Chapter 13
The verdict: Five years in prison, plus three million in damages for medical expenses and emotional distress.
“The defendant, Seraphina Blackwood, is found guilty of aggravated assault and sentenced to five years in prison.”
The judge’s voice was solemn and final.
“Given that the defendant confessed in court but showed no remorse, and considering the malicious nature and severe consequences of her actions, this court imposes the maximum sentence.”
Seraphina collapsed right there in her chair.
Her parents were sobbing hysterically, her mother actually dropped to her knees begging.
“Your Honor, she’s just a young girl, she made a terrible mistake…”
“Please, have mercy on her…”
But the law is the law. It doesn’t bend for tears.
As the bailiffs dragged her away, Seraphina was still fighting them.
“No! I don’t want to go to prison!”
“Dad! Mom! Help me!”
“I was wrong! I know I was wrong!”
Now she knows she was wrong?
Too damn late.
Walking out of the courthouse, I took a deep breath.
The sunlight was brutal, making my eyes water.
Justice had been served, but my face wasn’t coming back.
The doctors said I’d need multiple reconstructive surgeries–a long, painful process.
And even then, I’d never look the same.
“The scarring will be permanent,” the surgeon had told me bluntly. “We can minimize it, make it less noticeable, but we can’t make it disappear completely.”
I decided to try anyway.
Not for anyone else–just for me.
I wasn’t going to spend the rest of my life hiding in the shadows.
I wanted to walk in the sunlight again, scars and all.
I wanted to prove that Seraphina had only destroyed my face, not my life.
Alistair was waiting outside the courthouse.
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My Childhood Ex Ruined My Face for His Crush? Cute. I Ruined Their Lives
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Chapter 13
He looked even worse than when he’d testified–completely gaunt, like he hadn’t eaten in weeks.
“Aurelia, I…”
“You don’t need to say anything,” I cut him off. “We’re done.”
“I know.” He gave me this broken smile, his eyes red rimmed. “I just wanted to tell you–I’ll pay for all the surgeries.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
I shook my head. “I don’t need your money.”
“Aurelia, please.” His voice was almost begging. “Let me do something.”
“I already lost you. If I can’t even do this much, I’ll lose my mind.”
I looked at him–this man I’d loved for twenty years.
He used to be so confident, so full of life. Now he was just broken.
But I felt nothing. No anger, no sadness, nothing.
“I said I don’t need it.”
I turned to leave, and heard his voice behind me.
“I’m sorry, Aurelia. If there’s a next life, I swear I won’t be this stupid.”
A next life?
I almost laughed.
We haven’t even settled the score from this life, and he’s talking about the next one.
Alistair, we’re finished.
Completely, totally, permanently finished.
