*Celestia*
Tom, Alan, and I step out of the black SUV, the morning sun reflecting off the courthouse's marble façade. My heart races as we prepare for the second hearing, determined to get the case dismissed. Tom's hand rests gently on my swollen belly, offering me protection and comfort.

As if on cue, reporters swarm around us, their cameras clicking relentlessly and microphones thrust forward, eager to capture a soundbite from the famous actor and his pregnant partner.

"Tom, do you think you will win today's hearing ?" one reporter asks.

"Is it true that Celestia was supposed to be a surrogate for you and Felicity ?" another inquires.

The barrage of questions makes me grip Tom's arm tighter, my nerves growing tense. Yet, through the cacophony, Alan remains unfazed. His calm and collected demeanor is a beacon of stability amidst the chaos. He raises a hand, silencing the press for a moment. "We will be making a statement after the hearing. Please respect our privacy until then".

We push through the throng of reporters, finally reaching the courthouse steps. As we enter the building, I let out a shaky breath, relieved to be away from the prying eyes and invasive questions.

Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere is tense. Felicity, with her venomous smile, sits opposite us, confident in her fraudulent contract and her lawyer Vicktoria. Tom squeezes my hand reassuringly, whispering, "We will get through this together".

Alan, ever the composed professional, pulls out a folder containing a meticulously prepared defense. As the hearing commences, he will no doubt presents our case with precision and clarity, dismantling the falsehoods in Felicity's claims one by one.

As Alan rises to address the courtroom, he exudes a sense of calm and determination. "Your Honor". He begins, "I would like to present the case on behalf of Tom and Celestia, who have been falsely accused and entangled in a web of lies spun by Felicity".

He pauses, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in before continuing. "Let's start with the matter of the insemination. Celestia had no intention of becoming a surrogate for Tom and Felicity. In fact, she didn't even know she was being inseminated. Dr. Stevens, the physician responsible for the procedure, switched the papers due to his own negligence and without Celestia's knowledge. After that Celestia, together with Tom came to the agreement to keep the baby. I have the papers from the clinic stating that the insemination was a human mistake".

Alan pulls out a set of documents from his folder and hands them to the judge, who reviews them with a furrowed brow. The courtroom is silent, hanging on Alan's every word.

"Now, let's move on to the so-called contract Felicity claims Celestia signed. This contract was presented to Celestia under false pretenses when she moved into Tom and Felicity's home. Felicity deceived Celestia, claiming the contract was an agreement to maintain the confidentiality of the household. Celestia, believing she was signing a standard non-disclosure agreement, unwittingly signed the document. We believe Felicity used erasable ink and simply changed the working of the contract after".

Alan pauses, glancing over at Vicktoria, Felicity's lawyer, who shifts uncomfortably in her seat. "Your Honor, we have evidence that Felicity planned beforehand to change the wording of the contract and purposely hid it from Celestia. This contract is not only fraudulent but also a clear attempt to manipulate and control the situation".

He hands another set of documents to the judge, who looks increasingly concerned as he reads through them. The courtroom buzzes with whispers as people begin to grasp the extent of Felicity's deception.

"In conclusion, Your Honor". Alan says, his voice steady and resolute. "We have presented substantial evidence to prove that Celestia was inseminated without her knowledge and that the contract she signed was obtained through deceit. We request that this case be dismissed and that Felicity be held accountable for her actions".

As Alan sits down, the courtroom erupts in murmurs, and I can feel a glimmer of hope rising within me. The judge calls for order, and I glance over at Felicity and Vicktoria, who now appear less confident than before. I grip Tom's hand tighter, knowing that together, we have a chance to overcome this nightmare.

As Vicktoria stands up to present her counterarguments, she appears determined to save her client's image. "Your Honor". She begins, her voice strong and steady, "I would like to address the accusations made by Alan and offer our side of the story".

She pauses, giving the courtroom a moment to quiet down before she continues. "It is our contention that Celestia not only knew about the insemination but paid Dr. Stevens to perform the procedure. Furthermore, if this case goes to trial, Dr. Stevens is willing to testify to that effect".

Murmurs fill the courtroom, and I feel a wave of disbelief wash over me. Tom clenches his jaw, visibly upset by the false accusation. Alan remains composed, watching Vicktoria intently as she proceeds with her argument.

"Regarding the contract". Vicktoria continues.
"We maintain that Celestia was fully aware of what she signed. She was not coerced or deceived in any way. In fact, we have reason to believe that Celestia tried to blackmail Felicity. When Felicity refused to pay, Celestia decided to seek revenge by not only tarnishing her reputation and dragging her through the mud, but also by stealing her fiance from her and now seek to keep the kids as well".

The courtroom buzzes with speculation, and I feel tears prickling in the corners of my eyes. How could they twist the situation so completely? I squeeze Tom's hand for reassurance, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Your Honor". Vicktoria concludes. "We believe that the evidence we present will be sufficient to prove Celestia's malicious intent. We request that the case proceed to trial so that the truth may be revealed".

As she sits down, the judge looks between Alan and Vicktoria, clearly contemplating the opposing narratives before him. My stomach churns with anxiety, knowing that the outcome of this hearing could change our lives forever.

Alan catches my worried gaze and gives me a reassuring nod. Despite the setbacks, I know we have the truth on our side, and I trust that he will do everything in his power to bring it to light. We must remain strong, standing together against the lies and manipulation that threaten to tear us apart.

The judge, a stern middle-aged man with a furrowed brow, takes a deep breath before addressing the courtroom. "After carefully considering the arguments presented by both sides, I find that there are significant questions of fact that must be resolved". He states with a heavy sigh.

The room falls silent, hanging on his every word. "Given the seriousness of the allegations and the conflicting evidence presented, I have no choice but to allow this matter to proceed to trial". He announces, his gavel striking the block with a decisive thud.

Gasps and murmurs fill the courtroom, and my heart sinks in my chest. The prospect of a long and grueling trial weighs heavily on me, but I glance at Tom, who squeezes my hand in support. We exchange a determined look, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

Alan rises to his feet, his expression resolute. "Thank you, Your Honor". He says respectfully. "We are confident that the truth will prevail at trial".

Vicktoria smirks, her eyes glinting with a cold confidence that sends a shiver down my spine. "We look forward to it". She replies icily, giving a nod to the judge.

As the courtroom begins to empty, Tom and I huddle close to Alan, discussing our next steps. We know that the road ahead will be challenging, but we are prepared to fight for the truth and our reputation. Together, we will stand strong against the accusations and deceit, determined to emerge victorious in the end.

Outside the courthouse, a small group of reporters and curious onlookers has gathered, eager to hear the latest developments in the case. The sun beats down on us, but the atmosphere is tense and charged with anticipation.

Alan steps up to the makeshift podium, adjusting his suit jacket and clearing his throat. The crowd falls silent, and camera flashes punctuate the air as he begins to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for being here today". He says, his voice steady and confident.

"As you are aware, the judge has ruled that this case will proceed to trial. While this decision may seem disappointing, we remain steadfast in our belief that the truth will prevail. We are confident that, when all of the facts are presented in court, our clients will be vindicated".

Tom and I stand behind Alan, our expressions resolute as we face the barrage of questions and camera flashes. We feel reassured by his unwavering conviction, and it bolsters our determination to see this through to the end.

A reporter calls out. "How do you respond to the allegations made by Vicktoria and her client today ?"

Alan doesn't miss a beat as he replies. "We know those allegations are baseless and a desperate attempt to shift the focus away from their own actions. We have strong evidence supporting our position, and we look forward to presenting it in court".

The questions continue, and Alan handles each one with poise and professionalism. His calm demeanor and clear conviction in our innocence provide a powerful counterpoint to the sensationalism and intrigue that has surrounded the case.

As the press conference winds down and the crowd disperses, Tom, Alan, and I exchange glances of determination. We know that the journey ahead will be difficult, but with truth on our side, we are prepared to face any challenge that comes our way.