The courtroom buzzed with murmurs as the next phase of the trial unfolded. Amaka, now poised and confident, sat at her table alongside her lawyer, Ms. Onyeka. On the other side, Jidenna's lawyer, Mr. Adekunle, adjusted his tie, preparing for what promised to be another intense session.

  Ms. Onyeka rose first, addressing the court with an air of calm authority. "My Lord, today, we will present irrefutable evidence that will clarify the events leading to my client's accusations. We ask that you listen with open minds and consider the truth carefully."

  Her first move was to call on one of Amaka's coworkers, a reserved young woman named Clara, to the stand. Clara's testimony painted a sympathetic picture of Amaka. "She's always been a kind and hardworking person," Clara began, glancing nervously at the judge. "But I noticed a change in her after Jidenna's career took off. She seemed... overwhelmed, as if she was losing someone she deeply cared for."

  Ms. Onyeka leaned forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Clara, did Amaka ever confide in you about her relationship with Mr. Jidenna?"

  Clara hesitated before nodding. "Yes. She told me she felt abandoned. She said he was so consumed by his career that he barely had time for her anymore."

  "And did she ever express resentment or anger toward him?" Ms. Onyeka asked.

  Clara shook her head. "No, not anger. Just sadness. She wanted to fix things between them."

  The testimony struck a chord with the court. Amaka appeared vulnerable, a woman scorned by the man she loved. Jidenna shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his jaw tightening as Mr. Adekunle scribbled notes furiously.

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  When it was Mr. Adekunle's turn to cross-examine, his approach was surgical. "Clara," he began, his tone measured, "you mentioned that Amaka felt abandoned. Did she ever explicitly state that she wanted to harm Mr. Jidenna's career or reputation?"

  Clara blinked, caught off guard. "No, she didn't."

  "So, your testimony is based on her feelings, not her actions. Is that correct?"

  "Yes, I suppose so," Clara admitted, fidgeting with the edge of her blouse.

  Mr. Adekunle smiled slightly, turning to the court. "Feelings, my Lord, are not evidence of guilt or innocence. They are subjective, prone to interpretation."

  The day's most shocking moment came when Ms. Onyeka unveiled a series of photographs showing Amaka with bruises on her arms and a cut on her lip. "These injuries," she explained, "were sustained during an altercation with Mr. Jidenna. My client feared for her safety, yet she stayed silent out of love and loyalty."

  Gasps rippled through the courtroom. Jidenna's eyes widened in disbelief. "That never happened!" he whispered harshly to Mr. Adekunle, who immediately requested a sidebar with the judge.

  The judge granted the sidebar, and the lawyers approached the bench. Mr. Adekunle argued passionately, "My Lord, these photographs lack context. There is no proof that my client caused these injuries."

  Ms. Onyeka countered, "The timing and nature of the injuries align perfectly with Amaka's account of the events. The court deserves to see them."

  The judge ruled in Ms. Onyeka's favor, allowing the photographs to remain as evidence. It was a major blow to Jidenna's defense, and the court's expressions hinted at a shift in their perception of the case.

  As the day ended, Amaka left the courtroom with an air of quiet triumph. The media swarmed her, capturing every moment as she walked to her car, her head held high. Meanwhile, Jidenna and Mr. Adekunle strategized late into the night, determined to counter the damaging evidence.

  But for now, the scales of justice seemed to tip in Amaka's favor, leaving everyone wondering what new revelations the next day would bring.