Book Two.
Arielle Thompson and Raheem Small, who grew up together in Slys Village, find themselves in an unexpected twist of fate as they both attend a family reunion after many years. Childhood enemies, their relationship was marred by Raheem's hur...
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📍Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court 55a Duke St, Kingston
The bright Tuesday morning sun cast a warm glow over the courtroom, but Arielle's heart felt heavy with anxiety as she sat beside Mr. Simmons and Mr. Martin. Michele's personal lawyer, Mr. Martin, had been a crucial witness to the signing of the papers, and Arielle felt a sense of comfort knowing she had both lawyers by her side.
It also gave her comfort that her chosen family was sitting a few feet behind her, all there to show her their love and support.
As the courtroom began to fill, Arielle's eyes scanned the room, her gaze settling on Daniel, who entered with a confident stride. To her surprise, Georgina, her former boss, took a seat behind Daniel and his lawyers. Arielle's eyes met Georgina's, and she was immediately annoyed by the woman's presence. Georgina's smug look was a clear indication of her support for Daniel's case, and Arielle couldn't help but roll her eyes. She had a feeling Georgina was connected to Daniel somehow, but she couldn't quite put her finger on how at the time.
'Maybe a she a him jezebel,' she thought.
The judge, a stern-looking woman, entered the courtroom and took her seat. "This court is now in session," she declared, her voice firm but calm. "The matter before us today is a paternity suit, with Daniel Golding seeking to establish paternity and parental rights and custody of his child. The plaintiff, Arielle Thompson, is contesting these claims. Let's begin with the opening statements."
Daniel's lawyer, a tall, imposing figure, stood up, his voice dripping with condescension. "Your Honor, my client, Daniel Golding, is seeking justice for his child and wife. We will show that Michelle Golding was manipulated and coerced into signing away her rights, and that Arielle Thompson's actions were nothing short of deceitful. We have evidence that will prove Michelle was not in a good frame of mind when she signed the papers, and we will demonstrate that Arielle Thompson's actions were motivated by a desire to gain financial advantage and not in the best interest of Baby Golding."
Mr. Simmons then stood up, his voice clear and confident. "Your Honor, my client, Arielle Thompson, has been a devoted mother to her legal daughter, Mikaela Thompson, and we will prove that Michelle Golding, the child's biological mother, made her decision willingly and with full understanding of the consequences. We have evidence that will show Michelle was of sound mind and body when she signed the papers, and we will demonstrate that Daniel Golding's claims are baseless."
The judge nodded, her expression neutral. "Very well. We will proceed with the evidences. Mr. Buchanan, you may go ahead first."
"Your Honor, the evidence will show that Michelle Golding was in a state of depression in the months leading up to her pregnancy. She had suicidal ideations, and her mental health only deteriorated further after she became pregnant."
He presented a stack of legal documents from Michelle's therapist, detailing her struggles with depression and anxiety. "These documents will show that Michelle was not in a sound state of mind when she made the decision to sign away her rights. She was vulnerable, and Arielle Thompson took advantage of that vulnerability."
