The Bride Staring At The Bandaged Woman She Believed Dead

Three weeks later the court trial began in the center of the city.

The courtroom was packed with news reporters and curious local citizens alike.

Clara sat at the defense table wearing a simple dark blue prison jumpsuit.

Her expensive jewelry and silk dresses had been replaced by prison clothing.

She looked tired and nervous as her high-priced defense attorney spoke softly.

Her former fiancé was sitting on the front bench near the prosecutor's team.

He had provided key financial records that helped prove the severe bank fraud.

The judge called the court to order with three sharp gavel strikes.

The bandaged sister walked up to the witness stand with steady confidence.

Her bandages were now removed showing her healing skin and faint scars.

She looked directly at Clara as she swore to tell the whole truth.

The prosecutor asked her to detail the night of the terrible car crash.

She explained how the brake lines on her car had been cut deliberately.

She described waking up in a strange private clinic under an assumed name.

Clara had paid the doctor to keep her hidden from the public world.

She was kept in a deep medical coma while Clara claimed the money.

The court gasped as photos of the forged death certificate were shown around.

Clara's attorney tried to object but the judge overruled him instantly.

The evidence against Clara was far too strong to be brushed aside.

Prosecutor: Did the defendant attempt to pay you off later on?

Sister: Yes she offered me a small sum to stay away forever.

Defense Lawyer: Objection your honor this testimony is purely hearsay!

Judge: Overruled the witness will continue giving her full statement.

Sister: She wanted me to disappear so she could keep the mansion.

Clara put her face in her hands and began to cry quietly.

She knew that her long prison sentence was getting closer every minute.

Her former friends from high society had completely abandoned her in court.

No one stepped forward to say a single good thing on her behalf.

The jury listened intently to every piece of hard physical evidence presented.

Bank transfers proved Clara had moved millions into private offshore accounts.

She had bought cars and property using her stolen sister's legal identity.

The financial trail was clear and easy for everyone to follow along.

The prosecutor rested his case after three hours of overwhelming testimony.

The judge asked the defense if they had any more witnesses to call.

The defense lawyer shook his head and sat down without saying much.

He knew there was no way to win this terrible legal battle.

Judge: We will now take a brief recess for jury deliberations.

Clara: Please give me one more chance to explain my actions!

Sister: You had your chance for honesty three months ago Clara.

Clara: I was just trying to protect our family's public legacy!

Sister: You were only trying to feed your own endless greed.

The guards led Clara out of the courtroom toward the holding cells.

The sister stepped down from the witness stand and took a breath.

She felt like a heavy weight had finally been lifted off her chest.