My Revenge Billionaire Husband

Chapter Three: The Defendant

“Darlene…it's going to be alright. I must say, it's not going to be easy, but we can do it.” Andrew kept turning to me while he drove. I stared forward blankly, in a world of my own.

“I think Arthur is trying to get back at you.”

“By framing me?” I finally spoke.

He nodded sadly and said, “If you are in prison, you will have limited access to your account, and you can’t live in his house. What I don't understand is he's a multi-billionaire. Why should he care about losing some house or a couple of thousands of dollars?”

Arthur did not like to lose. I would have said that, but I was too tired. I sighed heavily and turned to the sight of a little boy playing with a kite. “I don't think Arthur would frame me. When he called earlier he sounded genuinely upset... I just can’t believe this is happening.” I said and buried my face in my palms.

“Well, you know him more than I do. If he is though, he can’t get away with it.”

I resisted the urge to burst into tears, “The truth is I do not want his money or his house. I hate that house so much. I hate the life I have had to live there.” my voice broke as I continued “If I had a choice…I wish I had a choice…”

“I know. I know, Darlene.” Andrew looked almost as miserable as I did.

Arthur didn’t want me to work. He always said he earned more than enough to take care of both of us. I wasn't even allowed to have an account in my name. So, as much as I hated to be in this position, I had to do it.

“How bad is it? The attack?” I asked.

“It’s bad Darlene. She’s badly hurt.”

“I had nothing to do with that,” I said with tears in my eyes.

“I know. Trust me, I know that. We might just have to convince a jury that you didn’t. Everything will be fine,” he said while he drove into the parking lot of his office.

“So, she’s not dead. Right?” I held my breath before he answered.

“No, she’s not. But…”

“But what?” my eyes widened.

“Darlene, there is something else you need to know…the baby did not survive.”

“What?” I whispered and the lump in my throat was bigger now.

“The injuries were severe. There was nothing anyone could have done.”

My heart dropped into my stomach, and I gasped for air. How? Tears poured down my eyes uncontrollably. I knew then that Arthur was not framing me. He wouldn't go that far. He just wouldn’t. Or would he?

My uncertainty bothered me so much. I didn't know when I stepped out of the car for fresh air. I had so many questions. Arthur would not stoop that low. Then, who would? Who would want to harm Angela? Why am I a suspect?

I let out a scream and fell to the ground. My tears flowed freely. Andrew rushed to hold me until I was calm enough to walk into his office.

After the investigation, I was arrested. The trial lasted for months. It was a tough trial, but Andrew was relentless. He spent days and nights working tirelessly on the case.

The trial took a toll on me in every possible way. One day in court, I collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. I had been distressed ever since the arrest. I just could not believe how my life took this turn.

The men who attacked Angela claimed that I hired them to do so. I had never met them in my life, but no one believed me. It was my word against theirs. Everyone thought I had probable cause to harm Angela because she was Arthur’s lover. As much as I was hurt, I did not care that much. I was being framed, but I did not understand why.

Arthur was filled with vengeance. He was so sure that I was the one responsible, which hurt me even more. He knew me better than that, but I couldn't blame him so much. He lost a child. I was also hurt that he did.

When I regained consciousness, I was at the hospital. Andrew was sitting beside me with his face buried in his hands. His head propped up at the sound of my voice.

“Darlene,” he had tears in his eyes. “You are up. How are you? You have no idea how happy I am to hear your voice.”

I smiled at him as he took my hand in his. As reality set in, the smile on my face faded away.

“Hey hey hey,” he said and stroked my hair, “it is going to be okay. We are going to get through this together, okay?”

I nodded with tears in my eyes. I did not believe I stood a chance in court, but Andrew did. I hated Arthur. Why did he have to complicate our lives? I still was not sure of what was happening or who was doing this to me.

I didn't have the answers. Andrew did not either, but he had defended me all this time. He was the only one who believed me. My own family had cut ties with me because of this case. According to my father, I had brought shame to his name. He did not want anything to do with me.

First, I had left my husband after generations of peace between our two families. Then, I committed murder. He was done. My mother had pleaded on my behalf, but he ignored her. His decision was final.

Tears rolled down my face as I reminisced on these things. Arthur Walker had ruined my life and all I ever did was love him. With all of my heart, I loved him.

I recovered swiftly and in no time, we were back in court.

The jury was ready to give their verdict, and we all rose in court. “Your honor, we find the defendant…”