Page 35 of Under Rusted Stars

“Fuck,” I whisper.

“You’ve got this, girl,” Jett says, offering me his hand. I nod, and he helps me stand. I glance back at everyone, and they all smile at me.

I carefully walk up to the front with Jett, and the judge looks me over. “Approach the bench, Ms. Monroe,” he says.

Jett and I walk up, and Jett is immediately firm. “I will not tolerate the defense badgering my client,” he frowns.

“This is a warning that Mr. Hayes has chosen to represent himself and have his lawyer available for assistance,” the judge says. “Jason will be cross-examining you today, Olivia.”

“I can’t… I can’t do this,” I say tearfully to Jett. “I can’t face him.

“That’s what he wants, Olivia. He wants you to run because if you do, he walks,” Jett says bluntly, but then softens. “I promise, I will be right on him if he tries anything.”

“Okay,” I whisper.

“Take a seat. Amy will start,” the judge tells me. I practically drag my feet as I walk around to sit next to the judge on a slightly lower platform.

“Good morning, Ms. Monroe,” Amy says as she stands and approaches me.

“Just Olivia,” I say quietly.

“Alright, Olivia. Before we begin, I want you to understand that if you need a moment, water, or a break, let me know. Okay?” she asks, and I nod. “Can you state your full name for the record?” Amy asks.

“Olivia Diane Monroe,” I answer.

“How old are you, Olivia?”

“Twenty-eight.”

Amy nods once before slowly pacing in front of the jury box. I haven’t even looked at them, but I’m not sure if I am supposed to. “Do you see the defendant in the courtroom today?”

Every muscle in my body tightens before I look toward Jason. He’s watching me with the same calm expression he always wore after hurting me—as if none of this bothers him. Like I am the unstable one for reacting. “Yes,” I say quietly. “He’s sitting at the defense table.”

“Can you identify him by an article of clothing?”

“Black suit. Gray tie.”

“Let the record reflect that the witness identified the defendant,” Amy says. Jason smirks at me, and I hate that smirk. I hate that I fell for it. Amy continues after a brief pause. “How old were you when you met Jason Hayes?”

“Eighteen.”

“And how old was Mr. Hayes?”

“Thirty-four,” I say, and soft mutters can be heard throughout the courtroom. Amy lets that sit with the jury for a moment before continuing.

“Can you describe the start of your relationship with Mr. Hayes?” Amy asks.

“At first…” I say, swallowing hard. “He was… Perfect. He was charming and attentive. He bought me gifts. He made me feel safe, I guess.”

“When did that begin to change?”

“When we got married,” I say quietly.

“How long had you been dating?”

“Six months,” I answer.

“How long was your engagement?”