A Courted Affair by Jane Winston

Chapter 1
     
    In the news
     
    August 26, 2014
     
    “Daniel Adams, a Kentucky tycoon and husband of Gwendoline Brent-Adams who is a daughter of Mayor Jackson and Lady Caroline Brent, was allegedly having an affair with Della Dotson, a house help. Their romance has been on for seventeen months. The mistress was also believed to be part in the Fankfort Bank Spree.  About a month earlier, please watch what both parties have to say.” A TV newscaster announced.
    “We apologize, but my client is on strict orders of not discussing the case to anyone. These past few months have been very tough and exhausting for her, and she requested not to include her family into the case. We won’t be discussing about the Frankfort Spree as well, as it is far off the issue. On behalf of Cuffman Law Firm, thank you for the time,” stated Della’s lawyer.
     
     
    “Hello. As of this moment, all we can say is that time will reveal. We will not be judging unless all facts are brought forward on Monday, which is the start of the hearing. From Dunagan Law Firm, we thank you for your time.” It was Gwendoline’s lawyer who spoke this time.
     
    The camera focused back on the primary newscaster, “You have now heard from both parties, and it seems that they are both confident. Also, just a reminder, that for adultery, there is $75,000 fine up to 10 years of imprisonment.  This is Ivy Duvall, signing off. Goodnight, everyone.
     
     
     
     
     
    The Trial
     
    “Della Dotson, please come to the stand.” Gwendoline’s lawyer pronounced.
     
    I felt that everyone was watching while I walked to the stand. For them, I am a cheap maid in the day and a whore at night. But, deep inside me, I am more than what they think of. I am just like any other woman, but who would care that I didn’t know that Daniel was married. I placed my hand on the book while I took a deep breath, and vowed, as what I am supposed to do. I was fighting back the tears while I started to answer questions.
     
    “State your name.”
     
    “I am Della Dotson.”
     
    “Alright, Miss Dotson. You started working on July 12, 2013 as a house help at Fankfort Valley Hotel. Is that right?
     
    “Yes.”
     
    “The files that were received from the Fankfort Valley states that you earn $15 hour. That means that you are earning $735 a week for working 7 hours a night. It is not enough to support 2 others.”
     
    Della’s lawyer chimed in, “Objection, your Honor. We have made it a point that our client’s family should not be talked about. “
     
    “Objection denied as it is a supporting evidence. Proceed.” The judge pounded the gavel.
     
    The opposing lawyer continued, “Tell the jury who you are supporting, Ms. Dotson.”
     
    “I am supporting my sister’s children since she and her spouse died.”
     
    “Therefore, you thought that Daniel Adams would be the best person who can help you out.”
     
    “That is not true.”
     
    “Alright, if it isn’t true, then, let us know why you went after him.  Let us know how you knew each other.”
     
    “I started working at the hotel. I worked the night shift and on one night, my manager offered me a great deal for going an extra mile for this client. I brought him extra stuff and all that. And then, Daniel requested I bring him a towel since whoever was working before me wasn’t able to provide him one. Then, when I went to his room, he let me in. He then asked if we could have coffee together. I agreed and then we went.”
     
    My eyes roamed around the hall after I answered that question. I looked at Gwendoline, who was wearing a Chanel dress, and Prada pumps. Her hair was in a slicked back ponytail. She was holding a Gucci bag.  She stared at me, and it seems that she was mocking me with her affluence. I glanced at my family. Their faces were supportive, but they looked humiliated. I turned my gaze to Daniel. His eyes were somewhat speaking to me, asking to forgive him for tugging me into this