Judge Evans shuffled the papers on her desk, looking down at Mark with severe disappointment.
Judge Evans: Mr. Miller, I have reviewed the security footage from Vance Jewelers multiple times.
Mark: Your Honor, please... I was under immense financial stress at the time!
Judge Evans: Financial stress is no excuse for committing violent assault against a pregnant woman, Mr. Miller.
Mark: I lost my position at the company! I lost my house! I've already lost everything!
Judge Evans: You lost those things because of your own greed and violent actions.
Judge Evans picked up her heavy wooden gavel, holding it high above the desk block.
Judge Evans: On the charge of felony domestic assault, I sentence you to seven years in state prison without the possibility of early parole.
Mark gasped loudly, his head dropping onto the table as tears finally spilled from his eyes.
Mark: Seven years?! No! Please, Your Honor! Have mercy!
Judge Evans: Furthermore, a permanent ten-year restraining order is hereby issued. You are forbidden from contacting Clara Miller or your daughter directly or indirectly.
Mark: Clara! Tell her to change it! I'm her father!
Clara: A father protects his child, Mark. You proved you're not capable of that.
The bailiff stepped forward, grabbing Mark by his orange collar and forcing him to stand up.
Bailiff: Forward march, inmate. Move your feet.
Mark cried hysterically as he was led through the side door toward the holding cells, his prison chains clanking loudly against the tile floor.
Clara took a deep breath, clutching her baby girl close as Mr. Vance walked over to her with a smile.
Mr. Vance: The divorce is officially finalized, Clara. You are a completely free woman.
Clara: Thank you, Mr. Vance. For everything.
Clara's Mother: Let's go home, darling. The air feels so much cleaner outside.
Clara walked out of the courtroom doors into the warm morning sunshine, holding her daughter tight.
She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she had protected her family, reclaimed her heritage, and secured a bright, peaceful future for her daughter.