I stand before the defendant's table in court whilst Charvelles ex husband, Mr Cunningworth stands at the right side facing the female judge. Callan and Giselle are in attendance. We're already 20 minutes into the case.
"My wife got back home in rage and confronted me about the adulterous actions I was accused of committing. She claims that Mrs Lynn said I hit on her because my wife didn't satisfy me and that I said these other repulsive statements about her," he explains.
"Mr Cunningworth, will you describe these 'repulsive statements'," the judge says.
"That her vagina is huge," he responds.
"Miss Lynn, what is your relationship with his ex wife?" the judge ask's.
"Im her former employee. I used to work at her dry cleaner," I reply.
"Can you give us your side of the story," she says.
I fidgit with my hands. "Right, um.. It was 2 months ago, on a Sunday when I went back to work. My intention was to resign from the job," I explain.
"Can you tell us why you wanted to resign," the judge requests.
"Because I had found a new job elsewhere. Prior to that, low wages and refusal to employ more workers to earn more profit, which meant overworking for me and my colleague," I respond.
"So you're saying his former wife denied employing more workers let alone increase your wages inspite of being overworked?" The judge ask's.
"Yes ma'am," I agree.
"Proceed," the Judge urges.
"So after resigning from the job, Charvelle wasn't pleased. She probably had other reasons to divorce Mr Cunningworth but decided to fabricate lies," I fib.
"She's lying your owner. My ex wife can testify against this. Even Miss Collymore was present at the time when everything transpired!" He exclaims.
"Mr Cunningworth will you stay quiet before I ask you to leave and I close this case," the judge scolds.
"Sorry your honor," he apologizes.
The judge proceeds, "What is your relationship with miss Giselle Collymore?"
"She was my colleague at Charvelles dry cleaner and is my friend," I respond.
"So you worked alongside miss Collymore, who from what I'm seeing here, was apparently present at the time of the occurrence, correct?" The judge ask's.
"Yes," I agree.
I have full trust in Giselle that she will testify in my favor.
"Miss Collymore, may you come forward and give your testimony," the judge commands.
Giselle gets up and makes her way towards the witness box.
"Miss Collymore, will you raise your right hand and give your affirmation," the officer commands.
Giselle lifts her hand and affirms, "I solemnly state that the testimony I will give in the case now pending before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth".
"You may proceed," the judge says.
"It was on a Sunday when Kashmere came to the laundry mat," Giselle begins.
"Where were you and what were you doing at the time?" The judge ask's.
"I was at the back room folding linen," she replies.
"You may proceed," the judge says.
"I was able to hear everything. Kashmere left immediately after resigning from the job. She never said any statements that Mr Cunningworth claimed she had said," Giselle lies.
Great job! I knew I could believe in her.
"I object to these self serving statements your honor. The witness is not giving a true testimony. I have evidence! I had cameras installed in the store. The footage will show you clear evidence," Charvelle says.
I'm dead. What the fuck is she doing here?
"You may come forward," the judge permits.
Charvelle walks towards the officer and hands him a flash.
"The evidence will show," the judge says as the screen displays clear footage and sound of my conversation with Charvelle.
"Miss Collymore, you were under oath when giving your statement," the judge says and Giselle drowns in shame.
"Miss Lynn, can you confirm if this is you in the footage," the judge says.
I can't lie at this point. "Yes it is your honor," I admit.
"you testified earlier, denying of making the alleged statements," the judge says.
"Yes," I agree.
"So you do admit that you lied"
"Yes your honor," I accept in abashment.
After a brutal scolding from the judge, she gives the final verdict.
"Judging for the plaintiff for the amount of $20,000. Case closed". She bangs the gavel.
That would be like my lifetime's entire saving. Anyway, Callan ended up paying for the fee I was fined.
Later that evening, Callan and I make our way outside of the court.
"Are you okay?" He ask's.
"Yea," I respond.
I stop in my tracks to face him.
"Thank you for what you did," I give gratitude.
"What?" He ask's.
"You didn't have to waste your well earned money to pay for my stupidity. I'll try by all means to pay back every single penny," I say.
"It's fine, you don't have to. My money spent on you is not wasted. Besides, that was a long case in there. I'm so hungry," he says. "Wanna join me for dinner?"
Thank god he declined the offer 'cause how the fuck how would I be able to pay back twenty thousand fucking dollars!?
"Sure," I accept. "But I need to change first".
Callan looks at me.
Cut to dinner. Callan brought me to a fancy restaurant. He was already dressed up beforehand so he just had to take me back home and wait for me.
"This place is lovely," I comment as my elbows are placed onto the table.
Warm colored lights adorn the surrounding as jazz instrumental, Dreamin' by Hara Noda sounds
Red lipstick adorns my lips and my straightened shoulder length hair is in a Bob. We already placed our order and are now just waiting for our food.
Callan does not respond to my previous comment but instead just stares at me. I suddenly begin to feel self conscious. What is he thinking?
I look around to avoid his gaze. Besuited waiters with trays balanced poised on one hand serve the customers. A lady marching towards the backroom catches my sight. She is dressed in a short, sparkling Alexander McQueen designed coat dress with a corresponding black clutch purse in hand. Isn't that Valencia?
YOU ARE READING
Nobody Loved Me Like You Do
Roman d'amour"If this is some little girl crush, I am not interested". He let's go of my wrist before he proceeds, "this should be the last time I fucking see you or else I'll call the cops". Rule number one, don't fall in love with a stranger and clandestinely...
