It was the most public moment of her life.
Brooklyn Carter sat at the long mahogany table of the Los Angeles Superior Court, her palms resting on the polished surface, her heart pounding like a drum.
Across from her sat Emmett Reese, her ex — the man who had vanished when she told him she was pregnant, and who had now decided to reappear as a media villain dressed in cheap redemption.
To the left, a row of cameras sat behind tinted glass. No filming was allowed in the courtroom itself, but that hadn't stopped the world from watching.
Outside, protestors gathered. Paparazzi swarmed. Twitter buzzed.
But Brooklyn?
She was calm.
Because today… she wasn't afraid of the spotlight.
She was going to burn in it.
---
Earlier That Morning
Vivienne tightened the strap of Brooklyn's sleek black dress in the courtroom's private dressing room.
"No jewelry. Simple makeup. Elegant but neutral," Vivienne said, adjusting her earrings. "You're not just a wife today, or a pregnant woman. You're a force of truth."
Brooklyn looked at her reflection.
She barely recognized herself.
Strong. Composed. Unapologetic.
"I'm ready," she said softly.
Damien appeared in the doorway, dressed in a deep gray suit and a storm brewing in his eyes.
"They gave Emmett five minutes on the stand," he said. "It's all about you, not him."
She walked over and kissed his cheek. "Then I'll make it count."
---
In Court – Emmett Takes the Stand
The courtroom doors closed with a soft thud.
Emmett adjusted his cheap tie and leaned into the mic.
"Miss James — I mean, Mrs. Carter — lied to me," he said, trying to sound victimized. "She said she was pregnant, but when I asked for proof, she got angry. Controlling. I left for my own safety."
Brooklyn didn't flinch.
"She reappeared in the press married to Damien Carter, the billionaire. Suddenly she's living in luxury, and pregnant again. Or still. I don't know."
Laughter rippled faintly across the gallery.
The judge gave Emmett a look. "Stick to facts, Mr. Reese."
"I believe she used a pregnancy — maybe not even hers — to trap a wealthy man. I want a DNA test before the birth. I want to make sure that child isn't… stolen."
Brooklyn's fists clenched under the table.
But her expression stayed serene.
Because soon, it would be her turn.
---
Brooklyn Takes the Stand
When her name was called, the room held its breath.
She walked to the front with slow, steady grace — not just a pregnant woman, but a woman who refused to be minimized.
She raised her hand.
Swore in.
Then took her seat and folded her hands in her lap.
The opposing lawyer stood, voice slick with charm.
"Mrs. Carter. How long have you known Mr. Reese?"
"Three years," she replied clearly.
"And you were romantically involved?"
"For a while."
"Until?"
Brooklyn's voice was calm. "Until I told him I was pregnant. And he disappeared."
The room murmured.
The lawyer smiled thinly. "And yet, you chose not to pursue child support?"
"I chose to protect my peace."
"You're saying you never asked for money?"
"I never even asked for an apology."
He walked slowly across the court. "And then you married Damien Carter."
"Yes."
"Convenient timing, don't you think?"
Brooklyn's eyes sharpened.
"No. It was unfortunate timing. I didn't marry for love or money. I married for safety."
"You admit it wasn't love?"
"I admit it wasn't yet," she said simply. "But it is now."
Gasps echoed.
The lawyer faltered.
Brooklyn turned toward the judge.
"I know what this looks like. A woman with a past suddenly marrying a billionaire. But I don't need to prove my worth to anyone. Least of all to a man who abandoned me."
Her voice didn't shake.
"I didn't steal a baby. I'm carrying one. And I will never let him be near my child again."
The judge nodded slowly. "Noted, Mrs. Carter."
---
Recess – Hallway
Brooklyn stepped into the hallway for air, ignoring the camera flashes behind the tinted security glass.
Damien was waiting for her, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Then he smiled.
"You were incredible."
She let out a breath. "I felt like my chest was on fire."
"You didn't just defend yourself," he said. "You made it undeniable."
Vivienne appeared beside them with her phone.
"We just got confirmation," she said. "The DNA test will be court-ordered after birth, not before. You remain the child's sole legal guardian until then."
Brooklyn blinked.
"We won?"
Vivienne nodded. "He's going to walk out of that room broke, humiliated, and alone."
Brooklyn reached for Damien's hand.
And squeezed.
---
Later That Evening – Home
Back at the penthouse, Brooklyn sat barefoot on the couch, wrapped in one of Damien's hoodies, sipping chamomile tea.
The day had drained her — emotionally, physically, spiritually.
But something inside her felt settled now.
Like she had stood in the fire and come out forged stronger.
Damien came into the room quietly, a glass of water in one hand, a folder in the other.
He sat down beside her.
"I know this was hard," he said. "But I wanted to show you something."
He opened the folder.
Inside was a printout — their marriage license.
But with a fresh page clipped on top.
Brooklyn frowned.
"What's this?"
He looked at her.
"I want us to renew it. No clauses. No timeline. Just… us."
Her breath hitched.
"I thought we were already doing that."
"We were. But I want it in ink. In front of people. Not because of a press conference. Not because of a scandal. Just because I want you."
She stared at him, eyes wide.
"Damien…"
"I don't have a ring yet," he added quickly. "But if you say yes, I'll fly to Paris tonight and bring back twenty."
She laughed softly, pressing a hand to her heart.
"You don't need twenty."
"Ten?"
"Just one," she whispered. "And yes."
Damien leaned in and kissed her — slow, sweet, and full of promise.
---
Meanwhile – Elias's Hidden Room
Elias threw his phone against the wall, glass shattering.
"She won again," he muttered. "This girl won't break."
The man in the corner lit a cigarette slowly.
"You should've used someone else," the stranger muttered. "Emmett was too emotional."
Elias turned.
"I need something else. A new angle. Something… explosive."
The man flicked his ash. "Then go for the heart."
Elias's lips twisted into a cruel smile.
"I already am."