Chapter 1:The Verdict
The courtroom was silent.
Nancy sat straight, her hands folded. She had prayed all night. She had evidence. She had the truth.
Across from her, Justin adjusted his tie and smiled. That same smile he used when he told her, "I love you." The same smile he used lying to her.
The prosecutor cleared his throat and said,"In the case of Nancy Moyo and Justin Mhangami. The court finds in favour of the defendant."
Gavel.
Bang.
Nancy's world collapsed. Two full years. Two full years of love,of sacrifices, of believing his lies.
Her life, her wasted time. Her dignity. Her case.
Justin walked past Nancy without looking back.
But before he reached the door, he turned. Just for a second. And whispered 4 words that made her blood run cold.
"You should have listened."
Nancy stared at the floor. Because the worst part wasn't losing the case. The worst part was... He was right.
She had been ignorant. And now she would pay the price. Nancy deserved this. Her mind flashes back to how this all started.
Nancy liked Justin, and Justin liked Nancy. It started with small things.
A visit her. A text there. A laugh that lasted too long. Him taking her home. Soon Justin was coming to see her every other day, and Nancy loved the attention. She loved feeling wanted.
What began as a friendship had turned into something more. Nancy didn't see it coming. She never realised she had thrown herself into a furnace.
Nancy lived with her sister in law Monica,and her niece Sally. Monica was married to Nancy's brother who was working in Zambia. Monica was a strong woman.She had eyes. She had ears, and she did not like Justin.
She heard things around the neighborhood. Whispers. That Justin was a playboy and he was a cheat. They said Justin jumped from one girl to another.
"Don't let your young sister get involved." Monica tried to tell Nancy so did Denise the girl they lived with at their house. Chido, Nancy's friend tried too.
"That boy is trouble." they said.
"He is not serious." But Nancy never listened.
One afternoon, Nancy was washing dishes outside.
"Nancy," Denise said."I need to talk to you about Justin. People are saying Justin is a cheat. I know he is one. I think it's best if you leave him. It's for your own good."
Nancy stopped. "What you said?"
"Justin is not the right person for you."
"Rumours!Those are rumours. Denise, people talk."
"I know," Denise said. "Where there is smoke. There is fire. But if you want proof, see that you find out soon for yourself. Just be careful. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Nancy fakes smile. A forced one.
"I prefer seeing with my own eyes," she said.
Denise sighed and turned away.
"It's your life."
