Chapter 289: I Have Something To Say

When the court reconvened, Vivian had already dried her tears. She didn't want to appear weak before Ernest. She again presented the court with all testimonies regarding Cecilia and Nathaniel's failing relationship and Nathaniel's emotional abuse.

Just as the judge was about to deliver the verdict, without any new evidence, Cecilia stood and said, "I have something to say." The judge nodded, signaling her to proceed. Cecilia glanced at Nathaniel, then addressed the courtroom: "I have been unfaithful."

Silence fell. A storm of emotions raged in Nathaniel's eyes. Cecilia continued, "There was never any emotional connection between Mr. Rainsworth and me. Mr. Ernest mentioned my six-month involvement with him since my return—I admit that. However, it was all for revenge. Nathaniel treated me with complete indifference, devoid of the affection a husband should show his wife. I despised him. For four or five years after leaving Tudela, I was plagued by nightmares of him abandoning me for another woman. I drank to numb the pain."

Ernest hadn't anticipated Cecilia's outburst. "That proves you're still deeply in love with Mr. Rainsworth," he interrupted.

Cecilia laughed. "Love? Do you even understand love, Mr. Ernest?"

Ernest choked. "Love is a rush of hormones," Cecilia said. "Once they're gone, so is the love. I once loved him, but his repeated hurts turned my love into resentment. He made me realize what a terrible person I was. My return was to prove he wasn't as significant as he thought. If I wanted him, I could have him at any moment!" She glanced at Nathaniel.

Nathaniel stared intensely. Her words pierced him like knives. Cecilia turned back to the judge. "Also, my current partner is overseas. I love him dearly, and we have two children. If you find me guilty of bigamy, Your Honor, I accept it. Even jail—I want to end this failed marriage definitively."

Under astonished gazes, Cecilia approached Nathaniel. "Mr. Rainsworth," she declared, "if you refuse a divorce, I'll air our issues here for everyone to hear."

Nathaniel knew she truly wanted a divorce, that reconciliation was impossible. His eyes were red. He wanted to refuse, but couldn't speak. Ernest knew that even with a victory, his client would lose. Vivian's eyes welled with tears; she knew Cecilia had longed for this moment.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the judge adjourned, postponing the verdict until the following day. Outside the courthouse, Nathaniel's men had cleared the reporters. Nathaniel waited for Cecilia and Vivian, positioning himself before them. "Cecilia, let's talk." Cecilia gave Vivian a reassuring look and left with Nathaniel. Ernest emerged after them. Vivian gave him a cold glance and walked away. Ernest watched her leave, then, as he approached his car, noticed suspicious foreigners in another vehicle.