The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

"In that case, we will need to adjourn this trial."

'Gotcha, you idiot,' was what Roger thought, smiling maliciously. Thanks to his connections, he found out the name of the trial's translator and bribed him not to show up. This meant that today's trial would be postponed, forcing Deborah to return to the apartment with him.

Roger and John were pleased because, without an interpreter, the trial had to be postponed until further notice, giving them time to prepare their counterattack or seek to nullify the trial altogether. Christian noticed their smiles and deduced that they were behind the interpreter's absence, but Christian wouldn't give up so easily.

"Without an interpreter, I'm afraid I will have to...

"Your Honor, if I may, my wife can act as Deborah's interpreter," Christian interjected quickly.

"Objection," John said, standing up. "That cannot be allowed because she is Deborah's friend. How can we trust she will be impartial in her interpretations?"

[Your Honor, please allow my friend to assist me.] Deborah pleaded, looking the judge in the eye.

"Your Honor, this-"

"I will allow the lady to be the interpreter for this trial," the judge decided.

"But she could distort Mrs. Peterson's words," John argued. "Since she is her friend,

she will be biased."

"If she does, I will order her arrest because I will know if she changes Mrs.

Peterson's words-I also know sign language," the judge declared, speaking both verbally and in sign language.

[Thank you very much, Your Honor.] Deborah felt better supported now that the judge understood her.

"You're welcome, Mrs. Peterson," the judge responded, looking her in the eyes." Now, counselors, present your arguments."

Roger was furious. His plan had failed. He never imagined the judge would know sign language. Damn it... Sign language was supposed to be a rare language spoken only by a few defective idiots, but it seemed he was surrounded by people who +15 BONUS

understood it.

"I'll start by making it clear that my client seeks an expedited divorce. She doesn't want any financial or material compensation. She just wants to end this marriage so she can be happy and-" "Objection," John interrupted.

"On what grounds?" the judge asked, frowning.

"Um... well..."

"Counselor, this court is not a game. Only speak when you have something intelligent to say. Moreover, Attorney Collins is simply stating what his client wants.

"Apologies..." John muttered, sitting down with a grimace.

"You're making me look like an idiot," Roger whispered angrily, glaring at his -supposedly great lawyer.

"Same to you, idiot, for hiding things from me," John retorted through gritted teeth.

Christian let out a light cough to call Roger's and John's attention. "As I was saying, my client wants a quick divorce, having recently discovered that her husband impregnated his mistress." Once again, the courtroom buzzed with murmurs.

"Order!" the judge demanded, banging his gavel to maintain control.

"Objection, this is-"

"Save it, John," Christian said, looking at Roger. "I have verbal proof to confirm this.

He activated the projector in the courtroom to play a video.

"What? Why?" Roger's voice echoed from the screen. He was seen conversing with a blonde woman at a luxurious restaurant. "Are you sick or something?"

"Not exactly, my love. I just received the best news in the world."

"Oh? And what's that?"

"I'm a month pregnant."

"What...?"

"That's right, handsome. We're going to be parents," she declared with a broad

smile that soon faded. "But... you understand this means goodbye."

"What?! Why?"

"Because I don't want our child to be called a bastard because of that mute."

"Nobody will call my child a bastard," Roger growled.

"But my love..." she said, tears in her eyes, looking away.

"Now that I know this, I will defy my father and divorce that thing."

"R-Really?"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"Yes, and if necessary, I'll kill that mute myself to gain my freedom."

"Strong words, wouldn't you say?" Christian asked, looking sternly at Roger.

Roger was speechless, wondering who had recorded him and how.

"O-Objection," John stammered, trying to regain his composure.

"On what grounds? The video supports my point," Christian stated. "Both parties want a divorce, so I don't understand why we even have to go to trial."