My Husband Died Three Years Ago

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Barely a week after my return from the trip, the live-in help, Skylar Reed, dragged my husband and me to court.

In the courtroom, her voice, thick with manufactured misery, resonated as she clutched her visibly pregnant belly. Genevieve and Marcus Sharpe are monsters! They hired me under false pretenses, only to hold me captive and abuse me!

She let out a choked sob. The baby in my womb is the wicked child of Marcus Sharpe!

Her mother, Brenda, wailed hysterically beside her. These demons ruined my daughter! They deserve the death penalty!

The gallery erupted. Every face in the packed courtroom was contorted with disgust and rage directed at us.

The bastard is too arroganthe wont even show up for the hearing! Lock him up!

Look at his wife, though! Shes actually smiling! She has no soul! They should both rot!

In the next second, I presented my evidence, and the collective gasp from the room was the only thing that cut through the noise.

I was barely back in the penthouse, still jet-lagged from two weeks in Tuscany, when I instinctively grabbed my phone to scroll through my local social apps.

A help request on a neighborhood forum instantly snagged my attention.

I tapped on it. The title made my finger freeze: My Employer's Husband Assaulted Me - What Do I Do?

The description that followed made me frown, a cold knot forming in my stomach.

I was hired a short while ago, and the wife immediately told me she was leaving on a vacation and that I was to stay alone in the house.

But the second she left, the husband came back...

The word "vacation" hit me like a physical shove. I had just returned from a trip, and yes, I employed Skylar.

I scrolled down.

He dragged me into the bedroom. I was terrified, I couldn't fight back. Afterward, he threatened me, said if I told anyone hed destroy me. Im so scared.

Now I know Im three months pregnant. The wife is back, and I don't know what to do.

Oh, and he told me the wife knew about everything and was perfectly fine with it.

The comments section was already a dumpster fire of outrage:

Call the cops, sister! Don't let those two perverts get away with this!

A husband and wife conspiracy? Thats sick!

It's been too long to be clean. Don't go to the police yettalk to them privately first. See if you can get a payout.

I scrolled to the last comment. The original poster had hit the "Like" button.

And then replied: Thank you for the advice. Im going to try to talk to them first.

Just then, Skylar, who had been quietly wiping down the marble countertops, spoke. Mrs. Sharpe, theres something I need to tell you.

My heart sank, the thread from the forum posting still fresh in my mind. I kept my face smooth, betraying nothing. Go on.

Her voice was hushed, almost a whisper. Im pregnant. Three months.

Its its Mr. Sharpes.

I felt a sudden, dizzying lurch. The word absurd flashed in my mind. The Mr. Sharpe she was referring to was Marcus, my husband.

I asked the question almost on instinct. Do you have any idea what youre saying right now?

Skylar nodded, tears welling in her eyes. Mrs. Sharpe, please, dont worry. I have no intention of breaking up your marriage.

All I need is five million dollars for the childs future and another two million as compensation for my personal pain and suffering.

After that, I promise I will never bother you or Mr. Sharpe again.

It sounded courteous, an offer of a quiet, clean exit. In reality, it was a brazen demand for an obscene amount of money.

Looking at her earnest, tear-streaked face, I felt a surge of cold amusement. I knew, with absolute certainty, that Marcus was incapable of what she was claiming.

I steadied myself, met her eyes, and spoke slowly, deliberately. This is extortion, Skylar. You will not get a single dime from me.

Skylars brow furrowed slightly. She tilted her head. As a woman, you should know that no one risks this kind of scandal for a lie.

Besides, this is pocket change for you. I dont want to make things ugly.

I scoffed. I dont lack the money. But I absolutely refuse to be a mark.

Seeing my resolve, Skylars voice rose sharply, her eyes narrowing. Are you sure about that? Fine. Then Ill go public! The forums, social media, your husbands companyIll hit every target.

I met her stare. Be my guest. I welcome it.

Skylar glared at me. All right. Lets see if youre still so brave when we stand in front of a judge!

She spun around, slamming the door behind her so hard the expensive glass rattled in its frame.

Skylar posted a heavily edited clip of that conversation online, instantly causing a viral sensation.

The thread was shared millions of times. The comment sections were full of venomous insults directed at me: vipers, human trash, accomplice.

Less than a week later, the subpoena arrived.

I arrived on time for the hearing.

As I stepped into the courtroom, I saw Skylar and her mother sitting at the plaintiffs table.

When I walked past, Skylar quickly lowered her head, shrinking her shoulders in a pathetic display of fragility.

Her mother, Brenda, immediately wrapped an arm around her, glaring at me with raw hatred. Dont worry, darling, Mommy is here.

With all these people watching, those heartless devils will finally get whats coming to them!

I stopped in front of them and nodded slowly in agreement. Youre right. The wicked shall reap their due.

Skylar's eyes fluttered open for a split second.

I didn't say another word, walking straight to the defense table.

The judges gavel slammed, and the court was called to order.

The plaintiffs attorney rose first. We will begin with the victims account of the incident.

Skylar sniffled, her voice catching as she began. Mrs.no, Genevieve tricked me into coming to her house under the guise of an employment ad. At first, she said she lived alone and just needed me for meals and cleaning.

After about a month, she told me she was going on vacation and that I was to stay behind. Before she left, she gave me a drink. After I finished it, I felt dizzy. Then, her husband came back... and dragged me into the bedroom.

Tears streamed down her face as she spoke. That man held me down on the bed and and assaulted me.

Skylars testimony instantly set the courtroom ablaze.

The gallery hissed with moral outrage.

Hes an animal!

This is a blatant conspiracy between a husband and wife!

Ignoring the deluge of curses, I stood up and spoke in a cold, clear voice. My husband is absolutely incapable of such an act!

I looked directly at Skylar. If this happened, why didnt you immediately call the police?

Skylar answered, her voice trembling with emotion. He told me if I dared to say anything, he would make sure my family and I would never have a day of peace again.

Im just domestic help. How could I ever fight against people like you? It wasnt until I realized I was pregnant that I found the courage to finally seek justice

A wave of hushed, angry whispers rippled through the gallery. Curses drifted my way.

Hes worse than a beast!

The wife is just as guiltya wicked accomplice, covering up a rapist!

Skylar's mother seized the opportunity, dissolving into theatrical sobs. My daughters life is completely ruined!

Through her tears, she shot a quick, fleeting glance of triumph at me.

I narrowed my eyes and raised my voice. You are lying. My husband did not assault you.

The plaintiffs attorney immediately interjected. Your Honor, we have key evidence.

Under the glare of the entire court, he took a USB drive and plugged it into a laptop.

A moment later, a recording played over the courtroom speakers:

First, a quick cry: Mrs. Sharpe! Help me!

Then, a man's deep, mocking chuckle: Youre asking Genevieve for help?

It looks like you haven't caught up yet. Her leaving was just clearing the house for us. Just do as youre told, and money, work, anything you want is yours Be a good girl.

This was followed by Skylars broken sobs and the sound of a struggle: No! Please, stop! I promise I wont say anything! Please!

The recording cut off abruptly with Skylars sharp, terrified wail.

Skylar was already covering her face, her whole body shaking violently as she wept.

Her mother leapt to her feet, pointing a trembling finger at the defense table. You hear that! These devils planned this together! They lured my daughter into their home just to force themselves on her!

The gallery was in an uproar. Some people were red-faced with fury.

Those poor women! Stuck with this garbage couple!

Arrest the wife too! The accomplice is just as despicable!

As the abuse washed over me, I clenched my fists. How can you prove that voice belongs to my husband?

The plaintiffs attorney looked at me smugly. The evidence is here. After technical analysis, the probability that this voice belongs to Marcus Sharpe is over 95%!

Even facing this evidence, I rebutted forcefully. Impossible. That is not my husbands voice.

I knew, with absolute certainty, that Skylar could not have encountered my husband.

The plaintiffs attorneys brow furrowed. Defense, this evidence has been professionally authenticated. It cant be dismissed by a simple denial!

Skylar wiped her tears. That was that was the recording I desperately managed to start on my phone when he had me pinned down Every word, every sob is real! How can you still sit there and lie through your teeth?!

By the end, she was utterly hysterical, her fragile shoulders heaving with wretched sobs, appearing utterly pitiful.

I gave a cold smile. There are many people in this world with similar voices. Why are you so certain its my husband?

The plaintiffs attorney sneered. Since the defendant finds the evidence unconvincing, I have a second piece of evidence.

He leaned down to continue working the computer.

A moment later, the large screen at the front of the courtroom lit up, beginning to play a video.

It was footage from my living room surveillance camera, time-stamped the night I had left for Italy.

The light in the living room was dim, but a man could be seen opening the door and walking in.

He went straight toward Skylar, who was standing in the living room.

You must be Skylar? Hm. Genevieve wasnt lying. Youre certainly fetching.

Before the sentence was finished, he had reached out and gripped Skylars wrist.

The bottle in Skylars hand dropped to the floor as she struggled weakly, her voice laced with terror: What are you doing! Let go! Help me

The man easily overpowered her. After a few rough tugs, he hefted her up over his shoulder and strode into the bedroom.

The door was slammed shut with a thud.

Faint cries and sounds of struggle seeped from under the door, a terrifying match for the audio recording played moments earlier.

The video ended there.

The plaintiffs attorney turned to the entire room, his voice heavy with sorrow. This is surveillance footage taken from the defendants own home cameras!

Professional analysis confirms that the man in this video has a build and clothing that are highly consistent with Marcus Sharpe!

He turned to me. Defendant, are you still going to claim that this isn't Marcus Sharpe?

The gallery murmured with disgust.

Open-and-shut! The footage is crystal clear!

She was so mouthy earlierlets see what lie she comes up with now!

Someone was so enraged they jumped up and yelled: What more is there to say to a conscience-less accomplice! Judge, rule now! Lock them up for life!

Under the scorching, scornful, and furious gaze of every person present, I slowly stood up, my eyes locked on Skylar.

You insist that man is my husband. So, I must ask you: Before that night, had you ever actually met Marcus Sharpe?

Skylar stood, clutching her belly. I worked in your house for three months! How could I not have met your husband?!

And he opened your front door like it was his, and his appearance and clothes all match! Who else could it be but your husband?

The crowd roared their disapproval at me.

The audio and video evidence are right there! Shes still denying it!

Vicious! Helping a rapist bully a vulnerable girlits repulsive!

Look at her. You can tell shes rotten to the core. A pair of vile creatures, both of them!

The obscene insults were unbearable, but I took a deep breath, scanning the faces in the room.

I repeat, my husband did not assault her!

I addressed the judge. The opposing counsels identification is based solely on physical build and clothing, which is insufficient!

I maintain a reasonable suspicion that the man in the video is not my husband!

The plaintiffs attorney gave another sneer. I see the defendant is determined to deny the undeniable!

He pulled a document from his folder.

He projected the document onto the large screen.

Then, he announced loudly:

This is the DNA paternity test report between the plaintiffs unborn child and Marcus Sharpe!

The report confirms an indisputable biological parental relationship between the fetus and Marcus Sharpe.

The document was a thunderclap. Compared to the video, which could still be disputed, this DNA report was ironclad.

Skylar slowly rose to her feet, her eyes red. The evidence is complete. What more can you possibly say?!

I pointed at the report, my tone utterly unwavering. This report is fabricated. Skylar could never have obtained a DNA sample from my husband.

Skylar lunged forward, eyes blazing. You! How long are you going to keep making excuses?!

The hair sent for testing was pulled from his head myself, when he was assaulting me!