I stood in court with trembling hands, ready to tell the truth—until my mother-in-law stormed toward me. “You dared to fight me?!” she hissed, then slapped

Part 2
For three long seconds, nobody moved.

My cheek burned, but the pain barely registered compared to the ache inside my chest when I saw Lily covering her mouth with her tiny hands. My sister Rachel pulled her close, whispering comfort into her ear, but Lily kept staring at me like she had just watched the world split apart.

The bailiff guided Patricia backward, though she fought him every step.

“This is outrageous!” Patricia screamed. “She provoked me! She’s been trying to destroy my son since the beginning!”

Judge Whitaker looked toward the bailiff. “Remove Mrs. Harper from the courtroom.”