Two days later, Brittany was arrested.
Not dramatically.
Not publicly.
But effectively.
The selfies she took?
Entered as evidence.
The footage?
Undeniable.
The damage?
Extensive.
Her confidence disappeared the moment reality replaced fantasy.
DEREK’S SECOND MISTAKE
Derek tried to “fix it.”
He called.
Texted.
Showed up at my door.
“Let’s not ruin everything over this,” he said.
I looked at him, calm.
“You already did.”
THE COURTROOM
The day of the hearing arrived faster than I expected.
The courtroom was quiet, but the tension was unmistakable.
Brittany sat at the defense table, dressed carefully, trying to look composed.
But her hands gave her away.
Derek sat behind her.
Not beside me.
That told me everything.
HER VERSION OF THE STORY
Her lawyer stood first.
“This was an emotional misunderstanding,” he said smoothly. “My client believed she was being deceived. She acted out of distress.”
Distress.
That was the word they chose.
Not destruction.
Not malice.
Not intent.