THE PROPERTY BATTLE
The Question of Forgiveness
INT. DAVE’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – EVENING
The room is quiet. Amber sits on the couch, staring at the floor. Dave watches her carefully.
DAVE
Amber, you need to forgive Anthony.
DAVE
You have so much with me, and I have more than enough money, so why are you doing this?
Amber slowly looks up. Her expression is firm.
AMBER
Dave, this isn’t about money.
DAVE
Then what is it about?
AMBER
I don’t care about Anthony’s money. I’m not leaving him because of the money.
Amber takes a deep breath.
AMBER
I’m doing this because I don’t want Anthony to transfer all of his property to D’Nisha.
Amber Makes Her Decision
INT. DAVE’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Dave stares at Amber. His patience begins to disappear.
DAVE
Amber, you’re letting this situation destroy you.
AMBER
I just want what I believe I deserve.
Dave shakes his head.
DAVE
Do whatever you want.
Dave walks away. Amber remains standing in the middle of the room.
Her eyes become determined.
AMBER
I’m not going to let this happen.
The Lawyer Gets the Call
INT. DAVE’S HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER
Amber takes out her phone and searches for her lawyer’s number.
She presses CALL.
LAWYER
Hello, Amber. What happened?
AMBER
I need you to take Anthony to court.
There is a brief silence.
LAWYER
Are you sure?
AMBER
Yes. I want to file a lawsuit against Anthony.
LAWYER
All right. I’ll begin preparing everything.
Amber ends the call.
Dave looks at her in disbelief.
DAVE
You really did it.
AMBER
Yes.
Anthony Learns About the Lawsuit
INT. ANTHONY’S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT
Anthony sits on the edge of his bed when his phone suddenly rings.
He answers the call and listens carefully.
ANTHONY
Amber filed a lawsuit against me?
His face becomes serious.
ANTHONY
All right. I understand.
D’Nisha enters the room.
D’NISHA
Anthony, what happened?
ANTHONY
Amber is taking me to court.
D’NISHA
For what?
ANTHONY
The property.
D’Nisha becomes worried.
The Courtroom Confrontation
INT. COURTROOM – MORNING
The courtroom is silent as the judge reviews the documents.
AMBER’S LAWYER
Your Honor, my client believes she is entitled to a significant portion of the marital property.
The lawyer turns toward Anthony.
AMBER’S LAWYER
Mr. Anthony, why aren’t you giving Amber fifty percent of the property?
Anthony looks toward Amber. The room becomes completely silent.
ANTHONY
Because I didn’t leave Amber.
Amber’s expression changes.
ANTHONY
Amber left me on her own.
Amber looks down for a moment, then raises her eyes toward Anthony.
AMBER
That isn’t the whole story.
JUDGE
Ms. Amber, you will have your opportunity to speak.
Amber Speaks the Truth
INT. COURTROOM – LATER
Amber takes the stand. She looks nervous but determined.
AMBER’S LAWYER
Amber, why did you bring this case?
AMBER
Because I don’t want Anthony to give everything away before our property matters are settled.
She pauses and looks toward Anthony.
AMBER
I’m not doing this because I want his money.
AMBER’S LAWYER
Then what do you want?
AMBER
I want fairness.
Anthony remains silent.
AMBER
This isn’t about money. It’s about what happened between us and what I believe I’m entitled to.
The Battle Is Far From Over
INT. COURTHOUSE – HALLWAY – EVENING
The hearing pauses. Amber walks out with her lawyer while Anthony exits from another door.
DAVE
How did it go?
AMBER
It’s not over.
Dave looks at her with concern.
DAVE
Are you okay?
AMBER
I don’t know.
Across the hallway, Anthony watches Amber.
His expression is filled with mixed emotions.
INT. ANTHONY’S CAR – NIGHT
Anthony sits alone in his car. His phone rings.
ANTHONY
What do you mean the court wants more documents?
He listens carefully.
ANTHONY
All right. Send me everything.
Anthony ends the call and stares through the windshield.
Meanwhile, Amber looks at the legal papers on her table.
AMBER
I’m ready.
The camera slowly pulls away.
The property battle is far from over.
Anthony is preparing his next move.
Amber is preparing hers.
And the next court hearing could change everything.