Chapter 3

The big screen played a video from my and Blake's home. Blake had just come out of the shower, and I was sitting on the bed, my face dark. Blake, as usual, walked up to me.

"Anya, the water's perfect temperature now. You should go shower."

But I just ignored Blake. I threw my phone on the floor. The loud crash made Blake shriek. He was only wrapped in a towel, terrified, squatting on the ground with his hands covering his head.

"Bitch! Haven't I been good to you? Why are you doing this?!"

I said, stepping forward and punching the wall right next to Blake's ear. Blood immediately beaded on my knuckles.

Blake didn't say anything, just kept crying.

My emotions spiraled out of control, and I slapped Blake across the face.

"A man like you doesn't deserve to be near me. Get out!"

Blake looked at me with a wronged expression, tears welling up in his eyes. But after my shouting, he didn't even change clothes, just ran out the door.

The video ended with Blake shivering in the cold wind, helplessly squatting on the ground, murmuring repeatedly.

"Why won't you believe me? I'm so scared, Anya. Please take me home?"

The screen froze there. The comments section exploded.

【Hitting someone for no reason? Are abusers always so moody?】

【Even if Blake did something wrong, you shouldn't lay hands on him, right?】

【Didn't you notice Blake showered first so Anya wouldn't be cold when she went in? How could Anya be so cruel as to make such a thoughtful Blake go out in the dead of winter wearing just a towel?】

【While Anya hitting him is wrong, what if Blake really did something awful that made Anya lose control?】

It was a flood of insults, all aimed at me. Any sensible voice trying to defend me was quickly drowned out by vitriol.

The Presiding Officer banged his gavel.

"For the first charge, domestic violence, the defendant Anya is acquitted."