Chapter 9:-
1059 Words
INT. SEOUL FAMILY COURTROOM - MORNING
James Ray, also known by his Korean name, Adv. Park Ji-hyun, sits composed in a dark suit on one side of the courtroom. Across from him, LINDA looks anxious, her face pale as she avoids James’s gaze. A tense quiet fills the air. LINDA’S LAWYER, MR. OH, sits beside her.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
(clearing his throat)
We are gathered here to review the petition for divorce filed by Adv. Park Ji-hyun, along with matters of custody, property division, and compensation.
James stands, calm but determined.
JAMES
Your Honor, I am petitioning for a divorce due to irreconcilable differences and a fundamental breach of trust. This marriage has been clouded by deception from the beginning. Continuing this relationship is neither healthy nor sustainable.
Linda lowers her gaze further, her fingers trembling slightly. Mr. Oh rises, exuding confidence.
MR. OH
(clearing his throat)
Honorable Judge Nam, while we acknowledge my client’s regrets over certain…misunderstandings, she believes this marriage still has a chance of reconciliation.
James suppresses a sigh, visibly exhausted by the pretense.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
(skeptical, to Mr. Oh)
I understand your position. However, given the severity of Mr. Park’s claims, we must proceed with each matter individually.
(to James)
Mr. Park, please present your stance on custody.
JAMES
Thank you, Your Honor. Alvin is my son, and I request full custody. The respondent has not indicated a desire to maintain custody, nor has she shown the involvement necessary to do so.
Mr. Oh nods, looking unconcerned.
MR. OH
Yes, Honorable Judge Nam. My client has no objection to granting Mr. Park full custody of Alvin. Her primary concern, however, pertains to equitable division of assets and adequate compensation.
Linda shifts, her expression tense as she listens. The focus shifts to financial matters.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
Mr. Oh, please outline your client’s position on the division of assets.
MR. OH
Your Honor, my client devoted years of her life to this marriage. She respectfully requests half of the marital assets and compensation for emotional distress.
James clenches his fists momentarily before responding.
JAMES
Honorable Judge Nam, I must object. The respondent has misrepresented herself and her intentions throughout our marriage. She adopted Alvin under false pretenses, kept significant facts hidden, and has consistently pursued personal gain. Her demands for compensation and property are, frankly, unwarranted.
The judge looks carefully between James and Mr. Oh.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
Very well. The court will require full documentation of all marital assets and relevant evidence of both parties’ contributions during the marriage. Upon review, a ruling on asset division and compensation will be provided.
Linda’s shoulders slump as her lawyer leans over to quietly reassure her. James watches her for a moment, his expression a mix of regret and relief.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
This session is adjourned, pending further review. A formal decision on the divorce and related claims will be issued within the week.
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EXT. COURTHOUSE STEPS - MOMENTS LATER
James exits the courthouse, a wave of mixed emotions on his face. He pauses, taking in the gravity of the decision, then walks forward—ready to close this chapter.
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INT. SEOUL FAMILY COURTROOM - NEXT HEARING
The tension in the courtroom is palpable. James sits alone, confident and collected, representing himself. Across from him, Linda looks visibly uneasy, clutching her seat as MR. OH shuffles his notes beside her. HONORABLE JUDGE NAM enters, taking his seat.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
(clearing his throat)
After thorough examination of the evidence and arguments presented by both parties, the court has reached a verdict on the matters of property division and compensation.
Linda’s hands start to tremble as she senses the outcome. Mr. Oh glances at her, his expression tight.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
(to Linda)
Mrs. Park, you have requested a substantial portion of marital assets and a significant compensation amount. However, evidence presented by Mr. Park suggests a pattern of deception, lack of commitment, and financial irresponsibility on your part. Particularly troubling are the undisclosed details of Alvin’s adoption and your actions surrounding your biological child.
Linda’s face drops, her gaze fixed on the floor.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
Given Mr. Park’s sole responsibility in supporting this household and the considerable betrayal he endured, the court finds your claims for property and compensation to be without merit.
Linda’s jaw tightens as she hears the ruling. She struggles to keep her composure.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
Therefore, the court awards Mr. Park the majority of the marital assets. Custody of Alvin is granted solely to Mr. Park. Mrs. Park will receive only a standard settlement sum, reflecting minimal financial support due to her lack of contribution and involvement.
Mr. Oh shifts uncomfortably, knowing there’s no ground left to stand on. Linda looks defeated, her face a mix of anger and shock.
HONORABLE JUDGE NAM
This decision is final. Court is adjourned.
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INT. SEOUL FAMILY COURTROOM - DAY
James rises calmly from his seat. He gathers his papers, then glances back at Linda, who sits slumped, pale and defeated. Her hands tremble slightly as she avoids his gaze, a shell of the confident figure she once projected.
James steps closer, his voice low but cutting.
JAMES
(piercingly)
All those years, Linda… all that deceit, the lies, and the games. You took everything you could from me—time, trust, even Alvin. And in the end, what do you have left?
Linda’s gaze remains fixed downward, a flicker of shame crossing her face. James leans in just slightly, his tone cold.
JAMES
I sacrificed the one person I truly loved because I thought there was honor in what we had. But you made a mockery of every moment. You’ll remember that when you’re left with nothing but your own shadow.
Linda shudders, her face flushed with humiliation. James straightens, turning his attention to Mr. Oh, who sits tight-lipped beside her. James’s lips curve into a smirk.
JAMES
(to Mr. Oh)
Thank you for the entertainment, Counselor. I’d say “better luck next time,” but somehow, I doubt there will be one.
With a last, cold glance at Linda, James turns and strides toward the exit, his shoulders square, his expression fierce with the satisfaction of justice served.
Linda watches him go, her face a mix of anger and despair, while Mr. Oh shifts uncomfortably, unable to meet her eyes.
- Writer
