Chapter 99

Elena’s POV:

I dragged my feet on the ground as I followed the warden into the courtroom. I had not been myself lately.

I walked into the courtroom and sat down near Alex in the front row. I turned around, and my eyes and Nicklaus's eyes met. 

I shifted my gaze and looked to see Sarah sitting beside him; she caught his attention and was holding him in his hands. She let out a sly smile. Her face was dripping with mockery. I couldn't stand the sight of it, so I quickly removed my eyes from her.

I looked around to see my father and my stepmother seated behind the Coleman family. I could count how many people were seated behind me.

I felt a huge lump in my throat, and I wished the ground would just open up and swallow me. I didn't know what to do.

I realised that the only people I had were Zoey and Alex, my lawyer. Irina also walked inside and sat close to me. Everybody else stood against me. 

I feel grateful for their little support, and then I knew that I had to fight and not give up. I would stop at nothing to prove my innocence.

The judges arrived, and everywhere was quiet. The court hearing began. 

I was feeling very tired and sleepy. I couldn't help it. My eyes were so heavy, but I managed to pay attention.

Mr. John, Coleman’s lawyer, and Alex were trying to defend the case.

“Elena, you may proceed,” the judge spoke. I stood up and walked to the podium.

"I, Elena Williams, swear to say nothing but the truth,” I spoke, 

Mr. John Coleman’s lawyer started, and he started defending his clients. He spoke about all of the crimes and submitted all of the proof to the judges.

He asked me a lot of questions, and I started answering. At some point, he started to force words into my mouth, and tears began to fill my eyes.

“Elena, did you or did you not steal company funds from the Coleman company?” he asked. All eyes were on me, and my mouth became heavy.

“I did not,”

“Where were you on the 24th of February by 7pm, and what were you doing?” Mr. John asked.

“I… I,” I stuttered as I tried to recall.

I tried my best to give him straight answers. I could tell he was trying to confuse me so that I would not know what I was doing, but I remained focused.

“I was in the house that evening,” I spoke up, trying to hide my fears.

Alex had warned me earlier about Mr. John’s trick.

Alex opposed it when his questions were becoming too much and confusing. and he started to speak up in my favour. He defended me in many ways that he could, and I managed to be strong. I could see that Coleman was already winning, and I was giving up all hope.

He reached for my hands and squeezed them gently. “Calm down. I got you,” he spoke. After me, John finished speaking. The judge was about to make their final verdict when Alex stood up.

“I have one more proof, Your Honour,” 

“Go ahead, Mr. Alex, but remember this is the last. We are running out of time ready.”

Alex stood up and submitted two papers to them. “Take a look at these. The time and date were exactly the 19th of March at 2:30 pm; it was stated that was when Elena signed that document with Mr. Xavirer, but I just confirmed from the hospital that at this time, Elena was in the hospital for her last check-up after she lost her baby.

My heart skipped a bit, and the whole crowd murmured. I didn't expect that. I thought that there was no proof, and I felt happy that Alex had gone out of his way for me when I had nobody.

I turned around to Zoey and Irina, and they smiled. I could see happiness in their eyes. My eyes locked with Nicklaus, and he couldn't get his eyes off me.

After everything, the judge spoke, giving his judgement.

“With this new evidence, this case is adjourned. Further investigations have to be carried out.”’ Immediately, I felt a little relieved that I wouldn't be going to prison today. Rather, there would be enough time to check, and I may just regain my freedom.

My eyes looked back at Sarah, and she wasn't so happy. Her facial expression hardened, and she gave my stepmother a questioning look.

The judges stood up and left, and as I was about to walk back with the wardens, I felt light, and Nybehad was starting to ache.

I closed my eyes, and I felt extremely dizzy. I placed my hand on the table, and Alex reached out to me. Elena, are you alright? He asked. Immediately, Nicholas rushed to my side and held me in his arms.

“Elena, are you okay?” he asked. He and Alex struggled to hold me, and then I closed my eyes and was covered in darkness.