Chapter 19 - Labor and Testimony
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Two weeks later, the final emergency hearing for the dissolution of marriage and criminal indictment prep convened at the county courthouse.
Because of the massive public interest and corporate implications, the courtroom was packed with journalists, legal observers, and representatives from the District Attorney's office.
I sat at the petitioner’s table alongside Natalie Brooks, wearing a simple dark dress. Across the aisle sat Adrian, dressed in a orange county jail jumpsuit, handcuffed at the wrists, his defense attorney sitting beside him looking defeated.
Judge Amelia Warren presided.
"We are here to finalize the structural division of assets and review the state's criminal filings regarding defendant Adrian Caldwell," Judge Warren announced.
Natalie stood up. "Your Honor, we have submitted the final, sworn forensic accounting report. The defendant has agreed to transfer full title of the marital home, all frozen domestic liquid accounts totaling $1.8 million, and full legal custody of the minor child to Mrs. Caldwell."
"Mr. Caldwell, do you agree to these terms?" Judge Warren asked.
Adrian slowly stood up, the chains around his waist rattling. He looked hollow, stripped of every ounce of pride.
"Yes, Your Honor," Adrian muttered softly.
Suddenly, a sharp, searing pain shot through my lower abdomen. I gasped loudly, grabbing the edge of the wooden table as my body went completely rigid.
"Lydia?" Natalie asked, turning to me in alarm.
A warm fluid soaked through my dress, spilling onto the floor.
My water had broken. Four weeks early.
The courtroom immediately erupted into motion.
"Call an ambulance!" Ben shouted from the gallery, springing from his seat.
May you like
As the bailiffs cleared a path and paramedics rushed into the room with a gurney, another wave of intense contractions hit me. I cried out, gripping Ben’s hand as he ran beside me down the aisle.
I passed Adrian’s table. He watched me being wheeled away, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret, shame, and utter helplessness. He was going to prison, and he would never be a father to the child being born today.
