CHAPTER 5 — The Trial
CHAPTER 5 — The Trial
Three months later...
The courtroom overflowed with reporters.
Matthew looked nothing like the confident CEO I had married.
The tailored suits were gone.
Dark circles surrounded his eyes.
His attorneys looked defeated before proceedings even began.
Then the prosecutor played the security footage.
No sound.
Just images.
Matthew striking me.
Again.
Again.
Again.
Twenty times.
The courtroom remained perfectly silent.
One juror wiped away tears.
Another couldn't even look at the screen.
Matthew lowered his head.
For the first time...
He looked ashamed.
Too late.
The verdict required less than two hours.
Guilty.
Aggravated assault.
Domestic abuse.
Financial fraud.
Witness intimidation.
The judge removed his glasses before speaking.
"Power does not place anyone above the law."
Matthew Hayes was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison.
As deputies led him away, he looked back once.
"I loved you."
I met his eyes.
"No."
May you like
"You loved controlling me."
Then I turned away forever.
