My Husband The Judge Sentenced Me To Prison Chapter 02
The next evening, just as I parked the car, I saw Marcus and Valerie walking into the house.
Leo was telling some joke that had Valerie doubled over with laughter. She was wearing my white Armani couture suit—the one I bought to celebrate making partner before I went to prison.
Pinned to the lapel wasn’t just any brooch. It was the ‘Defense Attorney of the Year’ gold pin from the State Bar.
The laughter died the moment they saw me.
Marcus’s expression froze for a second before his usual judicial authority returned. “Tonight is the Bar Association gala. Valerie didn’t have anything appropriate to wear… and your clothes were just hanging in the closet.”
Valerie gently touched the pin on her lapel. “That’s right, Sarah. You don’t mind, do you? I’ll give it back as soon as the gala is over. Although… it’s not like you can use this pin anymore. A federal felon is barred from practicing for life, after all.”
I watched Marcus’s hand rest on her waist—a clear sign of ownership.
My heart felt like it was being pierced by a thousand tiny needles.
For the past five years, Marcus had forbidden me from attending any public events, claiming it was to “protect me from the media.”
The truth was, I was just bad for his image.
“Why don’t you just give the pin to Valerie,” Marcus said, as casually as if he were talking about the weather. “Her company is preparing for its IPO; she needs to project this kind of professional image. To you, it’s just a piece of scrap metal. To her, it’s a key that opens doors.”
I clenched my fists so tight my nails dug into my palms.
I earned that pin by handling hundreds of pro bono cases!
And he was giving it away to his mistress like a piece of old trash.
“You’re coming to the gala tonight, too,” Marcus said. It wasn’t a request; it was an order.
Leo chimed in from the side. “Yeah, Mom, you should go. It’s to support Dad.”
If I hadn’t overheard their conversation yesterday, I might have fallen for this fake family warmth all over again.
I pretended to hesitate. “Should I? All my old colleagues…”
Valerie immediately linked her arm through mine, all fake affection. “You’re my sister! We should be there as a family, all together.”
Marcus nodded. “For the greater good, you need to act appropriately.”
The greater good.
There was that phrase again.
I gave a reluctant nod.
They both visibly relaxed.
Valerie slid expertly into the front passenger seat—my old seat—and adjusted the rearview mirror.
She leaned her head out the window, a victor’s smile on her face. “It’s a bit of a squeeze for three in this car, and I don’t want to wrinkle my dress. Why don’t you just drive your own car and follow us? You’re used to being alone, anyway.”
Marcus didn’t even glance at me. “Hurry up. Don’t be late.”
I turned to get the keys to my old Toyota. “You guys go ahead.”
As their luxury sedan sped away, I watched them in my rearview mirror, my eyes cold as ice.
My phone buzzed.
It was an encrypted text from Diane: “The trap is set.”
I replied: “Let the show begin.”
I slammed my foot on the gas and followed them.