ARIA’S POVI am hoping with all my heart that this time I can trust Adam to catch Sophia. If I don't enlist his assistance, she might slip away forever, or the bad guys could continue trapping innocent girls. The stakes are too high to risk doing it alone and I can feel that time is running out.It's that gut-wrenching feeling that keeps punching you deep inside, pushing you to act immediately and set things right.As soon as I reach Adam's house, I'm appalled to see Sophia there! Suddenly, a wave of betrayal washes over me, making me question my trust in Adam.While Adam greets me with a warm smile, I can't help but notice Sophia's tear-streaked face. It makes me wonder what story she might have spun this time to elicit his sympathy.The burning question in my mind is whether Adam has been duped by her again. Her presence here, and his welcoming demeanor, fill me with doubt and frustration.Just then, Sophia’s gaze turn on me. In a flash, she runs towards me, clutches at my feet, begg
ARIA’S POVRight now, I have more pressing matters than dealing with Sophia. When I left Adam's house that day, Mario had already secured us a skilled lawyer for our case. His name is Lucas Donovan. Mario informs me that he is a principled man who consistently handles rape and assault cases, and so far, he has won all of them.Moreover, Mario tells me that he has found more victims willing to sue both Jared and Brad. I feel immensely relieved and empowered, knowing that I have an army supporting me in this fight.Today is the day I step into Brad’s supposedly prestigious office tower, not just to deliver an important message, but to personally hand him his doom.When I enter the front desk, the receptionist calls Brad's personal assistant to see if Brad is available to meet with me. It seems that Brad is very eager to meet because the receptionist quickly guides me into Brad’s office.The smug look on his face makes me want to punch him.“Looks like you can’t get enough of me, huh?”I
BRAD’S POVAh, the day has finally come where I'll stand in the accused box and be judged. After so many years of evading justice, I shall face everyone once again.What does she think of herself, really? She's devoid of any proof against me, yet she's brazenly attempting to manipulate and pressure me into confessing to crimes just to ensnare me. It's infuriating how she underestimates my resolve and tries to play games with my future.Nobody has ever been able to harm me. I see myself as invincible for two compelling reasons; firstly, there are no witnesses, and even if there were any, they are all my close associates who share a bond of loyalty that ensures their silence.Secondly, as I explained to Aria earlier, there is no concrete evidence against me. We meticulously planned each instance to ensure there were no surveillance cameras to capture our actions.In the past, whenever women attempted to involve the police, we skillfully manipulated the situation in our favor. Today, I a
ARIA’S POVAs I step into the courthouse’s waiting area, my gaze locks onto Brad and Jared.Of course, I pay them no attention.Suddenly, Brad comes at me in a very pleading manner. I am really appalled at his abrupt change in behavior, wondering what has gotten into him.“Please, Miss Aria.. Please, take back the case.”Did I hear that right? Is Brad really begging me and speaking to me with respect? It's hard to believe after everything that's happened. He is literally crawling at my feet just like Sophia.“I didn’t know you were Neal Jackson’s sister, else I wouldn’t have misbehaved with you.”Wow! Really? His words ignite a fiery rage within me. He is begging me because he has found out that I am not bluffing; I am Neal Jackson’s sister.“So, if I wasn’t Neal’s sister then you would have found it fair to assault me?”I confront him, recounting in vivid detail the lives he has shattered and the deep trauma he has inflicted upon those women. I remind him what he would have done to me
ADAM’S POVThe atmosphere in the courtroom is thick with tension. Brad and Jared, usually so confident and untouchable, are visibly nervous, shifting uncomfortably in their seats.Their eyes dart around the room, unable to settle, betraying their fear. It's clear they’ve never faced such a serious trial before. In the past, they managed to slip through the cracks of justice, using their influence and intimidation to avoid consequences.But today, the gravity of the situation has finally caught up with them, and it’s evident in every anxious glance and restless movement. They know deep down that this time, there’s no escape, and the realization is written all over their pale, sweating faces.Seeing all those women bravely testifying against Brad and Jared, I feel a swell of pride for Aria. She isn’t just standing up for herself; she’s become a beacon of hope and strength for all the victims. My admiration for her grows with every word she speaks, with every tear she wipes away.Aria's
ADAM’S POVNevertheless, since Sophia has been a witness and testified against Jared and Brad, her punishment has lessened and the Judge allowed her for bail only. But then, I wonder who will come forward to pay her bail.However, I don’t care at all. For me, seeing those culprits being punished for their crimes is the only thing I have ever wanted. I see how they are being taken away to jail by the police officers, and handcuffed. Believe me, it is very satisfying.Aria has done a wonderful job hiring Lucas Donovan, the best lawyer in the state and they are close to winning this case. I am so proud of her; seeing her fight for all those women, as well as for herself. In doing so, she has also put a stop to their future dealings, hence saving many more women in this racket.We all rise and leave the courtroom. Minutes later, just as I am coming out of the court building, my phone rings. As I pick up, it is Sophia.“Adam… They allowed me only a few minutes’ call. Please, bail me out.”
ARIA’S POVAfter my conversation with Adam at the first hearing, I couldn’t just listen to him complaining about Sophia and her being the cause of our broken marriage or even all the chaos around her. To every action, there is a reaction and to every reaction there is an opposite and equal reaction. Adam should have known.He keeps shifting all the blame on Sophia when he has wrong judgements about her character. He has been blinded by all her acts for the past years and I find it stupid of such an educated man to have fallen into her traps very often.The fact is that Adam has never believed me. He has always thought that Sophia is the damsel in distress and I am the witch. Now that the blindfold has fallen from his eyes, he thinks that everything will be back to normal or better than the past.Today is yet another day at court. Now is the time to ensure that Sophia pays for her crimes. Lucas Donovan made sure that she is seen as the prime witness in the rackets involving Jared and B
ARIA’S POVAfter winning the case and finally being able to breathe fresh air, Stella and I decide to hang out to celebrate. We head to the mall together, eager to shop to our heart's content.The vibrant energy of the mall, filled with laughter and chatter, contrasts with the tension and anxiety we've been living with. As we wander from store to store, trying on outfits and spoiling ourselves with little luxuries, a sense of liberation washes over us.Each purchase feels like a small victory, a tangible reminder that we've reclaimed our lives and our joy. We laugh, we splurge, and we revel in the simple pleasure of being free.I can’t thank you enough for standing up for all of us… And, on top of that, you’ve brought Neal and me together”As soon as she mentions Neal’s name, a blush spreads across her cheeks.“Aha! Someone is blushing, huh?”I tease Stella even more, making sure to point out how she blushes whenever Neal is mentioned.“Tsk! Stop it, Aria.”Stella giggles as we stroll