Chapter 6: Jessica’s Mask Falls
After David was removed from the courtroom, the atmosphere became even more tense.
Judge Whitman turned her attention to Jessica Price.
“Ms. Price,” she said, her voice calm but sharp, “you have been accused by a child of physical mistreatment and emotional abuse. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”
Jessica’s confident expression had completely disappeared. Her hands were shaking as she gripped the edge of the table.
“She’s lying,” Jessica said, her voice high and strained. “That child is a liar. She’s always making up stories to get attention. She’s difficult and manipulative. Everyone at the house knows it.”
Judge Whitman raised an eyebrow.
“Everyone at the house? Are you referring to Mr. Caldwell’s residence?”
Jessica nodded quickly.
“Yes. Lily is always causing problems. She cries for no reason. She makes up stories about her mother. We’ve had to be strict with her because she doesn’t listen.”
The judge leaned forward slightly.
“So you admit to disciplining her?”
Jessica hesitated.
“I… I mean, sometimes she needs to be punished. But I never hit her hard. Just a slap on the arm or leg when she was being difficult. It’s normal parenting.”
A wave of disgust rippled through the courtroom.
Judge Whitman’s expression hardened.
“Ms. Price, are you aware that striking a child in anger, especially repeatedly, can be considered physical abuse under Ohio law?”
Jessica’s face turned red.
“I was just trying to control her! David never stopped me! He said it was fine as long as I didn’t leave marks!”
The moment those words left her mouth, Jessica realized her mistake.
She clapped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late.
David’s lawyer buried his face in his hands.
Judge Whitman stared at Jessica for a long moment.
“So Mr. Caldwell was aware of your actions and did nothing to stop them?”
Jessica didn’t answer. She just stared at the table, breathing hard.
The judge made a note on her pad.
“Thank you, Ms. Price. Your testimony has been very… enlightening.”
She turned to Elena’s attorney.
“Counselor, given this new information, I am going to recommend that your client strongly consider amending her divorce petition. She may be entitled to significantly more than she originally requested.”
Elena’s attorney nodded, looking stunned but pleased.
Elena sat quietly, one hand on her belly.
She had come here today ready to give up everything just to escape David.
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Now, it seemed like the universe was handing her justice on a silver platter.
And it had all started because of one little girl with a stuffed rabbit.
