“You testified that your family has always provided a supportive environment.”

“Is it supportive to hire private investigators to follow a six-year-old child to her school?”

“Objection!” Vance shouted.

“Sustained,” the judge said.

“Move on, Ms. Jenkins.”

Sarah bowed her head slightly.

“No further questions for this witness, Your Honor.”

Evelyn stepped down, her chin held high.

She walked back to her seat, her eyes lingering on Nathan.

She knew we were trapped.

With the news of our “fake” marriage breaking online, any credibility Nathan and I had was evaporating by the minute.

“The court will take a ten-minute recess,” Judge Miller announced, looking at his own computer screen.

He looked displeased.

The moment the judge walked out, the courtroom erupted into a low hum of whispers.

Sarah turned to us immediately.

“We have a problem,” Sarah said, her voice low and urgent.

“The local news just ran a story claiming Nathan paid off your debts in exchange for this marriage.”

“They have copies of the wire transfers.”

I felt the air leave my lungs.

“How did they get those?” I whispered.

Nathan’s face was grim.