The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

"You can't do that, Your Honor," Roger exclaimed, seething with rage.

"Then tell me, why shouldn't I approve the divorce?" the judge demanded.

Roger glanced at John, allowing the latter to react and speak, as the humiliation was unbearable.

"Apologies, Your Honor..." John stood, trying to appear confident as he approached the judge with a folder in hand. "The dramatic and tragic story painted by the opposing counsel is a fabrication," he declared, locking eyes with Christian before handing him a copy of the documents. "As you'll see in these statements, my client deposits $19,000 monthly into Mrs. Peterson's account to cover expenses. If she claims she only used a thousand, it was by her own choice."

"Interesting, but I notice the account numbers are different," the judge pointed out. "Which means someone is lying."

"It's obvious Mrs. Peterson is trying to play the victim. The account with the $19,000 deposit is with the bank where all the Peterson family accounts are managed," John explained, projecting images of the comparison.

"What do you have to say about this?" the judge asked, turning to Deborah.

[Roger forced me to open

t separate account because he said he didn't want the

mute damaging his perfect image at the bank.] Deborah signed as Caroline interpreting aloud.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

"She's lying," John shot back.

"Objection," Christian interjected.

"Why?" Roger demanded.

"Because this can be easily resolved," Christian said, standing.

"And how would that be, counselor?" the judge asked.

"Let's ask the assistant who recently worked with Mr. Roger Peterson, the one who handled his appointments, agendas, and expenses."

Roger looked worried.

"I call Mr. Fabian Wood to the stand," Christian declared.

"Objection."

"Overruled. Let the witness come forward."

One of the side doors opened, and Fabian stepped in.

"You traitor!" a woman's shout echoed through the courtroom.

"Isabelle, be quiet," George snapped, furious at his wife's outburst.

"Order," the judge demanded, clearly irritated.

Fabian took the stand, feeling Roger's hateful gaze.

"Mr. Wood, could you clarify for everyone present which account is false and which is real? Please indicate which account Mrs. Peterson's money was deposited into and the exact amount," Christian asked, handing over the documents. "Well..." Fabian examined both bank statements and, looking up, saw Roger grinding his teeth.

"Your Honor, could you order Mr. Peterson to stop intimidating my witness?"

"Do I need to remove you, Mr. Roger?" the judge asked, having noticed as well. "No..."

"Good. Mr. Wood, please answer.

"The account where a thousand dollars is deposited is Mrs. Peterson's real account, "Fabian confirmed.

"And why do both accounts bear the name Deborah Peterson?" Christian inquired.

"That's because Mr. George Peterson opened the account for his daughter-in-law to use, but Roger took that card to give to Ms. Sophia Hughes. She demanded money for her expenses and rent, so he found it easier to give his mistress the maintenance card and created a separate account for his wife, depositing what he deemed suitable for someone of her status."

Roger felt a chill run down his spine. He turned around and saw his father's furious glare, realizing the latter hadn't known about this detail.

"Wow, Mr. Peterson certainly loves his wife," Christian said sarcastically.

John was visibly nervous again; he hadn't expected the secretary to betray them like

this.

"I think the point is clear. Thank you for clarifying, Mr. Wood. You may step down," the judge said with a sigh. "We now know which evidence is false."

"Wait, Your Honor, I... I have a point to make..." John frantically searched through his papers.

"Your Honor, at this point, it's evident my client has every right to seek a divorce, and Mr. Peterson is merely wasting our time."

"I agree," the judge nodded.

"No, seriously, we have a point..."

"Then make it."

"You see, Mrs. Peterson isn't the saint she pretends to be. Evidence of this can be seen in her negative and rude behavior towards her husband's family," John stated." In fact, her attitude is so appalling that even her own family doesn't want her. "Pathetic..." Caroline muttered, glaring at Roger.

"I call Mrs. Isabelle Peterson to the stand to corroborate this information," John said confidently.

The older woman smiled arrogantly and stood to take the stand.

"Isabelle," her husband called, his voice laced with warning. "If you lie, you'll no longer be part of this family tomorrow," he whispered, locking eyes with her.

The woman looked frightened. Was he serious?

"Please proceed to the stand, Mrs. Isabelle Peterson," the judge instructed, frowning.