her cigarette, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke.

- Tell the truth, leave the rest to me. - She took another drag. - If you do that, the odds are in our favour. -

Amanda checked her watch and flicked the cigarette to the ground, crushing it under her heel.

- It's time, let's go. -

Ellie followed inside.

The courthouse was massive, its neo classical architectrue designed to intimidate. Towering pillars and grand windows made it seem even taller than it was. A statue of Lady Justice stood at the entrance, holding her iconic scales.

Inside, the trial room was empty at first. But as time passed, people began filling the seats; spectators, legal assistants, court offficials.

Then Jason walked in.

He wore a suit, trying to appear serious. His lawyer, a young man who oozed false confidence, stood beside him.

Finally, the jugde entered, followed by his assistants.

The room fell silent.

Everything was ready.

The trial was about to begin.

- Ladies and gentlement, members of the court, Goodmorning. - The judge's voice echoed through the courtroom, his tone solmen. - The case is #328754: Mr. Feuer vs. Ms. Lockheart, regarding the custody of their common child, Paula Lockheart. The plaintiff may now present their case. - He struck his gavel, officially beginning the proceedings.

The young lawyer stepped foward and cleared his throat.

- Your honor, members of the court, My client Mr. Feuer deliberately kept away from his biological daughter, as Ms. Lockheart concealed her pregnancy at the time of their separation. - He paused, attempting to recall the rest of his memorized speech. - Mr. Feuer merely wishes to recover lost time and assume his rightful role as a father, making up for the years he was unfairily deprived of his daughter's life. -

With an air of self-satisfaction, he returned to his seat.

- The defense may now present their case. - The judge struck his gavel once more.

Amanda stood up gracefully, walking with deliberate confidence to the center of the courtroom. She locked her eyes with the audience.

- My client, Ms. Lockheart, was indeed pregnant at the time of their separation, and yes, she did not inform Mr. Feuer. - Amanda scanned the room, ensuring she had everyone's attention. - But what other choice did she have? - Her voice hardened. - After being deceived by Mr. Feuer; caught in their own bed with another woman... She was left with no choice but to bravely raise her child alone. And not just bravely; wisely, by keeping Paula away from his toxic influence. Any other mother in this room would have done the same. -

Amanda's words carried weight, and Ellie felt the shift in the room. The murmurs among the women of the audience told her Amanda had struck the right chord.

The plaintiff may now present their evidence. - The judge announced.

Jason's lawyer stood up again, gripping a stack of papers in his sweaty hands. His nerves were starting to show, but he pressed on.

- Ms. Lockheart may have acted as any mother would in her situation, but the real question is; Is she a good mother for Paula? -

The lawyer turned on the proyector, displaying a series of messages from Ellie's phone on the courtroom screen.

- Your Honor, members of the court, I present to you clear evidence of Ms. Lockheart's unfitness as a parent. - He smirked. - To save you some time, I will highlight the most concerning statements. -

Amanda stood up inmmediately, her voice sharp.

- Objection, Your Honor., These messages have not been authenticated. Their legitimacy remains in question. -

The judge deliberated for a scond. - Objection overruled. The evidence was submitted in accordance with legal procedures and has been deemed admissible. - He gestured the lawyer to continue.

The young lawyer cleared his throat again. - Ahem... As I was saying, ñet me highlight the worst messages. - He clicked zoom in on one. - “I Should have had an abortion”. -

A wave of shocked murmurs spread through the courtroom.

Amanda shot up again.

- Objection!, These messages are being taken out of context and deliberately misrepresented to portray my client in a negative light. -

The judged nodded, considering her words.

- Sustained. The prosecution must provide more context before proceeding. -

Jason's lawyer stiffened but quickly adjusted.

- Certainly, Your honor. This particular message was sent just few days ago. It was a reponse to a notfication from Paula's school informing Ms. Lockheart that her daughter was unwell. - He pointed at the screen. - As you can see, her reply was. “My boyfriend will pick up that nasty girl, I'm busy.”

A triumphant smirk crossed his face as if he had already won the case.

The judge turned his gaze toward Amanda. - Does the defense wish to respond? -

- Certainly Your Honor. - She walked up to the projector and adjusted the display. - As you can see, these messages appear disjointed, their context suspiciously inconsistent. Let me show an example. -

She scrolled through the conversation logs.

- Here, Ms. Lockheart is chatting with two friends about what to wear for an important event at the publishing house where she works. Then, suddenly... - Amanda tapped the screen. - This message appears out of nowhere: “I'm tired of Paula, she just keeps making a mess of everything.” -

Amanda turned back to the judge.

- What relevance does this message have to the rest of the conversation? None. - She gestured toward the screen. - Your Honor, I believe my client is victim of a cybercrime. These messages were planted on her phone.

Jason's lawyer sprang to his feet. - Objection! The defense is speculating. -

Amanda arched an eyebrow and smirked. - Just as you are. -

The tension in the room was palpable. The judge deliberated with his assistants before making his ruling.

- Given the inconsistencies presented, the messages will be dismissed as evidence. - He struck his gravel.

- Does the defense want to present any evidence? - The judge's voice remained steady and authoritative

- Certainly, your Honor. - Amanda adjusted the projector, switching to her own slides. - Here, we have an excerpt from Mr. Feuer's bank statements. - A smirk played on her lips. - As you can see, his account balance is alrmingly low; barely enough to sustain a single adult. So, I must ask; how does Mr. Feuer intend to provide for a child when he can't even support himself? -

Jason's lawyer shot up his seat. - Objection! The defense is especulating once again.

The judge responded calmly. - Sustained. -

Amanda tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and nodded. - Allow me to rephrase, Your Honor. - She turned her piercing gaze to Jason. - Mr. Feuer, in the event this court rules in favor of shared custody, are you financially prepared to provide the required child support?. -

Before anyone could answer Amanda turned back to the judge.

- No further questions, Your Honor. -

A ripple of murmurs spread through the courtoom. Jason's lawyer stiffened, before he could recover, Amanda had already planted the seed of doubt, subtly implying Jason's finacial instability. She returned to her seat with the same composed confidence.

Ellie leaned toward Amanda and whispered. - You're tearing them apart. -

Amanda hid a quiet chuckle behind her had. - They might have something else up their sleeve... but yes everything is going exactly as I planned. -

- Does the plaintiff wish to respond? -

Jason's lawyer took a deep breath and adjusted his tie as if it were choking him.

- Certainly, your Honor. We're not here to discuss my client's financial situation. Mr. Feuer may have gone through a temporary financial crisis, but what truly matters here is whether Ms. Lockheart is a fit mother. I would like to call Mr. Thompson to the stand. -

A man in his sixties stood up and made his way to the witness stand. He wore casual clothes and he moved with visible difficulty, likely suffering from severe arthritis.

Ellie leaned toward Amanda and whispered. - That man lives in the building across of mine. -

Amanda frowned as she flipped through her notes, absentmindedly twirling her pen on between her fingers. She leaned back, crossing her arms as the Mr. Thomposon finally took his seat.

A court officer approached. - Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? -

Mr Thompson nodded. - I swear. -

Jason's lawyer approached him. - Goodmorning Mr Thompson. -

The man gave a brief nod in response.

- Could you please state your address for the court? -

- 25^th Newton street, sir – He answered without hesitation.

- Is your home directly across from Ms. Lockheart's residence? -

The young lawyer was growing more confident as the questioning progressed.

Suddenly Amanda shoot up. - Objection! Relevance? -.

The judge glanced at Jason's lawyer. - Sustained, Get to the point, Mr. Smith. -

Smith cleared his throat. - Your Honor, this is relevant. If I may continue... -

The judge gestured to continue.

- Mr. Thompson, do you have a security camera installed at your front door,? - Smith smirked.

- Yes, I do. My neighbour was robbed, so I installed one. - Mr. Thompson replied, his gaze fixed straight ahead, ignoring everything else in the courtroom.

Smith wheeled out a TV and connected DVD player, pressing play. The screen displayed footage of Ellie's building.

- Mr Thompson, is this video feed from the your security camera? -

- Objection! Amanda interjected sharply. - He still hasn't established any relevance! -

The judge exhaled impatiently - Overruled! But keep it brief, Mr. Smith. It's almost lunch time.

- Yes, your honor. - Smith fast-forwarded the recording and stopped it at a specific frame. - Mr. Thompson, what do you see here? -

Mr. Thompson put on his glasses and peered at the screen. - That's Ms Lockheart with a man I don't recognize. -

Mr Smith fast-fowarded again, stopping at 7:00 AM the following morning.

- And is this the same man leaving the building? -

Mr Thompson squinted at the screen. - Yes, I believe so. -

- Objection! - Amanda raised her voice - That man could have been visiting anyone in the building. You are implying, without evidence, that he was with my client all night! -

- Sustained. - The judge narrowed his eyes at Smith. - Unless you can prove otherwise, I suggest you move on. -

Smith smirked and rewound the footage, stopping at a different date and time.

On the screen, Ellie was seenkissing a man as he left. Another clip showed her making out with a different man at her front door. The video continued, revealing at least seven different men in separate instances, all displaying moments of affection with her.

Ellie sat frozen in shock. 'That's not me' She stared at the screen, unable to comprehend what she was seeing. 'How is it possible?'

She turned to Amanda, who was checking the timestamps with laser focus, as if the entire case depended now hinged on this moment.

The murmurs in the audience grew louder. Snippets of whispers cut through the air:

'Slut'

'Disgusting'

'Poor little girl.'

The judge slammed his gavel. - Order! Order! We will take a recess for lunch. Court will reconvene at two o'clock. - She banged the gavel once more.

Amanda exhaled sharply and leaned back in the chair. - That was close... -

Ellie turned to her, panic evident in her voice. - Those videos are fake, I never did any of that. -

Amanda mer her gaze. - That doesn't matter now. I believe you, Ms. Lockheart, but we cannot dispute the authentity of the footage at this stage. But... we're far from done. -

She stood up grabbing her briefcase. The sharp clack, clack, clack, of her heels echoed through the courtroom as she walked away.

- Don't be late. -

And with that, she was gone.

Ellie stood up and grabbed her bag. She felt Jason's eyes burning into her, filled with hatred. His lawyer extended his hand, and it looked like they were celebrating their victory. As Ellie walked out, some members of the audience still in the room stared at her, shaking their heads. She could hear the whispers around her.

'Slut'

Someone said it ludly, next to her.

Ellie's blood boiled. She clenched her fist, tempted to slap the person, but she took a deep breath and walked away. Still, she could feel the eyes stabbing her back as she moved.

She tried looking for Amanda, but she was nowehere to be found. Desperate, Ellie headed to a café and ordered a sandwich and a coffee she wouldn't even touch. She tried calling Stacy but her phone was offline. She did the same with Harry, and just as the call connected, it ended.

'Has he declined my call?'

Looking for comfort, she scrolled through the pictures on her phone. She smiled, 'I can't lose you, gorgeous.'

Then, something caught her attention.

The photos had timestamps. The files saved the exact date and time they were taken. Some of them were from the same day and hour that was appeared in the courtroom footage.

'I must tell Amanda.'

She left the café without touching her food and hurried back to the courthouse, gripping her phone like it esa a lifeline.

The trial was about to resume when she heard it.

Clack, clack, clack.

Amanda was approaching, smiling confidently. She extended her hand.

- Ms. Lockheart. -

Ellie shook firmly.

- I've got something to show you. -

She pulled out her phone and showed Amanda the pictures, focusing on the timestamps.

- Look. This proves those clips are fake. I was with my family at the same time those videos show me with strangers. -

- Interesting –

She then whispered, her voice brimming with amusement.

- I already found a bombshell, but with yours? This just became a nuke. -

Amanda placed a reassuring hand on Ellie's shoulder and led her inside.

- Let's end this. -

The courtroom was full again, the audience murmuring as they waited.

Jason and his lawyer were the last to enter, laughing and joking, as if they had already won.

The, the judge appeared and took his seat.

- Case #328754: Mr. Feuer vs Ms. Lockheart. We will now continue with the session. - He slammed his gavel.

- Does the defense have anything to respond? -

Amanda stood up, confidence radiating from her.

- Certainly, your Honor. -

Jason's lawyer, Smith, stiffened. He hadn't expected that.

- I would like to present new evidence, Your Honor.

She held up Ellie's phone.

- This is not the proper procedure, Ms. Thorn. - The judge frowned.

- I understand, but given hte nature of this evidence and its indisputable authenticity, I believe Your Honor may reconsider. -

Amanda held her breath, waiting.

The judge delibered with his assistants. The minutes felt like ages for Ellie.

Finally, he gestured Amanda to continue.

Amanda connected Ellie's phone to the courtroom screen, displaying the photos; Ellie with her family and Paula.

- I ask to the audience to read the date and time displayed on this image. -

The room fell silent. Then, a man in the audience stood up and read aloud. - 27^th November 2024, 22:00 -

Amanda turned to Jason's lawyer.

- Wasn't that the same date and time of the footage you presented, Mr. Smith? -

Smith's face went pale.

- Objection! - He stammered. - This evidence is inadmisible due to procedural violations!

- Overruled. - The judge's tone was firm. - It was my decision to admit it. You should study harder, Mr. Smith. This is a common occurrence in trials. -

Amanda turned back to the audience, letting the moment sink in.

- So, members of the court... how is it possible that my client to be in two places at once? -

She let the silence hang before delivering the final blow.

- My client was victim of a cyberattack. The evidence against her was fabricated.

Jason slammed the table and started to stand up,his face red with rage. Smith quickly grabbed his arm and whispered something to calm him down.

- Does the plaintiff wish to respond? -

Smith shook his head.

- No, Your Honor. -

The audience murmured, the tide of the trial shifting.

- Does the defense wish to present further evidence? -

Amanda straightened.

- Yes, Your Honor. -

Smith looked like he might faint.

- I would like to call Ms. Park to the stand. -

A young Asian woman stood up, keeping her gaze fixed on the ground, clearly nervous as she walked forward. The audience stared. Jason froze, his smugness vanishing.

Heyin Park reached Amanda and whispered something in her ear. Amanda nodded and led her to the stad.

A court officer approached.

- Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? -

The young girl nodded.

- I swear. -

Amanda stepped closer.

- Please state your name and age -

- My name is Heyin Park, I'm twenty two. -

- Do you know Mr. Feuer? -

Heyin hesitated but then odded.

- Can you tell the court why? -

- Five years ago... he took some photgraphs of me... but he also... -

Her voice broke. She clenched her fist, trying to hold back tears.

Jason's lawyer jumped up.

- Objection! this witness is from an unrelated case! This is inadmissible!

Amanda didn't even blink.

- According to the law 254/2015, cases involving minors can be presented at any time to protect their identity before trial. Ms. Park was minor at the time of the incident. This tesminoy is directly relevant to show what KIND of man Mr. Feuer truly is.

The judge nodded.

- Overruled, proceed Ms. Thorn. -

Amanda leaned down and whispered. - This is your moment... don't be afraid. -

Heyin nodded.

- Can you tell us exactly what happened, Ms. Park? -

She took a deep breath.

- In 2019, I was seventeen, I wanted to be a model... -

Her hands trembled.

- I saw an ad from Mr. Feuer looking for new models. I contacted him, and he invited me to his studio... He started taking pictures, asking me to pose in different ways... -

Her voice shook.

- Then, he told me to take off some of my clothes.

A cold silence filled the courtroom.

Amanda's voice was gentle but firm.

-What did you do, Ms. Park? -

- I didn't want to... but he told me that every model does it. So before I realized it, I was standing there in only my uderwear... -

She shuddered.

- He kept getting closer as he took pictures. Then... he told me to take off my bra.

She covered her mouth, choking on her own words.

Amanda squeezed her hand gently.

- Be strong. -

Heyin nodded, tears streaming down her face.

- He touched me... he said “You'll like it... relax” I was too scared to move or scream. Then... I felt him untying his pants... -

The audience gasped.

- Then what happened? - Amanda shot Jason a look filled with hatred.

- I reacted when I felt he was untying his pants. I panicked, grabbed my coat to cover myself, and ran out of the studio. - Heyin's voice trembled.

- If your family brought this case to my office, why didn't you press charges? - Amanda held Heyin's hand in support.

- He offered my parents money... we're a humble family, so my father didn't hesitate, I remember him saying. “He didn't rape you.” -

The courtroom fell into a deep, chilling silence.

- Well done Heying, you've been incredibly brave today. The defense has no further questions. - Amanda said firmly.

- Does the plaintiff wish to cross-examine the witness? - The judge asked.

Smith hesitated, his confidence visibly shaken, but he still nodded.

- Does any of the part have something else to present as evidence? -

- No, your honor. - Amanda answered.

- No, your honor. - Smith followed, though his voice was weaker than before.

The judge glanced at his assitants, then addressed the courtroom.

- The court will now recesss for one hour to deliberate based on the evidences presented today. The trial will resume at 5:00 PM – The judge slammed the gavel.

The audience remained frozen, their blood running cold after Heyin's testimony.

Ellie was frozen, 'We were together when he did that to this girl...'

Amanda stood beside Heyin, reassuring her. The weight of reliving her trauma in front of the court overwhelmed the young woman. Ellie, meanwhile, was taken aback by the humanity Amanda showed. She had always seen her as a cold and ruthless person, but now she realized there was more to her than just her sharp wit.

Jason was breathing heavily, his face flushed red with rage, while Smith desperately tried to keep him under control. But it was clear his efforts were in vain. The entire courtroom remained seated, stunned and silent. The same people who had whispered insults about Ellie now looked at her with guilt in their eyes.

Then the judge and his assistants came back. That hour had felt like mere minutes. The courtroom was still in disarray, so the judge slammed his gavel.

- Order! The court is in sesion. -

Slowly, everyon took their seats.

The judge cleared his voice.

- Case #328754: Mr. Feuer vs Ms. Lockheart; After reviewing the circunstamces and evidence presented, this court rules in favor of Ms. Lockheart, granting her full custody of her child, Paula Lockheart, without the possibility of Mr. Freuer having any legal visitations rights. -

A murmur spread throught the audience, Jason gritted his teeth, his fingers digging into the amrest of his chair.

The judge continued, turning his attention to Heyin.

- Furthermore, regarding Ms. Park. As you are now an adult, you are no longer dependent on your parents to press charges. The events described before the court haven't surpased the statute limitations. Should you wish to proceed legally, you are fully within your rights to do so. -

He then slammed the gavel once more. - This session si now adjourned. -

For a brief moment, there was absolute silence.

Jason was fuming, his body trembling with rage. His eyes were bloodshot, his fist clenched so tighltly his knuckles turned white. Smith kept whispering to him, trying to prevent the inevitable, but Jason was beyond reasoning.

Ellie, however, felt no relief. Something inside her told her that if walked away now, Paula would always wonder about the father she never met. Without thinking twice, she leaned toward Amanda an whispered something.

Amanda's face twisted in sheer disgust. - Are you serious? -

Ellie nodded firmly.

Amanda let out a sharp sigh before turning to the judge.

- Your Honor, my client would like to make a statement. -

The courtroom fell into hushed confusion. The judge, who had just risen from his seat, sat back down.

- Proceed, Ms. Lockheart. -

Ellie stood up, her knees slightly shaking. She took a deep breath and spoke, her voice clear and unwavering.

- Your Honor, members of the court. This man has hurt me and has inflicted suffering on more peopole than I ever imagined. Hating him will not help for anyone; especially not Paula, who is the true victim here. -

Jason's eyes narrowed. His jaw tightened.

- If we follow the court's ruling as it stands, Paula will never have the chance to know her biological father, to form her own thoughts about him. My love for my daughter prevents me from taking that opportunity away from her. -

Amanda lowered her head, rubbing her temples.

- Therefore. - Ellie continued, I propose that, under strict supervision by social services and withing a controlled environment, Jason be allowed to see Paula one weekend a month. This way, she can decide for herslef what kind of man he is. -

The courtroom gasped.

Amanda pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a deep sigh, visibly restraining herself form objecting.

Then Jason stood up.

His chair screeched loudly against the floor as he grabbed it and hurled it straight at Ellie.

The weight of the chair made it difficult to throw, so it barely made it halfway before crashing onto the floor with a loud thud.

- Officers, remove Mr. Feuer from the courtroom at the immediately! - The judge ordered.

Two guards rushed to restrain him, but Jason fought against them with all his strength, his face twisted in uncontrollable rage.

- You slut! - He bellowed, spit flying form his mouth. - You think I'm gonna take your fucking charity and graetfull? Fuck you! Fuck all of you! -

Ellie flinched but stood her ground.

Jason's wild eyes darted to Heyin. - That little yellow whore came to my studio practically naked! She was begging for it! Just like you all! Like your stiff-ass lawyer who probably never had a real cock in her life! -

Amanda's expression turned into ice-cold fury.

Jason turned back to Ellie, his voice now venomous and dripping with malice.

- And you... you're the worst of them all. - His lip curled into a snarl. - Pretending to be this perfect mother, acting like some fucking saint... but I know the truth. You wanted it. That's the only reason I ever said “I love you”; To get inside your pants. -

Ellie stared at him, unflinching.

- Thats what I did with every bitch I fucked back then. You were nothing special. -

The guards finally overpowered him, dragging him toward the exit as he kicked and cursed.

But before he was pulled out of the courtroom, Jason shouted one last thing, his voice filled with pure hatred.

- If Paula isn't mine, she won't be anyone's! -

Then, the doors slammed shut.

Amanda approached Ellie.

- See, that bastard didn't deserve your compassion. -

Jason's words echoed in Ellie's mind; “If Paula isn't mine, she won't be anyone's!” She snapped back to reality.

- Thank you, Ms. Thorn. -

Amanda shook her head.

- Amanda form now on... you have something that most of people around me lack... a good heart. I can't understand your decision but it takes more bravery to choose compassion over destruction, Ms Lockheart. -

- Call me Ellie. -

Amanda smiled and walked away with Heying, who was still in shock.

Ellie stepped out of the courthouse, completely drained. As she exited, she spotted Harry and Stacy just arriving. Harry ran toward her, while Stacy followed at a slower pace, casually chewing gum.

- I've called you thousands of times. - Harry said before pulling Ellie intoa tight hug.

- I called you too... but you never answered. - Ellie looked at him, slightly annoyed.

Harry pulled out his phone, but before she could check, Harry kissed her. In the background. Stacy blew a bubble.

- Nevermind. - he said. - How did it go? -

For the first time, Ellie let herself smile. The weight of the trial lifted as realization sank in. - I won! - She finally exclamed.

Stacy approached, giving her casual, sassy hug - Congrats sweety. - She blew another bubble. - Let's go celebrate! -

But exhaustion suddenly hit Ellie like a brick wall.

- Sorry guys... I'm done for the night. I need at least two days of deep sleep. -

Harry nodded.

- Let's go, I'll drive you home. -

They walked to the car. Just as Ellie reched for the passenger door, Stacy slid into the seat before her. Ellie hesitated for a second 'Tha's where I usually sit.' but shook it off. She was too tired to care.

The drive through the city was short, and soon they arrived at her appartment. Harry and Ellie stepped out, and he kissde her gently.

- Get some rest, princess. We'll celebrate this weekend. -

Ellie smiled.

- Sounds perfect, handsome, I'm looking forward to it. -

She turned toweard her building and spotted Mr. Thompson standing near the entrance. As soon as he saw her, he removed his hat and lowered his head slightly in apology.

- I'm sorry Ms Lockheart. - He said. - That lawyer collected the footage with my permission, but I never watched them, I didn't know what was in there. -

Ellie took his hand gently.

- Don't worry Mr. Thompson, you didn't do anything wrong. -

The old man looked relieved, nodding before heading back to his apartment with slow but steady steps. Ellie followed suit, making her way inside. As soon as she hit the bed, exhaustion overtook her, and she drifted into a deep sleep.