The courtroom settled into a heavy silence as the judge raised his gavel.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this trial will now proceed with opening statements. The prosecution may begin."
Assistant District Attorney Margaret Grant rose smoothly, and she stepped before the jury, her voice calm.
"Good morning. My name is Margaret Grant, and I represent the People of the State of California. You are here because the defendant, Damien Rothwell, stands accused of crimes against his wife, Jossy Harrison-Rothwell. Over the next several days, you will hear evidence of intimidation, violence, control, and manipulation. You will hear testimony of how what began as a fairytale romance for a young woman descended into a nightmare behind closed doors."
Her words were heavy, each pause letting the weight settle.
"You will hear how the defendant, wealthy, powerful, and accustomed to control, systematically isolated his wife. He cut her off from work, from friends, from independence. He dictated what she wore, where she went, and who she spoke to. You will hear about nights filled with shouting and fear. You will hear about the bruises, the broken trust, and a miscarriage."
The jury shifted uncomfortably, some casting glances at Jossy, who sat rigid in her seat, Hazel's hand discreetly gripping hers under the table.
"And finally," Grant continued, "you will hear about the night of September 14th, the night the defendant's violence reached a breaking point. The night Mrs. Harrison-Rothwell ran for her life. The night police finally intervened."
She straightened, letting her voice sharpen.
"The evidence will show that Damien Rothwell is guilty of abuse. That his wealth and charm cannot erase the bruises or silence the truth. And that Jossy Harrison-Rothwell is not just a name in the papers, she is a survivor who deserves justice."
With that, she returned to her seat.
All eyes turned to the defense table.
Damien's lead attorney, Joshua Peters, rose deliberately, smoothing his tie. He strolled before the jury with the confidence of a man used to winning.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, voice warm, almost soothing, "the prosecution has painted for you a story.. A story filled with drama, heartbreak, and carefully chosen words. But it is just that: a story. A story meant to sway your hearts, not your reason."
He gestured toward Damien, who sat tall, hands folded neatly.
"My client, Damien Rothwell, is not perfect. No marriage is perfect. But he is not the monster the prosecution would have you believe. You will hear evidence that what occurred in this marriage was not abuse, but arguments, arguments that happen in homes across America every single day."
Jossy's jaw tightened, but she kept her eyes forward.
"You will also hear," Peters continued, lowering his voice, "that Mrs. Harrison-Rothwell stands to gain financially from this trial. That she is not simply a victim, but a woman with motives. Divorce, inheritance, family reputation, all intertwined in ways the prosecution would rather you ignore."
He stopped, turning fully to the jury.
"When you hear all the facts, not just the carefully crafted narrative, you will see this case for what it is. A bitter marital dispute blown out of proportion. And you will find Damien Rothwell not guilty."
He sat down with calm, whispering briefly into Damien's ear. Damien gave a small nod, his lips twitching as though he wanted to smirk.
Within minutes, headlines from the case dominated the media.
"Court Confirms: Jossy Harrison-Rothwell, Is the Victim in Damien Rothwell Case."
"Prosecution Calls Rothwell a Monster."
"Defense Says Jossy Has Motives."