Chapter 6 - The Trial of Secrets
The trial took place at the Superior Court of Justice in Mexico City, drawing heavy media attention. The prosecution presented an airtight case: forensic analysis of the spray bottle proved high-concentration almond extract, venue security footage captured the entire sequence of events, and medical specialists testified that without immediate medical intervention, I would have suffered fatal cardiac arrest within minutes.
During the cross-examination, Fernanda took the stand, attempting to portray herself as a victim of emotional neglect and sudden hysteria. However, Mateo Vance crushed her defense by producing subpoenaed WhatsApp messages between Fernanda and her mother from the week prior to the wedding. The texts explicitly discussed buying the almond mist as a "backup plan" to force my compliance if I refused the SUV request.
The revelation of premeditation shocked the courtroom. Patricia broke down crying in the dock, while Fernanda glared at me with pure venom. My father sat silently, his head bowed as the avalanche of financial audits exposed his fraudulent business practices, tax evasion, and illegal debt schemes.
After three days of intense proceedings, the panel of judges returned with a unanimous verdict.
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Fernanda Hernández was found guilty of attempted aggravated homicide and sentenced to twelve years in a high-security state penitentiary. Roberto Hernández was convicted of aggravated assault, obstruction of justice, and corporate fraud, receiving a nine-year sentence. Patricia Hernández received a four-year sentence for criminal conspiracy and accessory after the fact, with her sentence suspended subject to strict probation and heavy financial restitution.
As the judge brought down the gavel, the courtroom erupted. I sat next to Alejandro, feeling his arms wrap around me. For the first time in my life, the shadows of guilt, obligation, and fear completely vanished.
