When He Saved Me

t w e n t y - n i n e

I followed my lawyer Emily Grayson and made my way to my seat. 

Cade then entered behind his lawyer I could feel his stare on me but I refused to look at him.

The judge then announced. "Court is now in session. The case of Madison West vs. Cade Hunter is now being heard. Counsel, you may proceed with your opening statements."

Emily stands up and makes her way in front of the jury. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today we will present undeniable evidence that Cade Hunter systematically abused Madison West mentally, physically, as well as sexually over a period of five years. We will show you medical records, hear testimonies from those who witnessed the aftermath of Cade's violence, and present direct messages where Cade admits to his actions. Madison's bravery in coming forward will speak for itself, and we trust you will see the truth."

Cade's Lawyer stands up. "Members of the jury, what we have here are exaggerated claims and a vindictive agenda. Madison West has no concrete evidence to back up her accusations. This trial is an attempt to ruin Cade Hunter's life. We will demonstrate that Madison's allegations are baseless and that Cade is innocent of all charges."

The prosecution begins by calling Madison to the stand. She takes a deep breath, steadying herself. Emily has prepared her for this exact moment. 

Emily stands up "Ms. West can you describe the first incident of abuse?"

I take a deep breath and collect my thoughts. "It was two years ago, on a Saturday night. Cade and I had just gotten back from one of his friends parties. We had a few drinks, and everything seemed fine. But then we started arguing about something trivial—I can't even remember what it was now. The argument escalated quickly. He accused me of flirting with another guy at the party, which wasn't true. I tried to explain, but he wasn't listening." 

I pause trying to reign in the emotions my hands trembling I could feel his glare but I focus my eyes on my brother and his friends in the stand Nicky gives me an encouraging smile and then I glance to the jury and see their attentive faces.

I continue. "Out of nowhere, he slapped me across the face. I was stunned. The force of the hit made me stumble back, and I could taste blood from where my lip split. I remember the shock, the disbelief. This was the man I loved, the man I trusted, and he had just hurt me. He looked just as shocked as I was for a moment, then he started apologizing profusely, saying he didn't mean it, that it would never happen again. He promised."

I feel the tears running down my face and I brush them away.

"And did it happen again?" Emily asks.

"Yes. It happened again and again and each time he apologized and said it would never happen again but it always did." My voice broke.

"Thank you, Ms. West No further questions."

"I now call Dr. Roberts to the stand." Emily says.

Dr. Roberts, a middle-aged woman with a calm demeanor, takes the stand and is sworn in. She was the only Doctor I had every talked to about the abuse.

"Dr. Roberts, could you please describe your profession and your relationship to this case?" Emily asks.

"I am a licensed medical doctor with a specialization in emergency medicine. I treated Madison West on multiple occasions for injuries consistent with physical and sexual abuse." Dr. Roberts responds.

"Can you detail the nature of these injuries and the treatment you provided?" Emily asks.

Dr. Roberts glances at her notes, then at the jury, speaking clearly and authoritatively. "Madison came to the emergency room with a range of injuries over a period of several months. These included contusions, abrasions, vaginal trauma, and a fractured rib. Each time, her injuries were consistent with being inflicted rather than accidental. For instance, the fractured rib was the result of a blunt force trauma, which she stated was caused by being kicked."