Chapter 5 - The Legal Counterstrike
Instead of waiting for David to file his lawsuit, Elena filed a preemptive strike. We launched a lawsuit against David for civil harassment, stalking, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, backed by a petition for a permanent restraining order.
We served the papers to David at the greasy diner where he frequently met his lawyer.
The next day, David’s lawyer called Elena, frantically trying to negotiate. They wanted a private meeting. No cameras, no press. Just us, the lawyers, and a mediator.
"Should I go?" I asked Mark that night as we washed the dishes.
Mark looked at me, drying his hands on a towel. "Only if you feel ready. You don't owe him anything, Sarah. But if you want to look him in the eye and show him that he has no power over you anymore, I'll be right there by your side."
May you like
I thought of the fifteen-year-old girl sitting on the porch in the rain, wondering what she had done wrong to make her father hate her. I thought of how long I had carried that burden of unworthiness.
"I'm going," I said. "It's time to close this book."
