"My child... how could you be so foolish? Ten years—do you know how many ten years a person gets in life?" My mother sobbed against my shoulder, her body trembling with grief.
Even after the trial ended, Attorney Leonel couldn't shake his doubts.
"Ariel," he asked, "you were celebrating your birthday at the restaurant that night, weren't you? Why is it that only that day's surveillance footage is missing?"
I hesitated, unsure how to respond. Just then, the sharp clack of high heels echoed from the doorway.
"So, you're Ariella?" A flirtatious, saccharine voice rang out.
It was Jade—Derek's childhood sweetheart. She wore a sultry red dress that hugged every curve, strutting in like she owned the place. Her hand was interlocked with Derek's, their eyes practically tangled in a lovers' gaze.
"You have the nerve to show your face here? Came to see Ariel's downfall, is that it?" My father frowned, voice heavy with contempt. He clearly disapproved of the woman Derek had brought.
I quickly tried to calm him, not wanting to stir any more conflict.
But Jade let out a shrill laugh, clearly enjoying herself.
"Ariel, you really are the gentle, selfless saint they all say you are. Willing to serve ten years in prison for Derek without a word of complaint. Don't worry—I'll take good care of him and the child from now on."
Her voice grated on my ears.
My mother, now trembling with anger, snapped at Derek.
"Ariel is still your wife! What do you think you're doing, holding hands with another woman in front of us?"
But Derek just smiled, calm and composed. "Mom, don't get the wrong idea. Jade and I grew up together—Ariel knows that. She gets nervous in crowds and her hands shake, so I just held her hand to comfort her."
Jade leaned deeper into his arms with a delicate expression, the perfect picture of innocence. My father's face turned crimson, my mother clenched her fists, but I urged them to stay calm.
Just then, the guards began preparing to escort me away. Jade seized the moment and "accidentally" flung a divorce agreement straight into my face. The corner hit hard, but I forced myself to open it.
"Better sign it while there's still time. You've monopolized Derek long enough. Now that you're a convicted murderer, it's time to get out of the Ortiz family."
I looked at Derek.
He said nothing. He only tightened his grip on Jade's hand—and even slid his arm around her waist.
My father stood there speechless, stunned into silence. I sighed and braced myself to sign the agreement.
That's when Cody—my son—finally spoke. He had been hiding behind Jade the whole time.
"Murderers don't deserve to be mothers. I want Aunt Jade to be my mommy."
My mother stepped forward, trying to pull him away, but he bit her hand and shoved her to the floor. Then he laughed and ran behind Jade again, giggling like nothing had happened.
My mother stared at him, utterly shocked. Just days ago, he was still the sweet, obedient little boy we knew.
The guards began urging me along. Derek looked impatient. My father subtly signaled me not to sign, but I turned away from them all. No one could see my expression or the motion of my hand. As I was being led away, I tossed the divorce papers aside.
Derek quickly released Jade's hand and rushed to retrieve the document, looking genuinely startled.
"Don't sign it, sweetheart... this is all my fault. I was the one who allowed you to marry that man!" My mother cried as she stumbled after me down the hallway.
Her sobs were so gut-wrenching that even the guard faltered. Though the rules were strict, he sighed and pretended to have a sudden "urge to use the restroom," discreetly granting us five minutes of private time.
"It's all your mother's fault," she whispered, gripping my hands tightly. "I'll go to Leonel—I'll tell him it was all Derek's doing! You were only covering for him!"
I gently patted her hands, urging her to stop talking about Derek.
Even though we stood at the far end of the corridor, I noticed Derek and Jade watching us intently. A small crowd had also gathered nearby, whispering and gawking like it was some kind of drama.
"Mom, don't worry. I'll take care of myself." I looked at her in the eye, my voice calm and heavy. "Before I came here, I told Leonel everything. We went to school together—he'll take care of you and Dad."
My tone carried a finality that made it feel like a farewell.
