Two Lies, One Truth

Chapter 25

*two days later*
Zoe's P.O.V
Today's the day. The day whether that idiot can be with Melody and Mason or not. I couldn't sleep the night before and constantly texted Angela. I do my makeup and hair then woke everyone else up.
"Where are we going Mummy?" Mason asks.
"It's a long story... Just sit still when we get there okay?" I remind.
"Okay," he smiles. We drive to the courtroom and meet Angela there.
"Zoe it'll all be fine trust me," she beams. I give her a shy smile and walk in. I see Marcus and his lawyer along with Niomi. Alfie took the kids and sat them down right next to us.
"Introducing Judge Fuller," the police officer says as the judge enters the room.
"We will now hear the opening statements," Judge Fuller proclaims.
"Your honor, Zoe Sugg has been the loving single mother of her 2 children since their birth. Although she may have been at fault that Mr. Butler was unaware of his children, Ms. Sugg was only doing what she felt was best for her children. Mr. Butler hasn't contacted Ms. Sugg in 4 years and all of a sudden he wants to take his children. Does it make any sense for a man who hasn't spent even a full day with his children to ask for full custody when their mother has taken meticulous care of these children their whole life? Thank you," Angela states, taking her seat. Marcus's lawyer stands up and begins his statement.
"Your honor, as a father yourself, you wouldn't want the mother of your children to keep them from you right? So how would it be justified for Ms. Sugg to keep Mr. Butler away from his children? Mr. Butler has already missed 3 years of his children's life and does not want to waste any more time not being with them. Mr. Butler believes Ms. Sugg hasn't been a good mother to his dear children and we are here to show you that. Mr. Butler wants to be in his children's life and he wants what's best for them. Thank you," he states.
"Would the prosecution like to call their first witness?" the honor calls.
"Miss Smart," Angela points to Niomi. She walks up to the stand and begins the oath.

Niomi's P.O.V
"I swear that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth." I speak, holding up my hand.
"Ms. Smart, what happened the night the twins went to Mr. Butler's house?" The honor questions.
"You can do this. You guys are over, he has no right to say anything." I tell myself.
"Marcus wanted the kids to eat dinner. They came to the table and Mason was eating but Melody said she wasn't hungry. At first, Marcus simply told her she needs to eat. She still refused and he got angry. He started yelling at her and she started crying. He kept screaming and she kept crying. Then...... Marcus slapped her. Mason grabbed her by her hand , brought her into the guest room where they were staying and locked the door. Marcus ran after them and started to bang on the door. When they wouldn't open it, he started to look for the keys. I remembered where they were and I took it, opened the door and comforted them. Then I brought them home to Zoe where they felt better. They offered to let me stay the night too. In the middle of the night, Marcus called and threatened me to come home. So I did." I sniffle, wiping my tears.
"Thank you," Angela smiles. I walk off the stand and see a glare coming from Marcus, followed up with a devious smile. It was Marcus's turn to stand for witness and he seemed very confident.
"Well, since not being in the children's life for long, I had no idea how Zoe was raising them. During the visits I've seen them in, I've noticed that they always wore long pants. I never understood why. When they came over and took a bath, I noticed that there were bruises and scars all over both kid's legs and thighs. I asked them what had happened and they refused to tell me. I'm just worried about how they are being treated at home and want them to come stay with me," Marcus rambles giving off a false sad look. I look back at Zoe, who's eyes were wide open. I can't believe that bastard would lie about something like that.
"Is there any proof about this abuse you're going on about?" Angela questions.
"I took pictures," Marcus answers, pulling out his phone. He hands is to the judge, who immediately analyzes it. "Mr. Butler, when were the children with you?" Angela questions.
"Friday," he answers. She walked over to Mason and pulled up his pant leg.
"No bruises," she states. "From the picture Mr. Butler claims to be the abuse of the children is false. If this picture was taken two days ago, the bruises wouldn't have healed that quickly," she acknowledges. The other lawyer had nothing else to say. He had a look of defeat and had no other argument.
"The jury will now adjourn to discuss the verdict," the honor calls. We all get up and make our way out. Zoe looks paler than ever before.
"Hey look, you would never do something like that. He's just making up stuff holding it against you. It'll all be alright," I smile giving her a hug. Mason sat in her lap playing a game as Melody fell asleep on me. Alfie was trying to finish up editing so his vlog wouldn't be late.

Zoe's P.O.V
"We need to head back in," Alfie instructs. We all head back inside and took our seats.
"The jury has decided the verdict. Marcus Butler, you are guilty of assault on a child, lying to the court under oath and tampering with evidence. You are hereby sentenced to 20 years in prison. Miss Sugg will have official full custody of Mason and Melody Sugg," the judge declares, slamming the gavel. I stood up and immediately hug the kids. They probably have no idea what's going on but they accepted it anyways. I hug everyone else and thank Angela for everything's she's done. It's all over now and we won.

Sorry again about the late chapter but it was a hard one to write. Thank you all who've been Keeping up with the Suggs 😜 and there's a high possibility of the sequel thanks to all of your requests, so watch out for that soon. Have an awesome day and last update next week. Bye!