*Tom*
As the court adjourns for lunch, Alan guides Celestia and me to a borrowed office within the courthouse, sparring us from having to go through the throng outside. The small, dimly lit space feels like a temporary sanctuary from the chaos of the trial.

Alan has thoughtfully provided lunch for us, a spread of sandwiches and salads covering the table. My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven't eaten since breakfast, but Celestia seems to be struggling with her appetite.

I watch Celestia pick at her food, her movements tentative, and I can't help but worry about her. She had been through so much already, and it's clear the stress of the trial is taking its toll on her. I scoot my chair closer and rub her back, hoping the gesture provides some comfort.

Alan, ever the professional, takes this opportunity to discuss the morning's opening statements and gauge our thoughts on the jury's reactions. "I know Vicktoria's claims were outrageous and hurtful, but we must stay focused on the truth and the evidence we have to support our case. The jury will see through her theatrics". Alan reassures us.

Celestia nods, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just can't believe she would go that far to try and tear us apart". She whispers. "Or that she would says such things about Tom".

I squeeze her hand, trying to impart some strength. "I know it's difficult, but we have to trust that the truth will prevail. We are in this together, and we'll come out stronger on the other side".

Alan nods in agreement, his face a picture of empathy and determination. "We still have a long road ahead, but I truly believe we can win this case. Let's use this break to regroup and recharge. We will need our strength for the remainder of the trial".

With that, I focus on helping Celestia through the lunch break, offering her small bites of food and words of encouragement. Though the future remains uncertain, I know that together, we can face whatever challenges lie ahead.

  We return to the bustling courthouse, the weight of the trial heavy on our shoulders. The atmosphere is tense as we take our seats, bracing ourselves for the testimonies that will unfold. The first witness is called to the stand, and my heart skips a beat when I see it's the doctor who inseminated Celestia.

Vicktoria approaches the doctor with a predatory smile, ready to spin her web of lies. "Dr. Adams, could you please tell the court about your interactions with Celestia prior to the insemination ?"

The doctor hesitates for a moment, appearing uncomfortable. "Well, Celestia had come to the clinic several times and seen Tom and Felicity there. She asked questions about them and seemed overly curious".

I look at Celestia, her face a mask of disbelief, and I can't help but feel a surge of anger at the doctor's false claims.

Vicktoria's voice takes on a sly tone as she continues her questioning. "And would you say that Celestia manipulated you into inseminating her ?"

The doctor shifts in his seat, clearly uneasy. "She... she seduced me". He stammers. "I was going through a difficult time, struggling with a small drug problem, and she offered me money to inseminate her. She preyed on my weakness".

The courtroom erupts into murmurs as the shocking testimony sinks in. I glance at the jury, trying to gauge their reaction, but they remain stoic, giving nothing away.

As Vicktoria returns to her seat, smug satisfaction written all over her face, I grip Celestia's hand tightly, desperate to offer her some comfort. This is just one battle in a war we are determined to win, no matter how many lies we have to untangle along the way.

Alan rises from his seat, his demeanor calm and composed as he approaches the witness stand. He clears his throat and begins his questioning of Dr. Adams.

"Dr. Adams, isn't it true that the day of the insemination was the first time you treated Celestia ?"

The doctor fidgets, his confidence waning. "Yes, that's correct". He replies hesitantly.

Alan continues, his voice steady and controlled. "So, you claim that Celestia sought you out prior to the insemination, but you only treated her for the first time on the day of the procedure. How do you explain this discrepancy ?"

The doctor stammers, struggling to find a coherent response. "I... I suppose I must have been mistaken. That period is a bit hazy".

Undeterred, Alan moves on to his next point. "Dr. Adams, isn't it true that your 'small' drug problem was, in fact, a significant issue that directly led to the mistake with Celestia's procedure ?"

The doctor's face pales, his earlier bravado evaporating. "Well, yes, it may have played a part in the mix-up".

Alan presses on, relentless in his pursuit of the truth. "And isn't it also true that you were fired from the clinic as a result of this mistake, and that you are currently facing your own trial to have your medical license revoked ?"

The doctor's eyes dart around the room, his voice barely audible as he concedes. "Yes, that's true".

As Alan concludes his questioning, the doctor's credibility seems to crumble before the court. The jury's expressions shift, reflecting a growing skepticism toward his testimony.

Returning to our table, Alan offers Celestia and me a reassuring nod, a small victory in our ongoing fight for the truth.

The leader of the clinic where Celestia was inseminated, Dr. Martin, is called to the stand. Vicktoria wastes no time in questioning him.

"Dr. Martin, before the incident with Celestia, were you satisfied with Dr. Adams' work at your clinic?"

Dr. Martin hesitates, then answers. "We were generally satisfied. However we did have some concerns about his performance of late and were monitoring him closely".

With that, Vicktoria takes her seat, confident that she has made her point. However, Alan is ready to counter her strategy.

"Dr. Martin".  Alan begins. "Could you please confirm whether Celestia ever had an appointment at your clinic at the same time as Tom and Felicity ?"

Dr. Martin consults his records, then shakes his head. "No, there is no record of Celestia having an appointment on the same day as Tom and Felicity".

Alan continues, "After the mix-up with Celestia's insemination, did you discover that Dr. Adams had been stealing medication from the clinic ?"

Dr. Martin nods solemnly. "Yes, we found evidence of his theft, and we are now pursuing a case against him".

As Alan concludes his questioning, the courtroom atmosphere shifts. The jury, now aware of the doctor's dishonesty, seems to regard his earlier testimony with skepticism.

With each witness, we seem to move one step closer to the truth, our determination to see justice served unwavering.

The last witness of the day is brought to the stand, a handwriting expert whom Vicktoria has summoned to testify about the signature on the alleged surrogacy contract. The expert exudes confidence as he takes the stand.

"Based on my analysis and comparison of handwriting samples". The expert states, "I am certain that Celestia signed the document in question".

Vicktoria smiles, believing she has scored another point in her favor. However, Alan is prepared to address this issue.

As he rises to question the expert, Alan confidently states. "We have never denied that Celestia signed a contract. However, when she signed it, it was a standard non-disclosure agreement, not a surrogacy contract".

The courtroom buzzes with intrigue as Alan continues, "Isn't it possible that the content of the document was altered after Celestia signed the non-disclosure agreement, thus transforming it into a fraudulent surrogacy contract ?"

The handwriting expert appears taken aback, hesitating before answering. "It is possible that the content of the document could have been altered after the signature was obtained. My expertise is in handwriting, not document verification".

With that revelation, the jury's perception of the case shifts once more. The cloud of skepticism surrounding the alleged contract thickens, casting doubt on the credibility of Felicity's claims.

As the first day in court comes to an end, Celestia and I exchange a glance, acknowledging the small victories and challenges we've faced so far. We remain hopeful, knowing that our love and the truth will be our strongest allies in the days to come.