Michaela's Court Hearing

In the blink of an eye, it was Michaela Ferguson’s trial. The courtroom was packed to capacity. Thorne wanted to embarrass his wife so he arranged for the trial to be broadcast live.

The netizens' eyes were glued to their television waiting for the trial to begin. They were scolding Thorne and his mistress for treating the legally wedded wife like trash.

They boycotted the Cage businesses because they felt that they failed to raise their daughter well. Her values were questionable. Who told the first loves to bully the legal wives?

The reporters were outside the courtroom waiting to interview the Ferguson family, the Cage family and the Miller family.

The Ferguson elders attended the court hearing with a heavy heart. They wanted to witness the cruelty of their grandson. Also, they wanted to give support to their precious granddaughter-in-law.

Judge Harris banged his gavel and said, “The court is in session.” He asked Mrs Michaela Ferguson to stand. Michaela and her lawyer, Mr Blaze, stood up.

Judge Harris looked at Michaela and asked, “How do you plead, Mrs Ferguson?” Michaela looked at Judge Harris and replied without hesitation, “Not guilty, Your Honor.”

Judge Harris asked the plaintiff's lawyer to proceed. Mr Jeff Cliff approached the bench and said, “I would like to call Miss Sloane Ball to the stand.”

Miss Ball sat on the witness stand; she solemnly promised that she would speak nothing but the truth.

Mr Cliff smiled at Sloane and said, “Miss Ball, tell the court about your friendship with Miss Cage.” Sloane told the court that Miss Cage and she were like sisters. They have become friends since kindergarten.

Then Mr Cliff asked, “Could you please tell us about the incident that happened at the Shalom Shopping Mall?”

Tears streamed down Sloane’s beautiful face and said, “Paula asked me to accompany her to meet Miss Miller. We waited for her on the third floor outside the cake shop.

While we were waiting, I excused myself and went to the restroom. When I came back, I saw Miss Miller pushing Paula. Miss Miller was screaming at Paula. I was so shocked when I saw her falling from the third floor to the second floor.

I became so scared my mind went blank. I decided to hide because I didn’t know if Miss Miller would kill me too. I am having nightmares about that fateful day, and I am currently taking sleeping pills to help myself to sleep.”

Sloane sobbed and choked. Mr Cliff gave her a bottle of mineral water to drink. Sloane took the water with trembling hands and drank half of the water. She thanked Mr Cliff, and then she wiped her tears with her hands.

Mr Cliff handed the tissue to her. Sloane wiped her face, then she looked at Mr Cliff and said, “We can continue.”

Mr Cliff looked at her and asked, “Why didn’t you call an ambulance when you saw your best friend fall to the second floor?”

Sloane wiped her tears and replied, “Everything happened so quickly and my mind went blank. I was paralyzed by fear.” Then Mr Cliff looked at Judge Harris and said, “I have no further question, Your Honour.”

Mr Blaze stood up and said, “Miss Ball, you mentioned that Miss Cage was like a sister to you. However, you didn’t call the ambulance or the police. Miss Ball, are you jealous of Miss Cage?”

Sloane was taken aback by the question and replied, “No. Why would I be jealous of Paula?” Mr Blaze replied, “Maybe because when she was overseas Mr Ferguson didn’t approach you? Do you have a crush on Mr Ferguson?”

Sloane didn’t know how to answer the question because she was secretly in love with Mr Ferguson. She looked at Mr Cliff with pleading eyes.

Mr Cliff looked at Judge Harris and said, “Mr Blaze is badgering the witness, Your Honour.” Judge Harris replied, “Overruled. Miss Ball, please answer the question.”

Miss Ball looked at Mr Blaze and replied, “I don’t have feelings for Mr Ferguson. I feel insulted because Mr Ferguson is like a brother to me.”

Mr Blaze then looked at Sloane for a long time and asked, “After your best friend was taken by ambulance, why didn’t you call the Cage family or Mr Ferguson?”

Sloane’s mind went blank. She didn’t know how to respond. Mr Blaze asked, “Do you want me to repeat the question, Miss Ball?”

Sloane shook her head and replied, “I was paralyzed by fear and I couldn’t think straight. However, I visited the Cage family and told them everything that had happened.”

Mr Blaze shook his head and said, “I put it to you that you pushed Miss Cage and destroyed the surveillance camera because you had a crush on Mr Ferguson.

You wanted to kill two birds with one stone when you framed Mrs Ferguson. Your Honour, I have no further questions.”

Mr Cliff was fuming with anger and said, “May I redirect, Your Honour.” Judge Harris nodded his head and replied, "You may." Then Mr Cliff approached Sloane and asked, “Do you have a crush on Mr Ferguson, Miss Ball?”

Sloane shook her head and replied, “No. I have never coveted something that does not belong to me. In my eyes, Mr Ferguson is my sister’s fiancé and I have never flirted with him even once.”

Mr Cliff thanked her, and then he sat down. Then Sloane was escorted to her seat. Judge Harris looked at Mr Cliff and asked, “Do you have other witnesses, Mr Cliff?”

Mr Cliff nodded his head and replied, “I would like to call Dr Bond to the stand, Your Honour.”

Dr Bond sat at the witness stand. After he took an oath, Mr Cliff approached him smiling and said, “Thank you, Dr Bond, for taking your time to testify in this courtroom. Please tell the court about your relationship with Miss Paula Cage.”

Dr Bond replied, “Miss Cage is my patient. I have been taking care of her for the past two weeks. She is seriously injured and I am not sure if she will ever wake up. It will depend on her willpower.

The Cage family should thank Mrs Ferguson for her quick thinking. If it was not for her, Miss Cage would have died.”

Mr Cliff looked at Dr Bond and said, “We have heard testimony from Miss Ball indicating that she saw Miss Miller pushing Miss Cage. In your own opinion, don’t you think Miss Miller saved Miss Cage out of guilt?”

Dr Bond shook his head and replied, “I saw Mrs Ferguson at the hospital on that day with the Cage family.

Even though I cannot search a human heart, my gut feeling tells me that Mrs Ferguson was framed. I don’t think she is responsible for Miss Cage’s incident. She is a doctor, not a murderer.”

Mr Cliff was fuming with anger, but he managed to control his emotions. He smiled and said, “Your Honour, I have no further questions for this witness.”

Judge Harris looked at Mr Blaze and said, “Your witness.” Mr Blaze smiled at Dr Bond and said, “I have no questions, Your Honour.”

Michaela's Testimony

Judge Harris looked at Mr Blaze and said, “Your witness.” Mr Blaze called Mrs Michaela Ferguson to the stand. Mrs Ferguson sat on the witness stand. She solemnly promised that she would speak nothing but the truth.

Mr Blaze looked at Michaela and said, “During the bail application, Mr Cliff told the court that you had already signed the divorce papers. I am confused. Why did you meet your husband’s mistress?”

Mr Cliff was fuming with anger when he heard Mr Blaze labeling Paula as a mistress. However, he didn’t utter a word because it was the truth. Michaela was Thorne’s legally wedded wife.

Michaela looked at Mr Blaze and replied, “It was against my better judgment. I was curious what she wanted to say to me. Also, I wanted to tell her that I had nothing to do with her lover.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get that opportunity because she was already injured when I arrived at the Shalom Shopping Mall.”

Mr Blaze nodded his head and asked, “Did you push your husband’s mistress, Mrs Ferguson?” Michaela shook her head and replied, “I didn’t, Mr Blaze. I didn't have a reason to harm her because I had already signed the divorce papers.

Also, I didn't have a reason for hating her because it was my husband who failed to respect our marriage. He opened a door for the third party and destroyed our marriage.”

Mr Blaze nodded his head and asked, “Mrs Ferguson, why did you save Miss Cage’s life?”

Michaela looked at her husband and replied, “I saved her life because I wanted to clear my name. I knew deep down in my heart that Mr Ferguson would blame me for his mistress' incident.”

Mr Blaze nodded his head and asked, “Do you still love Mr Ferguson?”

Michaela looked at her husband with a faint smile on her gorgeous face and replied, “I used to worship the ground Mr Ferguson walks on. He was my knight in shining armour, my everything.

However, the love I had for him faded a long time ago. At the moment, he is just…just a passerby. I don’t love him anymore.

He has never protected me from his friends when they were humiliating me.

One day, I was at the company working overtime because it was month end. I received a text message from him asking me to bring an urgent file to Havana Club. He indicated that the file was at home in the living room.

I dropped everything and rushed home. I took the file and drove to Havana Club without looking at it because I thought it had confidential information.

When I arrived at his private room, he looked at me with disdain and disgust in his eyes. He asked me what I was doing there.

I was confused because he was the one who asked me to bring an important file to him. He sneered and denied it. One of his friends laughed out loud and said he was just joking with me.

Then Mr Ferguson looked at me coldly and asked me if I had signed the divorce papers. I was taken aback because he had never discussed divorce with me before.

I opened the file with trembling hands. Lying quietly in the file was a signed divorce agreement. He told me about the divorce in front of his friends because he wanted to humiliate me. From that day I gave up on him. I took my heart back.

I refused to sign the divorce papers not because I wanted the status of being Mrs Ferguson, but to humiliate his mistress. She is nothing but a homewrecker.”

Mr Blaze looked at her puzzled and asked, “Why did you sign the divorce papers on the day your husband’s mistress was injured?”

Michaela touched her belly smiling and replied, “On that day I discovered that I was pregnant. Hence, I signed the divorce papers. I didn’t want to raise my child in a toxic environment.”

Then Mr Blaze looked at Judge Harris and said, “I have no further questions for this witness, Your Honour.” Then he walked to his seat and sat down.

Mr Cliff was shaken when he heard Michaela tell the court about the joke he played on her. He heaved a sigh of relief when she didn’t mention his name.

Thorne told them about the divorce papers he left in the living room. So, Jeff Cliff decided to send a text message to Michaela to humiliate her. He never regretted the stunt he pulled on Michaela because she stole Thorne from his dearest Paula.

Mr Cliff approached Michaela smiling, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes and said, “I put it to you that you pushed Miss Cage because you were jealous of her.

Also, you refused to divorce Mr Ferguson because you didn’t want to part with the wealth of the Ferguson family.” Then he looked at Judge Harris and said, “I have no further questions, Your Honour.”

Mr Blaze stood up and asked, “Your Honour, may I redirect?” Judge Harris nodded his head and replied, “You may.” Mr Blaze approached Michaela smiling and asked, “Are you jealous of your husband’s mistress?”

Michaela shook her head and replied, “No. Besides Miss Cage’s skill of seducing married men, what is there to be jealous about?

I might have failed to capture Mr Ferguson’s heart, maybe because he was never mine to begin with. In his heart, I was just a substitute.

He had never seen me in his future. He was waiting for the love of his life to come back and take back the position of being Mrs Ferguson.”

Mr Blaze looked at Michaela and asked, “Did you refuse to sign divorce papers because you were coveting the Ferguson family wealth?” Michaela laughed out loud until her stomach hurt.

She apologized to Judge Harris and replied, “For the past two years I have never received even a lollipop from Mr Ferguson. Everything I have I bought with my hard-earned money.

The mansion that we are staying at was a wedding gift from my parents. When I was signing the divorce papers, I agreed to leave this sham of a marriage with nothing.

I stayed in my marriage because I thought maybe one day he would see the goodness in me and love me back. Unfortunately, it was my wishful thinking.

I have learned the hard way that love cannot be forced. Marrying him was my deepest regret. I wish I could press the rewind button.” Mr Blaze thanked her and sat down.

Thorne was humiliated and embarrassed by Michaela’s words. He looked at her with icy cold eyes. Thorne was famous for being generous. He had showered Paula with exquisite jewelry and luxurious gifts.

However, he failed to treat his gorgeous wife well. They felt sorry for Mrs Ferguson for falling in love with the wrong man.

Judge Harris asked Mr Blaze if he had other witnesses. Mr Blaze indicated that he didn’t have any witnesses. Then Judge Harris asked both lawyers to prepare closing arguments.

He indicated that the court would resume the following day at 9 am. Then the court adjourned and he went to his chambers.

Closing Arguments

After the netizens heard Michaela’s testimony, they were up in arms. They scolded Thorne for failing to provide for his wife and hurled insults at him and his mistress.

When Thorne Ferguson walked outside the courtroom, he was ambushed by the reporters. Ben, the reporter, approached him and asked, “President Ferguson, is it true that for the past two years, you failed to buy your wife even a lollipop?”

Thorne’s face darkened. He looked at Ben, the reporter, coldly but didn’t utter a word. His lawyer, Jeff Cliff, looked at Ben, the reporter, and said, “No comment.”

Then Thorne Ferguson’s bodyguards shielded him from the reporters and escorted him to the parking lot. He sat in his car for a long time without uttering a word.

He couldn’t believe the person who used to look at him with eyes full of love would give up on him.

Even though he didn’t have any feelings for his wife, hearing her say he was just a passerby, those words hurt him deeply.

Countless women were dying to marry him, but his wife indicated that it was her deepest regret to marry him. His ego was deeply bruised.

His personal bodyguard, Leo Williams, sat in the driver’s seat but didn't start the car. He looked at his boss and asked, “Mr Ferguson, should I take you to your beach house?”

Mr Ferguson shook his head and replied, “Please take me to Havana Club.” Then Leo drove his car to the club.

When Thorne arrived at their private room, David May was alone drinking whiskey. A few minutes later, Jeff Cliff walked into the private room.

Thorne looked at Jeff coldly and asked, “Why did you mention the Ferguson family wealth in court, knowing full well that Michaela doesn’t care about my money?

Even the divorce agreement was drawn up by you, and it was clearly stated that she would leave with nothing. I am confused. What stunt were you trying to pull in the courtroom?”

Jeff furrowed his brows and replied, “I am sorry, I went overboard. I allowed my emotions to control me. I was furious at her for stealing you away from Paula. I wanted to humiliate her and label her as a gold digger.”

Thorne’s face darkened and said, “Please leave. Are you not supposed to prepare the closing arguments for this case? Don’t let Paula down.” Jeff took his suit jacket, then he left without uttering a word.

Later, Ben, the reporter’s newspaper’s first page was written in bold, “Durban Tycoon abandoned his wife for his mistress.” The other local newspapers published the story as well.

The following day, Judge Harris walked into the courtroom and sat on the bench. He banged his gavel to indicate that the court was in session.

Judge Harris addressed the court and said, “I will allow both sides to provide us with their closing arguments. Thereafter, I will review the evidence, and then I will rule on the matter. I will ask Mr Cliff to begin with his argument.”

Mr Cliff approached the bench and said, “Your Honour, we have all heard the testimony of Miss Ball. She is a reliable and credible witness.

It is clear to me that Miss Miller wanted to remove Miss Cage because she was pregnant. She didn’t want any obstacles which would affect her unborn child.

During the trial, Miss Miller didn’t show any remorse despite the overwhelming evidence against her.

I suggest the court sentence Miss Miller to thirty years in prison because she is a danger to society.” Mr Cliff thanked Judge Harris and walked to his seat smiling.

Mr Blaze looked at Judge Harris and said, “Your Honour, I feel that this matter was rushed. We don’t even have a detective report. What is the rush?

My gut feeling tells me that Miss Ball is lying through her teeth. No one knows what happened on that day because Miss Cage is lying in the hospital fighting for her life.

Your Honour, please disregard Miss Ball’s testimony. There is no evidence to convict my client besides the so-called eyewitness testimony.

Mrs Ferguson didn’t commit the crime. She is innocent, Your Honour.” Then he walked to his seat with a heavy heart.

Michaela touched her lawyer’s hand and smiled. She trusted the Lord that one day the truth would come out.

Judge Harris indicated that the court would resume after two hours. Then he went to his chambers.

Mr Blaze looked at Michaela and asked, “Do you want me to get you something to eat or drink?” Michaela shook her head and replied, “I don’t have an appetite, Uncle Blaze.”

Two hours later, Judge Harris walked into the courtroom and sat on the bench. He banged the gavel. The courtroom became quiet.

Judge Harris looked at Michaela and said, “Mrs Ferguson, please stand.” Mr Blaze and Michaela stood up and looked at Judge Harris.

He looked at Michaela and said, “Mrs Ferguson, you are such an intelligent and gorgeous young lady and I don’t understand why you didn’t leave a loveless marriage. It is clear to me that your husband loves Miss Cage so dearly.

In your testimony, you indicated that your husband had never respected or protected you, but you still stayed.

It would be difficult to prosecute this case without Miss Ball’s testimony. Life is the most precious gift a human being can receive. When it is taken away it can never be returned.

Attempting to cause the death of a human being is a serious crime. Dr Bond testified that Miss Cage had suffered serious injuries, and it would depend on her willpower to wake up.

However, I didn't even see you show any remorse. You are so heartless at a young age.

I concur with Mr Cliff, you are a danger to society, and you deserve to be locked away for a long time.

After weighing all the relevant factors, I found you guilty of the attempted murder of Miss Cage. Therefore, you are hereby sentenced to twenty years in prison without parole.” Then Judge Harris walked to his chambers.

Tears streamed down Michaela’s stunning face. Pain surged through her heart. The Ferguson family and the Miller family couldn’t believe their ears. They felt that Judge Harris was too harsh.

Michaela turned her head and looked where her mother was sitting. Amanda Fox was hugging her tightly, both were crying softly.

Thorne welcomed the judgement and hugged his lawyer tightly. He was over the moon. He looked at his grandfather with gloating eyes. He had proved to his family how vicious Michaela's heart was.

Mr Blaze had arranged with the prosecutor to annul Mr and Mrs Ferguson’s marriage.

After Judge Harris left, Mr Blaze accompanied Michaela to Judge Harris's chambers. A few minutes later, Thorne walked to the chambers smiling brightly. Mr Blaze hugged Michaela and left with a heavy heart.

Do you think Miss Ball was the credible witness?