Chapter 1
Michaela Ferguson had tears streaming on her face and she had blood in the corner of her lips. She shook her head and replied, “It wasn’t me. When I arrived at Shalom shopping mall, your mistress was already injured.”
Her husband, Thorne Ferguson didn’t believe her and said, “Pray that Paula will not die because should she die, I will bury you and your family alive.” Then he pushed her hard, and Michaela staggered and fell to the ground.
Michaela was in a sorry state. She cursed the day she first met Thorne Ferguson. She had been nothing but a good wife to him. However, her husband had been cold and cruel towards her. Her heart was overwhelmed with bitterness.
Thorne looked at his wife with icy-cold eyes and said sternly, “I will never forgive you for touching the love of my life. Paula is my bottom line.
I will make sure that you get a life sentence. Please pray hard for her not to die, because should she die I don’t know what I will do to you and your family.”
Chapter 1 Toxic Marriage
At Shalom Shopping Mall, Michaela Ferguson was kneeling beside her husband’s mistress, Paula Cage, screaming, “Someone, call the ambulance.” Paula Cage’s body was covered with blood.
Michaela quickly took Paula’s hand to check the pulse. She heaved a sigh of relief when she discovered that she was still alive. She quickly performed first aid while she was waiting for the ambulance.
Since Ferguson Private Hospital was not far from the mall, the ambulance arrived fifteen minutes later. The paramedics placed Paula on the stretcher, and then they took her to the ambulance. Michaela followed them to the hospital.
At the Ferguson Group, President Thorne Ferguson was buried in his work. He was extremely handsome with beautiful black eyes. He had a cold and ruthless aura.
At that moment, President Ferguson’s Executive Secretary, Charles Brown, knocked on the door. President Ferguson said, “Come in.”
Charles Brown approached his boss’ desk and said, “Mr Ferguson, I just received a call indicating that Miss Cage has been rushed to Ferguson Private Hospital.
She had a meeting with Mrs Ferguson at Shalom shopping mall when she fell from the third floor to the second floor.”
President Ferguson was so shocked he couldn’t believe that his unworthy wife could touch his bottom line. Paula Cage was his life.
He was fuming with anger, he wanted his wife dead. Who gave her the confidence to touch the love of his life?
When Thorne Ferguson heard that his sweetheart, Paula Cage, was injured, he asked his Executive Secretary to cancel all the scheduled meetings. Then he took his car keys and rushed to the hospital.
Thorne Ferguson took him fifteen minutes instead of thirty minutes to arrive at the hospital. Paula Cage was Thorne’s first love. Three years ago, Thorne proposed to her. She turned him down and went overseas to see the world.
Paula Cage returned to the country six months ago and apologized to Thorne for turning his proposal down. She told him that she was ready to settle down.
Thorne was overjoyed. He handed the divorce papers to his wife, Michaela, but she refused to sign them.
A surge of anger rose in Thorne’s heart when he saw his worthless wife in the waiting room. He rushed to her and slapped her hard across the face. Michaela fell on the ground.
He kicked her hard on her stomach. Michaela was so scared she thought she would lose the baby.
She was currently two months pregnant, but she didn’t tell her husband because she didn’t want to trap him with the baby. She decided to raise her baby alone, away from her toxic marriage.
Her husband lifted her on the ground by her hair. He slapped her several times and asked, “Who gave you the confidence to hurt my Paula?” His wife’s head was buzzing and she saw stars.
Michaela had tears streaming on her face and she had blood in the corner of her lips. She shook her head and replied, “It wasn’t me. When I arrived at Shalom Shopping mall, your mistress was already injured.”
Her husband didn’t believe her and said, “Pray that Paula will not die because should she die, I will bury you and your family alive.” Then he pushed her hard. Michaela staggered and fell to the ground.
Michaela was in a sorry state. She cursed the day she first met Thorne Ferguson. She had been nothing but a good wife to him. However, her husband had been cold and cruel towards her. Her heart was overwhelmed with bitterness.
At that moment, Doctor Bond approached them with the consent form and asked, “Who is Paula Cage's family?” Paula’s eldest brother, Samson Cage, walked to Doctor Bond and replied, “I am her brother. Doctor Bond, how is my baby sister?”
Dr Bond looked at them with a somber expression and replied, “You have to thank the person who did first aid on her. She saved her life. Please sign the consent form.”
Samson Cage quickly signed the consent form with trembling hands. He loved his youngest sister so much. Then Dr Bond walked back to the emergency room.
Mr Adam Cage walked to Michaela and said, “Young lady, please tell us what really happened. I heard that my granddaughter went to Shalom shopping mall to meet you.”
Michaela wiped her tears and replied, “Sir, this morning I received a text message from Miss Cage asking me to meet her at Shalom shopping mall at 12 pm.
Even though I had a board meeting, I thought we would finish around 11:30. Unfortunately, the meeting finished at 11:45.
When I arrived at the mall, Paula was already injured. While we were waiting for the ambulance, I performed first aid on her. I swear I didn’t push her.”
Grandpa Cage nodded his head, he believed her. He asked his eldest grandson, Samson Cage, to investigate the matter thoroughly and to retrieve the surveillance footage from the mall.
Thorne Ferguson didn’t believe a word from his worthless wife. He hated her with passion. He approached her again and sneered, “Why didn't you tell me that you were meeting my future wife?”
Michaela’s face was swollen, and she didn’t see clearly with her right eye. She wiped her tears and replied, “I called you this morning after I received your mistress’ text message, but you told me not to bother you.
I even sent you a text message about this matter. It is clear to me that you deleted the message without reading it.
When I told your mistress that I had already signed the divorce papers, she insisted that I meet her. She said she had something she wanted to tell me.
At first, I didn’t want to meet her because I don’t have anything to do with you anymore.”
Something happened in Thorne’s chest when he heard his wife’s last sentence. There was a feeling that he didn’t understand. His chest became stuffy but he ignored that feeling.
At that moment, her husband’s phone started ringing. He picked it up and said, “Speak.” Someone said something at the other end. Thorne’s face darkened, and then he hung up.
He looked at his wife coldly and said, “I was told that during your meeting with my future wife, the surveillance camera at the mall was not working. Did you bribe someone to destroy the evidence?”
Michaela shook her head and replied with a pleading tone, “Please believe me, Mr Ferguson. I didn’t push your mistress. When I arrived at the mall, your mistress was already injured.
Also, the Shalom Shopping Mall is under the Ferguson Group. It will not be difficult to find the evidence. Who am I to bribe someone to hide the evidence? You give me too much credit, Mr Ferguson.
Why don’t you investigate this matter, Mr Ferguson? Are you scared that you will find out the truth that your mistress wanted to set me up, but her plan backfired?”
Chapter 2 Michaela was Arrested
Thorne was so angry that he laughed. What was his wife talking about? His beloved Paula was kind-hearted and she couldn’t hurt a fly. The one with a vicious heart was the woman standing in front of him.
Thorne looked at his wife with icy-cold eyes and said sternly, “I don’t need any evidence because I know how vicious your heart is.
I will never forgive you for touching the love of my life. Paula is my bottom line. I will make sure that you get a life sentence. Please pray hard for her not to die, because should she die I don’t know what I will do to you and your family.”
Thorne’s words were like a knife piercing straight into Michaela’s heart. However, she was not surprised because her husband had never shown her any kindness since they got married. She was like a speck of dust in her husband’s eyes.
She wiped her tears and asked, “Mr Ferguson, if one day you find out that you have accused me wrongly, would you apologize to me?” Thorne laughed out loud and replied, “I will never apologize to you, not even in your dreams.”
Michaela was dumbfounded. How could she fall in love with someone like that? It was true that love was blind. They had been married for two years, but she failed to capture his heart. It was clear that she was just warming Miss Cage’s position.
Michaela smiled brightly at her husband and said, “Mr Ferguson, please don’t forget what you have said to me today because I will never forgive you when the truth comes out. I hope you will never regret it.”
Thorne was taken aback by his wife’s words. A strange feeling surged within his heart, and he couldn’t shake it.
Thorne took his phone and called the Chief of Police, Chief Smith. He told him about his beloved Paula Cage, who was fighting for her life.
Thorne indicated that his unwanted wife tried to kill his beloved Paula by pushing her from the third floor. Chief Smith promised to send police officers to arrest Mrs Ferguson. Thorne was satisfied when he heard Chief Smith’s words.
Then he called his best friend and lawyer, Mr Jeff Cliff. He asked him to press charges against his wife for attempted murder. He was ruthless and merciless.
Half an hour later, two police officers approached Michaela Ferguson. They read her rights, and then they handcuffed her. When she arrived at the police station, she was told that she had a right to call one person to post bail for her.
At the Miller Group, President Denzel Miller was in the meeting when his phone started ringing. It was an unknown number, but something told him to answer the phone. He raised his hand, then he excused himself and said, “Hello.”
Michaela replied sobbing, “Daddy, please come to the police station and bail me out. Thorne is accusing me of trying to kill his beloved mistress.” Her father nearly dropped the phone.
He was so shocked when he heard that his beloved daughter had been arrested because of her husband and his mistress. He begged his daughter to leave her toxic marriage to no avail.
Mr Miller couldn’t help feeling heartbroken when he heard his daughter sobbing. He calmed himself down, then he dialed his lawyer’s number with trembling hands.
When it was connected he said, “Mr Blaze, please meet us at the police station. My daughter has been arrested.”
He walked to the conference room and told his managers that the meeting was adjourned. Then he quickened his pace and went to the underground parking lot. He immediately drove his car to his mansion in La Lucia.
When he arrived home, his wife, Gloria Miller, was resting in their bedroom. He took her in his arms and said, “Sweetheart, our daughter has been arrested. Thorne is accusing her of trying to kill his mistress. Let’s go to the police station, my love.”
Mrs Miller nearly fainted with shock. She cried sorrowfully for her daughter’s life. When she heard that Paula was back, she asked her daughter to divorce her husband. Everyone was aware of how much Thorne Ferguson loved his first love.
Thorne had a major depression after Paula turned down his engagement proposal. Michaela dropped everything and nursed him back to life. Then they registered their marriage. However, it was enough for Michaela.
When Michaela was sixteen years old, Thorne saved her from the hooligans who wanted to violate her.
Then Michaela promised him that she would marry only him in this lifetime. Hence, she refused to divorce him when everyone told her to leave her toxic marriage.
On their second anniversary, Michaela signed the divorce papers because she found out that she was pregnant.
Thorne had forced himself on her when his beloved Paula threatened him that she would disappear again should he fail to get a divorce.
That morning, before Michaela went to work, she told her mother about the text message she received from her husband’s mistress.
Her mother had a bad feeling, and she begged her not to meet her husband’s mistress, but she didn’t listen. It was clear to her mother that Paula was up to no good.
Michaela had been tortured by Thorne and his mistress for the past six months. Her husband had brought his mistress to their matrimonial mansion several times. She was treated as a mistress in her own marriage.
The sad part was that the mansion was given to them by her parents as their wedding gift. Thorne treated Michaela like air, and he had never respected her as his wife.
In police custody, Michaela was thinking about the pain her parents would go through should Paula pass away. Thorne would tear the Miller family apart.
If that happened, she would get a life sentence for a crime she didn’t commit. Tears streamed down her face.
She wished she could press the rewind button. She prayed to the Lord for a second chance. She was just twenty years old, and she hadn’t achieved her dreams yet.
Mr Miller and his lawyer, Aaron Blaze, met outside the police station. Mr Miller looked at his lawyer with sadness in his eyes and said, “Mr Blaze, I don’t know the details of the case.
I heard that my daughter received a text message from her husband’s mistress asking to meet with her at Shalom Shopping Mall at 12 pm.”
Mr Blaze comforted Mr Miller and replied, “Let’s not lose hope, Mr Miller. I will go inside to see Michaela and post bail for her.”
Chapter 3 Attempted Murder Charges
Mr Aaron Blaze walked to the police station and asked to see his client, Mrs Michaela Ferguson. The police officer escorted him to the interrogation room.
A few minutes later, Michaela walked to the interrogation room and sat opposite her lawyer.
Mr Blaze looked at the woman with a swollen face and asked, “May I help you?” Michaela smiled faintly and replied, “Uncle Aaron, it’s me. Thorne beat me up for touching the love of his life.”
Mr Blaze’s heart was overwhelmed with bitterness. Michaela was like a daughter to him. He had advised her several times to walk away from her toxic marriage, to no avail.
Mr Blaze looked at Michaela and said, “Please tell me what happened.” Michaela told him the whole truth.
Then she said, “Thorne told me the surveillance camera was broken. So, there is no evidence that I didn’t push Paula Cage.”
Mr Blaze promised her that he would do everything to find evidence. He stood up and said, “Let me get you out of here.” Then he left the interrogation room.
When Mr Blaze went to post bail, he was told that Michaela Ferguson had been charged with attempted murder. His client had to appear before the court and apply for bail.
Her mother nearly fainted when she heard that. She asked her husband to go with her to the Ferguson family mansion to beg their son-in-law to forgive their daughter.
At the Ferguson residence in Umhlanga Rocks, Mr Thomas Ferguson was in the garden with his wife, Gladys Ferguson, and his daughter-in-law, Gail Ferguson, chatting and laughing.
At that moment, the intercom bell rang, Butler Snipes smiled broadly when he saw the Miller family. The Ferguson family and the Miller family were very close. Then Butler Snipes opened the gate for them.
He then ushered Mr Denzel Miller and his wife, Gloria Miller, to the living room. He greeted them with respect, then he went to the garden to inform Mr Ferguson senior about the Miller family’s visit.
Mr Ferguson senior and the others went to the living to meet their in-laws. He smiled brightly and said, “What a pleasant surprise, my in-laws. Are you well?”
Mr Miller looked at Mr Ferguson senior with sadness in his eyes and replied, “We have bad news, my in-laws. My son-in-law is accusing my daughter of trying to kill his lover.
This morning, Thorne’s lover sent a message to my daughter asking to meet her at Shalom Shopping Mall at 12 pm. However, Michaela arrived late because we had a board meeting. When she arrived, Miss Cage had already been injured.
It is difficult to prove that Michaela is innocent because someone has tempered with the surveillance camera. We came here to beg my son-in-law to drop the charge against my daughter.”
Mr Ferguson senior was so shocked when he heard that his precious granddaughter-in-law was accused of attempted murder.
He clutched his chest, and then he fainted. He was rushed to the Ferguson Private Hospital.
While they were in the waiting room, Mrs Miller told the Ferguson family that Thorne had forced her daughter to sign the divorce papers.
The Ferguson family was dumbfounded to hear that Thorne had divorced their beloved daughter-in-law. Michaela was the best thing that ever happened to the Ferguson family. However, her husband loathed her to the core.
Mrs Gail Ferguson hated Paula Cage with passion. Her son, Thorne, suffered from severe depression when Paula left him. A surge of anger rose in her heart, her son was an ingrate.
Her beloved daughter-in-law was there for him in his darkest days, she nursed him back to life. However, he had never appreciated her. Thorne had broken her precious daughter-in-law mentally and physically.
Mrs Ferguson took her phone and dialed her husband’s number. When it was connected she said, “Honey, please come to the hospital. Dad has fainted.”
Her husband’s voice was full of concern, and he replied, “I am on my way, Darling.” Then they hung up.
Mr Hayden Ferguson was the Ferguson Group Chairman. He asked his Executive Secretary to cancel all the scheduled meetings, and then he left.
When Mr Ferguson arrived at the hospital, his wife told him everything that Thorne had done. His eyes hardened as he couldn’t control the fury simmering inside him he took his phone and dialed his son’s number.
When it was connected, he said, “Thorne, come to the hospital urgently. Your grandfather has fainted.” Then he hung up.
Fortunately, Thorne was still at the hospital waiting outside his lover’s emergency room. A few minutes later, he walked to the Ferguson family private ward. He didn’t even look at his in-laws.
His father slapped him hard across the face and asked, “Thorne, is it true that you have pressed attempted murder charges against my daughter-in-law?”
Thorne’s expression was solemn, and he replied, “Yes, Dad. Michaela tried to kill Paula.”
His father was so upset that he slapped him again and asked, “Did you see her killing your lover or do you have evidence of my daughter-in-law committing the crime?”
Thorne replied, “I don’t need evidence, Dad. I know how vicious Michaela’s heart is. Dad, please don’t try to change my mind because I will only be satisfied when Michaela is dead. Paula is my life.”
Mr Ferguson was so disappointed in his son and asked, “Where was the love of your life when you nearly committed suicide?
One day you will regret the way you have treated your wife. My daughter-in-law has been nothing but a good wife to you.”
Mrs Ferguson looked at her son with pleading eyes and said, “Son, please drop the charges against my daughter-in-law, she is innocent.
How could you repay kindness with evil? How could you forget that you nearly died because of your so-called love of your life?”
Thorne replied, “Mom, Michaela is no longer your daughter-in-law, we have signed the divorce papers. Please don’t beg me; I will never forgive her for touching my bottom line.
Paula is fighting for her life, Mom. I will ensure that Michaela pays with her life for hurting her. Her whole family will be buried with Paula should she die.”
His mother-in-law cried sorrowfully when she heard her son-in-law’s words. She tried to approach her son-in-law, but her husband stopped her. He saw the look of disdain and disgust in Thorne’s eyes when he looked at them.
Mr Miller was praying in his heart for Paula’s life. Her daughter was not a vindictive person, she was kind-hearted. They had taught her to fear the Lord. Her biggest mistake was falling in love with her heartless and ungrateful husband.
Chapter 4 Who Prescribed the Medicine?
Two hours later, Mr Ferguson senior was wheeled to the private ward with Mrs Ferguson senior trailing behind. The Ferguson family and the Miller family followed behind them.
A few minutes later, Dr Spikes walked into the private ward and said, “Mr Ferguson is stable. However, I want to keep him for observation. Please try not to agitate him.
It’s been a while since his heart has acted up. The medication he was taking made a big difference. Who prescribed the medicine for him?”
Mrs Ferguson looked at Dr Spikes and replied, “My daughter-in-law has been taking care of my father-in-law. I am not sure where she found the medication.
I will definitely ask her to refer you to the doctor who has prescribed the medicine.”
Mrs Miller looked at Mrs Ferguson with sadness in her eyes and said, “The medication was produced by Michaela. She is a Cardiologist.
After she married Thorne she stopped practicing medicine because she thought it would affect her relationship with her husband.”
The Ferguson family was dumbfounded. They didn’t know that Michaela had sacrificed so much for their foolish son. They were overwhelmed with bitterness.
Dr Spikes said, “I would like to see your daughter-in-law, Mrs Ferguson. I haven’t seen this medication on the market before. I would like to recommend it to my other patients.”
Thorne furrowed his brows when he heard Dr Spikes’ words. He was reminded of Paula’s attending doctor’s words, saying they had to thank the person who performed first aid to Paula.
It was clear to him that Michaela was vested in medicine. Why did she hide that important information from him?
Dr Spikes looked at the Ferguson family and said, “Please leave. Mr Ferguson needs to rest.” Hayden and his wife, Gail, left the hospital with the Miller family in tow.
Grandma Ferguson held Thorne’s hand, then they walked out of the private ward. She looked at her favourite grandson and said, “My precious grandson, please drop the charges.
My granddaughter-in-law is not a vindictive person. Please do it for me, my precious grandson.”
Thorne shook his Grandma’s hand and replied, “I am sorry, Grandma. I will never forgive Michaela for coming between me and the love of my life.
I was surprised when she agreed to sign the divorce papers. Unbeknownst to me, she was planning to kill Paula. Grandma, Paula is my life. Where did she get the confidence to touch my bottom line?
She had miscalculated when she thought that the mighty Ferguson family would protect her from what was coming to her.
I am going to teach her a lesson that she will never forget. I will make sure that she gets a life sentence. Grandma, every decision has consequences.” Then he left his grandmother standing.
Tears streamed down Grandma Ferguson's face. She was utterly disappointed in her precious grandson. It was clear to her that her precious granddaughter-in-law had fallen into a trap. Someone was playing tricks behind their backs.
Mrs Ferguson senior wiped away the tears, and then she walked to her husband’s private ward. She sat beside her husband’s bed and held his hand. She silently prayed for her granddaughter-in-law and her husband.
Ten hours later, Dr Bond walked to the Cage family. He looked exhausted and said, “Miss Cage was two months pregnant and we couldn’t save the baby.
She had three broken ribs, a broken leg, a broken arm, a ruptured spleen and a fractured skull. Also, her spinal cord has been severely damaged. It is too early to tell if she will be able to walk again.
We discovered that the person who saved her had fed her some pills. Please ask her for a prescription. It will help her to heal quickly.
She is not out of the woods yet. We don’t know if she will ever wake up. It will depend on her willpower.”
Mr Cage senior nearly fainted when he heard the doctor’s words. He staggered backward. His eldest grandson, Samson, held him before he fell.
Thorne couldn’t believe his ears when he heard that Paula was two months pregnant. Why didn’t she tell him? Tears welled in his eyes, but he held them back. How could Michaela kill his unborn son? His heart was overwhelmed with hatred towards his worthless wife.
Mr Cage senior looked at Thorne coldly and said, “Mr Ferguson, please leave. My precious granddaughter is fighting for her life because you failed to respect your wedding vows.
You have failed the young lady who saved my granddaughter’s life, and you have failed my Paula.
You were not supposed to be involved with her while you were still married. I blame you for the pain you have caused my granddaughter. You have brought nothing but pain to the Miller family and the Cage family.”
Even though Paula was spoiled rotten by her family, her grandfather had asked her several times not to interfere in Thorne and Michaela’s marriage, but she never listened.
He didn’t want his precious granddaughter to be labeled as a homewrecker. Society didn’t take kindly to the person who destroyed other people's marriages.
At that moment, Paula was wheeled to the ICU. She had a cast on her arm and leg. Her head had a thick white bandage. Her grandfather’s heart ached when he saw his granddaughter in so much pain. He wished he could switch places with her.
Mr Cage senior looked at Thorne and said, “I don’t want to see you near my granddaughter ever again.” He turned to his bodyguards and said, “Please escort Mr Ferguson out.”
Thorne wasn't surprised when he heard Mr Cage senior's words because his beloved Paula had told him several times that her family was trying to break them up.
He looked at Mr Cage senior for a long time, then he left the hospital with a heavy heart. He vowed in his heart that he would avenge Paula and their unborn son.
If Michaela thought that being in prison would be a walk in the park she should think again. He would ensure that she would be tortured beyond recognition.
Chapter 5 Bail Application Hearing
On the day of Michaela Ferguson’s bail hearing, the courtroom was packed to capacity. The reporters were gathered outside the courthouse. When they saw Thorne Ferguson, they rushed to him with microphones.
Ben, the reporter asked, “Mr Ferguson, is it true that you pressed charges against your wife for attempting to kill your mistress?”
Thorne looked at Ben, the reporter coldly and replied, “I will answer all your questions after the court has passed the judgment.” Then he walked to the courthouse with his lawyer, Jeff Cliff, trailing behind.
Jeff Cliff was very smart, and he had never lost a criminal case before. He loved Paula Cage as his baby sister. However, he loathed Michaela with all his heart for stealing Thorne from his dearest Paula.
He felt that Michaela didn’t deserve Thorne. Even though the Miller family and the Cage family were both wealthy, Jeff Cliff still felt that Michaela was inferior to Paula.
Michaela Ferguson was a rare beauty, intelligent and soft-hearted. Paula Cage was inferior to Michaela in every aspect. The Cage family had spoiled her rotten; she was arrogant and full of herself.
A few minutes later, the Miller family and the Ferguson family arrived in court. Mrs Miller couldn’t sleep a wink. She applied heavy make-up to hide dark circles under her eyes.
Ben, the reporter, approached them and asked, “Mr Ferguson, how did you feel when you heard that your son was accusing your daughter-in-law of attempted murder?”
Mr Ferguson looked at Ben, the reporter, and replied, “I am ashamed to be called his father. I have no doubt in my mind that my daughter-in-law is innocent. She doesn’t have any evilness in her heart.
I would like to advise Thorne and the Cage family to investigate this matter thoroughly. Also, I want to declare that only Michaela will be the Ferguson family daughter-in-law.” Then he took his wife’s hand and walked to the courtroom.
The Cage family didn’t come to the courthouse because they believed that Miss Miller was innocent. They felt that someone had set her up.
Michaela was brought in by a police van. She was wearing a blue knee-high dress with a cream blazer. It showed her curvaceous figure.
Uncle Blaze had sent her a swelling ointment and the swelling in her face had gone down. She wore heavy make-up to cover the bruises on her face.
Since Jeff Cliff was the plaintiff, he sat on the right-hand side with Mr Thorne Ferguson.
A few minutes later, the defendant’s lawyer, Aaron Blaze, walked into the courtroom and sat on the left-hand side with Michaela Ferguson.
Shortly afterward, Judge Harris walked in wearing a long black robe. He sat on the bench above the witness stand. Judge Harris banged his gavel to indicate that the court was in session.
Mr Ferguson’s lawyer, Jeff Cliff, approached the bench and said, “Your Honour, Miss Michaela Miller has committed a serious crime. The victim, Miss Cage, was still in critical condition.
Also, Miss Miller’s residential address couldn’t be confirmed since she had signed the divorce papers.
Furthermore, Miss Miller is a flight risk. She is in possession of the valid travel documentation.
Miss Miller had been studying overseas for several years, her friends were in the USA. Your Honour, please don’t grant Miss Miller bail.”
Mrs Ferguson’s lawyer, Aaron Blaze, stood up and argued, “Although Mrs Ferguson had signed the divorce papers, the divorce has not been finalized yet.
Your Honour, her fixed residential address will never change because their mansion was their wedding gift from the Miller family.
Mrs Ferguson is not a flight risk because she is permanently employed at the Miller Group as Deputy President.
Your Honour, please grant Mrs Ferguson bail."
Judge Harris said, “I have listened to the arguments of both sides. I decided to oppose the bail on the following grounds:
Mrs Ferguson has traveling documentation, and she has previously traveled outside the borders of the Republic.
Also, the offense she committed was very serious. The victim, Miss Paula Cage, was still in a coma.
It would be reckless and irresponsible to release Mrs Ferguson on bail. Therefore, the bail application is denied.”
Michaela was so shocked when she heard Judge Harris’ decision. Tears streamed down her face. She used to love Thorne Ferguson wholeheartedly, but now she felt nothing but hatred towards him.
She blamed herself for being naïve. Her parents begged her to leave Thorne when his first love returned, but she refused. She wished she could press the rewind button.
She turned her head and looked at the back row. She saw her mother crying sorrowfully in her father’s arms. She had caused pain to her parents. Her heart was overwhelmed with bitterness.
A few minutes later, the prison guard took Michaela to Durban Correctional Services to wait for her trial. Her beloved husband and his mistress had turned her life upside down.
Two days later, Mr Aaron Blaze received a call from the prosecutor indicating that Mrs Michaela Ferguson’s case would be sitting in two weeks’ time.
He mentioned that the attending doctor indicated that Miss Paula Cage might not be able to wake up. Therefore, there was no need for a delay.
It was clear to Mr Blaze that Michaela’s husband was pushing the prosecutor behind the scenes. He wanted to see Michaela dead.
He drove his car and went to Durban Correctional Services to visit his client. When he arrived in prison, he couldn’t recognize his client. Michaela was beaten to a pulp.
Mr Blaze’s heart ached when he saw Michaela like that and asked, “Do you want me to move you to a single cell?”
Michaela shook her head and replied, “Don’t bother, Uncle Blaze. The person who beat me up told me that she was following my husband’s instructions.
My only problem is that I am two months pregnant. I am scared that I will lose the baby.”
Mr Blaze was dumbfounded to hear that Michaela was pregnant and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me before because I would have used it as my argument in the bail hearing?”
Michaela told him that she was trying to hide the pregnancy from her husband. She didn’t want to trap him with the baby since he didn’t love her. Michaela asked her lawyer not to disclose that she was pregnant.
Later on that day, her mother-in-law came to visit her. She had prepared delicious food for her daughter-in-law. When the smell hit Michaela, she rushed to the ladies' room to vomit.
When she came back, she asked her mother-in-law to take the food away.
Her mother-in-law was so scared and asked, “What is wrong, Michaela?” Michaela smiled and told her mother-in-law that she had found out that she was two months pregnant.
Her mother-in-law was over the moon. She couldn’t wait to hold her little grandson in her arms. Michaela asked her not to tell Thorne about the pregnancy because she was scared that he would ask her to abort the baby.
Would Mrs Ferguson be able to hide the pregnancy news from his son?
Chapter 6 You Are Dead to Me
At the Ferguson family mansion, Mrs Ferguson senior was in the living room watching Gospel music on the television. She was enveloped with sadness. Her precious granddaughter-in-law was locked in prison for something she didn’t do.
Her heart was overwhelmed with bitterness. She bowed her head and prayed. She asked the Lord to protect her granddaughter-in-law from harm because she was innocent.
At that moment, her daughter-in-law, Gail Ferguson, entered the living room. She smiled brightly at her mother-in-law and said, “Mom, your granddaughter-in-law is two months pregnant.”
Mrs Ferguson senior couldn’t contain her excitement, and she cried tears of joy. She looked at her daughter-in-law and said, “I am so happy, my daughter. Let me go to your father and tell him the good news.”
Then she went to the kitchen and took the fruit from the fridge. She cut the fruit and put it on the plate. Then she went to the study room carrying the tray. She knocked on the door, then she opened it.
She smiled brightly at her husband and said, “Congratulations, my dearest husband. You are going to be a great-grandfather.” She put the tray on the desk, then she hugged her husband tightly.
They had been married for forty-nine years, but their love was still strong. They were planning to have a fiftieth anniversary, but they decided against it because of Thorne and his mistress.
Her husband was beaming with joy. He hugged his beloved wife back, grinning from ear to ear. He couldn’t wait to hold his little dumpling in his arms.
His eyes welled with tears when he thought of his precious granddaughter-in-law who was locked in prison. He blinked, and he managed to hold the tears back.
He looked at his wife with tenderness in his eyes and said, “Darling, let me call Thorne.” Then he took his phone and dialed his grandson’s number.
When it was connected, he put the phone on speaker and said with a stern voice, “Thorne, drop the charges immediately. My granddaughter-in-law is innocent, and she is carrying my great-grandson.”
Thorne was taken aback when he heard that his wife was pregnant. However, he hardened his heart and replied, “Grandpa, only Paula would be the mother of my children.
Michaela had to abort that thing in her belly because I would never acknowledge that child. She doesn’t deserve to carry the Ferguson heir.” Then he dropped the phone.
Mr Ferguson senior couldn’t believe his ears when he heard Thorne’s words. He wanted to kill his first great-grandson because of his mistress. A surge of anger rose in his heart.
He looked at his wife and said, “Should Thorne force my precious granddaughter-in-law to abort my first great-grandson, I will disown him.” Then he went to his bedroom to rest.
His wife took the tray and followed her husband to their bedroom. She was so disappointed in her precious grandson. Her heart was overwhelmed with emotions.
In the living room, Gail Ferguson was over the moon. After she told her husband the good news, she went to the kitchen and told the head chef that she would prepare dinner today. Then she gave the kitchen staff time off.
She went to her bedroom to change her clothes into comfortable clothes. She then headed to the kitchen to cook. Before she married Hayden Ferguson, she was working at a restaurant and her culinary skills were great.
An hour later, her mother-in-law walked into the kitchen. She looked at her daughter-in-law with sadness in her eyes when she saw her cooking up a storm.
It was supposed to be a joyous celebration for the Ferguson family, but their grandson denied them that joy. Gail looked at her mother-in-law smiling, but the smile froze on her face and asked, “What is wrong, Mom?”
Tears streamed down her mother-in-law’s face, and she replied, “Thorne wants to kill our first great-grandson.” Gail was utterly dumbfounded. She wiped her mother-in-law’s face with a tissue and asked, “What are you talking about, Mom?”
Her mother-in-law replied, “Your father-in-law asked Thorne to drop the charges against my granddaughter-in-law. Also, he told him about Michaela's pregnancy.
However, Thorne told him that he would never acknowledge our first great-grandson. He said Michaela should abort that thing in her belly. Your father-in-law was so upset he threatened to disown Thorne.”
Gail couldn’t believe her ears, her son was ruthless. He was going to force his wife to abort their baby because of the mistress. It would never happen, not even in his dreams.
She comforted her mother-in-law and said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I will ask Thorne to come home, then we will talk to him.” Gail switched off the stove, then she escorted her mother-in-law to her bedroom.
She was fuming with anger. She took her phone and dialed her son’s number. When it was connected she said, “What nonsense are you spouting about my grandson? Come back home to explain to your grandparents.” Then she hung up.”
Thorne loved his grandparents the most, but he was not going to drop the charges against his unworthy wife because of them. He wanted Michaela’s baby gone. It was her punishment for killing Paula and his baby.
After work, Thorne drove to his family mansion with a heavy heart. He didn’t want to disappoint his grandparents, but he couldn't forgive Michaela for hurting his beloved Paula.
After dinner, Mr Ferguson senior looked at his grandson and asked with a stern voice, “Thorne, are you going to kill my first great-grandson because of your mistress?”
Thorne’s father, Hayden, was dumbfounded when he heard his father’s words and asked, "Dad, what are you talking about?” He was overjoyed when his wife told him that his granddaughter was pregnant.
Mr Ferguson senior looked at his son and replied, “Please ask your son.” Hayden looked at his son with questioning eyes.
Thorne looked at his grandfather with icy cold eyes and replied, “Grandpa, Michaela killed my son with Paula. It is fair for her to pay with her son, an eye for an eye. I will ensure that that thing in her belly will be removed with her uterus.”
Everyone in the dining room was shocked when they heard Thorne’s cruelty. His grandmother and his mother had tears in their eyes.
His grandfather was shaking with rage and said sternly, “Thorne, should you kill my first great-grandson, you are dead to me. Don’t ever set foot in my house again. Please leave.”
Thorne froze when he heard his grandfather’s words. His family chose an outsider over him. His gaze darkened and replied, “Grandpa, since you decided to choose the murderer over me, you are dead to me too.
I hope you will never regret the decision you have made today, Grandpa. I will prove to you how vicious Michaela’s heart is.” Then he took his suit jacket and left the mansion.
The elders were dumbfounded. Mr Ferguson senior looked at his son, Hayden. He divorced his first wife because she failed to conceive. Was the Lord punishing them for failing to fight for their first daughter-in-law?
Chapter 7 Prescription
At the Ferguson Private Hospital, Paula was still in a coma. Dr Bond asked the Cage family to get a prescription for the medicine Paula ate on the day of the accident.
The Cage family felt ashamed to ask young Mrs Ferguson for help because their daughter had wronged her. However, they didn’t have a choice; their daughter’s life was more important.
The following day, Mr Cage senior took his phone and dialed Durban Correctional Services Area Commissioner, David May’s number. When it was connected he said, “Commissioner May, apologies for troubling you.
I would like to visit Mrs Ferguson in prison. During the accident, she fed my granddaughter some pills and I want to ask her for a prescription.”
Commissioner May was dumbfounded when he heard Mr Cage senior's request and replied, “Sir, I will include your name in the visitors’ list. Please don’t hesitate to call me should you need any help.” Mr Cage senior thanked him profusely, and then they hung up the phone.
Mr Cage senior asked his eldest grandson, Samson, to take him to Durban Correctional Services to visit young Mrs Ferguson.
When they arrived at the prison, they were escorted to the visiting area. When Michaela was told that she had a visitor she thought it was her parents or her best friend Amanda Fox.
Michaela was surprised when she saw Mr Cage senior and his grandson. She looked at them with cold eyes. What are they doing here? She lowered her eyes to hide her emotions and asked, “May I help you, Sir?”
Mr Cage senior smiled and replied, “Mrs Ferguson, I would like to apologize for every pain my granddaughter has put you through. Also, I know deep down in my heart that you didn’t hurt my granddaughter, but you were set up by someone.
We are doing everything in our power to investigate this incident but so far we have come back empty-handed. The only thing we can offer you is protection while you are in prison until we find the evidence.
Last night, Sloane Ball visited the family. She told us that she was with Paula during the incident. Furthermore, she indicated that she saw you pushing my granddaughter. However, I have a feeling that I can’t shake that she is lying.
If she was with my granddaughter at that time, why didn't she call an ambulance or the police? Was she not supposed to be with my granddaughter in the ambulance? My gut feeling tells me that someone is framing you.”
Michaela was shocked when she heard Mr Cage senior's words and replied, “Thank you, Mr Cage, for believing in me. I didn’t see Sloane that day.
Where was she hiding? I think Sloane knows more than meets the eye. Mr Cage, is there anything you need help with?”
Mr Cage senior smiled and replied, “Mrs Ferguson, Dr Bond suggested that we should get a prescription of that medicine you fed my granddaughter.
He indicated that it would help her heal quickly. Can you please tell us the name of the doctor?”
Michaela smiled and replied, “Mr Cage, I have produced that medicine for my family and I have it at home. It would be difficult for me to give you the medicine because I am locked here.”
Mr Cage senior smiled brightly then he dialed Commissioner May for permission to take Mrs Ferguson out with them for a few hours. Commissioner May agreed, and he indicated that he would ask the police officers to escort them.
Mr Cage senior thanked Commissioner May, and then they hung up. A few minutes later, two police officers approached them.
One of the police officers greeted Mr Cage senior with respect and said, “Sir, Commissioner May has asked us to escort you.”
Mr Cage senior was in the military when he was young, and he contributed a lot to the country. After he retired, he served as South African President's advisor.
Michaela asked the police officer to escort them to her mansion. When they arrived at the mansion, Mr Cage senior smiled at Michaela and said, “Mrs Ferguson, we will stay in the car, take your time. We are not in a hurry.”
Michaela smiled and replied, “Please come inside because I will be long. I want to pack my suitcases and send them to the Miller family mansion.” Mr Cage senior and the others walked to the living room. Her nanny, Stella Fox, rushed to her and hugged her tightly crying.
Aunt Stella lost her husband due to illness when her daughter, Amanda Fox, was three years old. The Miller family hired her as Michaela's nanny, and they treated Stella's daughter as their own.
Michaela wiped Aunt Stella’s tears and said, “Please don’t cry, Auntie. I am alright. Thorne and his mistress will never defeat me.” Aunt Stella told her that she was praying for her protection in prison.
After Michaela had comforted Aunt Stella, she asked her to serve their guests with refreshments. Aunt Stella nodded her head, then she went to the kitchen. A few minutes later she brought tea and freshly baked scones on a tray.
Shortly afterward, she went to the second floor to look for Michaela. She was packing her clothes into the suitcases. When Michaela saw her she smiled and said, “Aunt Stella, please ask Amanda to fetch these suitcases.”
She moved the suitcases to the corridor and asked Aunt Stella to change the bed linen with new bedding. She didn’t want to leave her smell behind. Then they took the suitcases downstairs.
She took five exquisite gold cases from her handbag and gave them to her nanny and said, “Auntie, please give my mother three cases.” She took another five gold cases and said, “Please give these to my mother-in-law. It’s for my grandfather.”
Michaela smiled at her nanny and said, “Aunt Stella, you don’t have to stay here anymore, I will come to you when I am out of prison. Since I am pregnant I will need you to help my mother with the baby.”
Stella hugged Michaela tightly and said, “I will go back to the Miller family mansion today. I don’t want to lie to you, Michaela. I hate Thorne Ferguson and his mistress with all my heart.
I will never forgive them for every pain they put you through.” Michaela hugged her nanny back with tears streaming down her face.
She looked around the house for the last time, then she bid farewell to her nanny. She walked to the parking lot with Mr Cage senior and the others trailing behind.
She gave Mr Cage senior three exquisite gold cases and asked him to feed Paula one pill per week. Mr Cage senior thanked her profusely.
He looked at the stunning, intelligent young lady with interest. He wished his grandson, Samson, had seen her first.
Then the police officers took her back to prison. The prison guard took her back to her prison cell.
Chapter 8 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.”
Chapter 9 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.
Chapter 10 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?