Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 53

Mark opened his eyes to the sight of a white ceiling. He didn't have time to process anything before he felt a hand grab his.

"Is he awake?"

"Yes, he is."

He heard muttering.

"Baby, I'm so glad you're alright!" Brittany's familiar voice rang out as she threw her arms around him.

Mark took his time to scan the room, his gaze falling on familiar faces—Brittany, his lawyer, and his legal team.

"I flew out the moment I got the news. How are you feeling now?" Brittany asked, her voice filled with concern as she gently patted his face. "What happened? Please, talk to me."

Her voice trembled with panic, but Mark stared at her silently, his expression unreadable.

"Mr. Smith, you should talk to your wife—she's worried," said a voice. Mark turned in its direction and saw his lawyer.

"I'm fine," Mark said, forcing a smile. "You don't need to worry, I take my meds." He placed his hand gently on Brittany's cheek and patted it reassuringly.

"The doctors say it's cirrhosis," she cried. "No, you're not fine, why didn't you tell me?"

"Brit, you're worrying too much." He said to her.

"I brought your attorneys regarding the case that woman filed against you," Brittany sighed and said. "I had to track down their contacts to get through to them. I think she's blackmailing you. Why would she stab herself just to frame you? I understand she regrets leaving you, but is she really that desperate? I thought it was all lies when my mother warned me about how horrible she is, but now I see she was right. That woman is pure evil."

"What are the charges?" Mark asked his lawyers, ignoring Brittany's rants as she wiped away her tears—tears that felt deliberate.

"Here's what you're facing: Domestic Battery, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Assault, Psychological Abuse, and False Imprisonment," Mr. Richard, his lawyer, said somberly.

"Oh..." Mark was stunned.

What evidence could she possibly have to support such serious accusations?

"That's how I know she's lying!" Brittany exclaimed, her voice rising. "My husband would never do such things. She's just after his money. Assault? Really? What does she even know? Who's putting these ideas in her head? She's just jealous of me!" Brittany cried, dabbing at her tears with a napkin.

"Babe, it's okay," Mark said calmly. "I'll be fine. We'll get through this together, alright?" He turned to his lawyers. "Get to work," he instructed them.

"Yes, Mr. Smith," they replied in unison before leaving the room.

****

"You know you don't have to be here if you don't want to," Donna said to Emily, who sat in the car, with tired eyes fixed on her. "I wouldn't want you in the same room as that...man."

Emily nodded. "I understand, but it's a room full of people, and..." She paused, wincing in pain.

"Are you okay?" Donna asked, quickly steadying her.

"It's nothing," Emily replied, forcing a smile. "Lucas, baby, let's go," she said to her son, who sat beside her, watching her with worried eyes.

Donna helped Emily into her crutches and closed the car door, holding Lucas's hand as they made their way toward the courthouse. Inside, they joined Ms. Rachel, who greeted Emily warmly.

"We'll be presenting your case today," Ms. Rachel said. "Let's hope for the best."

"I prayed before leaving the house," Emily said softly. "I know God is with me."