Page 107 of Before I Say I Don't
Kendall froze, bouquet slipping just slightly.
Danica handed me the remote. I pressed a button like a prosecutor about to drop the hammer.
The projector hummed to life, casting its glow across the wall. Then—bam—the enlarged screenshots lit up behind me, every line of text, every heart emoji, every “lol” blown up in high-definition betrayal. The room shifted; it felt less like a wedding and more like a courtroom, the evidence towering over us like closing arguments no one could escape.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury—Exhibit A! More phone receipts… different case.” I paced the aisle like it was the well of a courtroom. “These are messages between Kendall and Jayla—clear evidence of them dragging my name through the mud, thinking their little side conversations would stay hidden.”
Somebody blurted, “Lord, she got the receipts blown up!”
I turned back to the guests, raising my phone one more time for emphasis. “Now, people in the back, if you squint, you can even see the little heart and laughing emojis. Evidence enough to convict in any courtroom.”
I shifted, fixing my eyes on Jayla and Kendall. “I’m sure you’re both wondering when I gathered this particular piece of evidence.” I tilted my head. “Does mybridal showerring a bell?”
Both of their expressions held blank and confused looks.
I chuckled into the mic. “Let’s just say… you can’t leave your phone out in the open in too many places. There are someverycurious, might even use the termnosy,people in this world…” I leaned forward, letting the crowd catch every word. “…me being one of them.”
Kendall’s mouth dropped open in realization, her hands trembling around her bouquet. Jayla covered her face, shaking her head as the guests recorded every second.
I leveled my gaze at Kendall. “So tell the court, Kendall—how do you plead?”
Kendall’s lips parted like she wanted to speak, but nothing came out. Her eyes darted toward Jayla, to Viangelo, then back to me.
I tilted the mic closer. “We’ll give you a moment to gather your defense… but make it quick. The jury’s patience is running thin.”
The silence stretched until her shoulders slumped and she finally spoke.
“Fine. I admit it. I knew!” Kendall looked right at me, then flicked her eyes toward Zaria. “And like she said… consider yourself one of the lucky ones, Kamira.”
Kendall just smirked; lips pressed together like she’d already said too much.
Viangelo glowered at her like,damn, you too?
Kendall lifted her chin, wearily. “So yes, I plead guilty—for putting family first all these years and keeping my mouth shut to protect mine.” Her eyes hardened. “Girl, you don’t even know half of it.”
Before I could cross-examine further, Danica stepped forward, hand raised like she had the gavel in her palm. Her voice was steady, commanding, and almost amused.
“The court thanks you for your testimony, Kendall. However, seeing as we have three more cases on the docket, we must move on.” She paused for effect, scanning the room like a real judge. “Therefore, I sentence you toimmediateremoval from the bridesmaid line… and a lifetime of side-eyes at every family function.”
The audience hollered, even a whistle was heard. The energy in the room shifted like they were at a play, waiting for the next act.
“Alright, people,” I said, my lawyer voice back in full effect. “Next case on the docket…”
The crowd hushed, already bracing themselves.
“Kamira vs. Jayla: The Case of the Best Friend Betrayal.”
Gasps rolled through the room.
“Jayla,” I began, tone low but deadly, “you stand charged with betrayal in the first degree. Violation of Best Friend Code, Section One:Thou shalt not sleep with your friend’s man.”
The crowd roared, and someone yelled, “Facts!” and folks laughed.
I didn’t crack a smile. I stepped closer. “You’re guilty ofpossiblyharboring a fetus that belongs to the defendant while wearingmybridesmaid dress. You’re guilty of conspiracy to commit trifling, with intent to destroy friendship. And most of all? Guilty of fraudulent sisterhood—posing as family while plotting as a foe.”
Jayla’s eyes filled, tears sliding fast. “Kam, please?—”
I cut her off, voice sharp. “Save it! You pled guilty the second you let him touch you. And don’t cry now; crying won’t turn sin into sympathy.” My voice dropped lower, no theatrics that time. “Jayla, you were one of the people who knew the cracks in my heart and still chose to shatter it. The one who knew more about me than I sometimes knew about myself. And what did you do with all that access? All that trust? You went and slept withmyfiancé. Not a stranger, not some random on the street—him.And you think that’s love? No. That’s treason in the court of loyalty!”
