Chapter 7 - The ArrestDaniel was arrested the next morning.
Vivian was arrested two hours later.
The television news showed her being escorted from the house.
She screamed at reporters.
“This is a setup!”
Nobody listened.
Daniel's attorney tried to negotiate.
The prosecution refused.
The evidence was overwhelming.
Then came the trial.
Vivian insisted I had caused everything.
“She destroyed my family!”
The prosecutor asked:
“Did Claire force you to throw boiling oil?”
Vivian said nothing.
The courtroom watched the kitchen footage.
The exact moment she lifted the pot.
The exact moment she threw it.
The exact moment Daniel stepped over me.
Then the prosecutor played the recording from the restaurant.
Daniel's own voice admitted everything.
The courtroom became silent.
When the verdict came, both were convicted.
Daniel received a lengthy prison sentence.
Vivian received an even longer one because of the attempted murder charge.
The accountant cooperated.
Vanessa testified.
The court ordered restitution.
Every dollar they had stolen was traced.
The judge looked at Daniel.
“You mistook kindness for weakness.”
Daniel looked toward me.
I didn't look back.
The judge continued.
“You mistook marriage for ownership.”
Then came the sentence.
Daniel was taken away.
Vivian followed.
I finally breathed.
Lena touched my shoulder.
“It's over.”
I nodded.
“No.”
May you like
She looked at me.
“It's beginning.”
