«And now the bride will gift her business to the groom!» — the emcee announced at the mother-in-law’s request, but instead of the deed, I played the video and the mother-in-law had to flee through the back door…….

Under toasts and fake smiles. The judge nodded, making notes. Ashley also stood.

Her voice was soft, professional. Your Honor, we have video. It shows Anna presenting the gift to her husband with a speech, a kiss, applause.

No one noticed signs of pressure at that moment. Besides, two days before the wedding, she herself took the documents to the notary. It was her initiative.

Anna flinched. Because you said it was insurance. That he wouldn’t find out.

That it was needed just as a formality. I trusted you. Ashley turned to her.

The smile vanished. Anna, you’re an adult woman. You signed.

You presented. You spoke into the microphone that you love and believe. It doesn’t work to give first, then demand back.

Ethan was silent. Just watched. And at some point, Anna couldn’t hold back.

Everything she had accumulated, everything she held in, burst out. Tell me to my face. Say you planned this.

That you used me. That your mother bribed the emcee, and you just waited for the moment when I’d open up and be left with nothing. He stood up.

Slowly. Without anger. Almost with weariness.

I didn’t wait. I just realized you believe in people too much. And decided you needed to be stopped before you burned everything yourself.

Anna laughed. Hollow. Without joy.

Was this your way to stop? Steal my work? Life? Make a fool of me? This was a way to survive, Anna. I have debts. Our wedding was fake.

You knew it was for reputation. For a deal with partners. You agreed.

And then suddenly decided that feelings were fake too. Because they were. Everything was.

But I, I wasn’t. The judge tapped on the table. Please, no personal showdowns.

Let’s get to the point. Anna sat down again. Her eyes burned.

Grant placed one last sheet before her. «Use if you want,» he whispered. It was a copy of the transfer.

Money that Ashley received from a company linked to Ethan. With signatures, seals, transactions. Proof that everything was a game.

Anna looked at the sheet for a long time. Her fingers slowly lifted it and placed it back. «No,» she said.

«I want you to hear the truth, not documents. I transferred the business because I believed. I signed papers because I loved.

I was silent because I was ashamed. But now I speak because I want to live. Not as a victim.

But as a person who chose to step out of the shadow. The judge looked at her for a long time. Then set aside the pen.

«We’ll conclude the hearing. The decision will be announced in a week. When it all ended, Ashley approached her.

Without malice. Even without gloating. Just calmly.

You could have won if you showed that. She nodded at the sheet. «I don’t want to be you,» Anna answered quietly.

«Even if it means losing.» Ashley stepped back for a second. Something flickered in her eyes.

But she quickly left, without turning. Outside it was sunny. Strangely warm for winter.

Anna stood on the court steps, eyes closed. Inside everything burned. Not from pain.

From cleansing. She didn’t know if she’d win. But for the first time in a long time, it didn’t matter.

She said everything. Without fear. Without a mask.

Later that evening, Grant called. His voice was excited. «There’s news.

One of the founders of the company that transferred money to Ashley decided to cooperate. He has audio recordings. Your former friends discussed how to force you to sign the gift deed.

And how to get rid of evidence. Why did he go against them? Because Ethan sold him out in another case. No one is loyal to those who betray first.

Anna smiled. Painfully, but sincerely. So we have a chance? More than this morning.

The next morning, Anna woke up to a call. Unknown number. She answered.

Anna. This is Ethan’s mother. Silence.

Why are you calling? You won. Not officially yet. But I know.

I feel it. They returned the cafe to you. Money.

Respect. Everything. But I want you to know, I don’t regret.

You don’t suit him. You’re too emotional. You’re too honest.

And honest people don’t survive in our world. Anna listened, and at some point understood this woman was calling not with a threat. She was calling to say goodbye.

And I survived, said Anna. Without your games. Without lies…