Nothing of value to offer. Something inside me cracked when I heard those words. Six years. Six years of my life, my youth, my dreams. Nothing of value.
I looked up at Maggie. She was staring at Brandon’s lawyer with an expression that would have been scary if I didn’t know her so well. She was angry. Really angry.
When Brandon’s lawyer finally sat down, looking pleased with himself, Maggie stood up.
«Your Honour,» she said, her voice steady and strong, «if I may present evidence that directly contradicts everything we just heard.»
Judge Henderson nodded. «Please proceed.»
Maggie turned to me and gave me a small nod. This was it. The moment we’d prepared for. My hands shook as I reached down to the bag at my feet.
The manila envelope felt heavy, like it contained the weight of six years. I stood up, my legs feeling weak, and walked toward the judge’s bench. The courtroom was completely silent, except for my footsteps.
I could feel Brandon’s eyes on me, probably wondering what I was doing. I could feel everyone watching. When I reached Judge Henderson, I held out the envelope.