Autumn is a second spring

98. Case

Fame's smile widened as she admired her reflection in the mirror.

Her makeup was flawlessly applied, her lips painted a bold crimson, and her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her outfit—a tailored dress that hugged her post-pregnancy figure just right—exuded confidence. 

For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like herself again. It had been two months since she gave birth to her baby girl, a tiny, premature bundle of life who had, against all odds, emerged healthy and strong.

But today wasn't just about her baby. Today was about Fluke.

Today was a big day, and she had been waiting for it with bated breath. She wasn't nervous; she was giddy with anticipation. Today, she would see Fluke, the man she loved. 

You are going to make yours today, Fame. From today, he will be forever tied to you. Your daughter is your golden ticket to hold him. Use it well and make him fall for you all over so that no one can even dream of taking him away from you.

She hummed softly to herself as she grabbed her bag, her heels clicking confidently against the tiled floor as she left her apartment. 

Her heart fluttering at the thought of seeing him again. It didn't matter that their meeting would take place in a courtroom, under less-than-ideal circumstances. All that mattered was that she would finally be in the same room as him.

Fame's chest tightened as she thought about how Fluke had cut her off completely after discovering her pregnancy. His coldness had been like a slap to the face, a betrayal she hadn't anticipated. She had tried every avenue to reach him—calls, messages, even showing up unannounced—but Fluke had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her.

She had been furious, devastated, and desperate.

And that desperation had driven her to take drastic measures.

Fame bit her lip as she grabbed her car keys. She knew filing a case against Fluke for rape and demanding child support had been an extreme move, but it was the only way to force him to face her. To make him acknowledge her existence.

Her grip tightened on the steering wheel as she navigated the busy streets toward the courthouse. The memory of their first hearing played in her mind.

Fluke had been distant, his face a mask of indifference as he sat beside his lawyer, Mean. Mean had countered her claims with ferocity, arguing that Fluke had never been involved with her in any way and that the child was a result of artificial insemination.

Jon, her cousin and legal representative, had tried to argue back. He claimed Fluke had promised to support her financially if she went through with the insemination, and therefore, he was still accountable. But Mean had been quick to refute that, accusing her of fabricating the entire story.

The court had ordered a paternity test as a result.

Fame's lips curled into a confident smile. She knew the test would prove her claims. Her baby was Fluke's, without a shadow of a doubt. Today, that truth would come to light, and Fluke would have no choice but to take responsibility.

The thought filled her with a giddy sense of triumph.

By the time she arrived at the courthouse, Jon was waiting for her outside, his arms crossed and a look of exasperation on his face.

"You are late," he said, his tone clipped. His gaze traveled over her, taking in her meticulously styled appearance. "And why are you so dressed up? This is a courtroom, not a fashion show."

Fame shrugged, brushing past his judgment. "I just wanted to look nice for Fluke," she said matter-of-factly, her voice tinged with excitement.

Jon frowned, grabbing her arm to stop her as she started walking toward the building. "Fame, focus," he said firmly. "This isn't a game. You can't just waltz in there acting like this is some kind of reunion."

She pouted, pulling her arm free. "I know what I am doing, P' Jon," she said, her voice tinged with irritation. But she stayed put, reluctantly heeding his advice.

Her eyes wandered past Jon to the entrance of the courthouse, where she spotted Fluke standing with Mean. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. He was dressed sharply, his expression cool and detached. He hadn't even glanced in her direction.

Ignoring Jon's protests, Fame took a step forward, ready to approach Fluke. But Jon grabbed her wrist again, this time with more force. "Wait until after the hearing," he hissed.

Fame sighed dramatically but relented, falling into step beside him as they made their way inside.

The courtroom was stark and formal, its atmosphere heavy with tension. Fame's heels clicked against the polished floor as she took her seat beside Jon. Fluke and Mean sat across from them, their posture as rigid as the wooden benches they occupied.

Fame's gaze flicked to Fluke, but his eyes remained fixed ahead, his face unreadable. The lack of acknowledgment stung more than she cared to admit, but she pushed the feeling aside. Victory was within reach, and she wasn't about to let anything dampen her spirits.

The court reporter began reading the case details aloud, her voice steady and professional.

"Case number 0457-2024: Khun Fame Woranun Nalatworasakul vs. Fluke Natouch Siripongthon. Plaintiff alleges sexual assault resulting in pregnancy and demands child support. The defendant denies all allegations, asserting no sexual interaction occurred. Previous hearing resulted in the court ordering a paternity test. Today's hearing will review the results of the test."

The judge, a middle-aged man with a no-nonsense demeanor, adjusted his glasses as he addressed the courtroom. "Have the DNA test results been submitted?"

The court deputy clerk stepped forward, holding a sealed envelope. "Yes, Your Honor," she said, handing it over.

Fame's heart raced as she watched the envelope change hands. She felt a surge of confidence, her gaze darting to Fluke. He still hadn't looked at her, but that didn't matter. The results would speak for themselves.

As the judge opened the envelope, the courtroom fell into an almost oppressive silence. Fame leaned forward slightly, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. This was it. This was the moment that would change everything.

Fluke's face remained impassive, but Fame thought she caught a flicker of tension in the way his jaw tightened.

Her smug smile widened as she imagined what was about to unfold. The truth would come out, and Fluke would have no choice but to take responsibility for their child.

But as the judge began to read the report, his expression gave nothing away.

Fame held her breath, her anticipation mounting with every passing second.