Chapter 4: Justice Arrives

Chapter 4: Justice Arrives
Several months later, the courtroom was packed.
The prosecution presented the CCTV footage, medical records, witness testimony, and years of newly uncovered evidence.
One by one, former victims stood and spoke.
They described the same pattern.
Violence.
Manipulation.
Silence bought with fear.
When it was Julian's turn to testify, he blamed everyone except himself.
His parents.
Stress.
Alcohol.
Me.
Even Lily.
The jury watched the video one final time.
The verdict took less than two hours.
Guilty.
As deputies placed handcuffs on his wrists, Julian looked toward me.
"You destroyed my life."
I calmly met his eyes.
"No."
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"You destroyed it the moment you laid your hands on my daughter."
The courtroom remained silent as he was led away.