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SAVANNAH.The door slams shut behind Dominic and Mr. Marshall, and I turn my attention to Dad, who smiles as he looks at me.He walks over to the chair and takes a seat. “How are you feeling?” he asks gently, reaching forward to hold my hands. “Are you okay?”I nod as I look at him. “I'm fine. The doctors say I'm okay, and the baby is fine.”He nods. “He told me when we were outside. I'm glad you're okay,” he says as he looks at me. “I'm sorry,” he whispers, and I look up sharply to find tears in his eyes. “I'm so sorry.”“What did you do?” I ask as I look at him. “What happened? What are you sorry about?”Dad takes a deep breath, his eyes filled with emotions. “I'm sorry because I should've protected you better,” he admits. “I should've been more cautious and more vigilant. I should've never let this happen to you.”I squeeze his hand gently. “Dad, this isn't your fault. You couldn't have known that this would happen.”He sniffles, “I know, but I brought her into your life, or more li
SAVANNAHIt’s been three days since everything happened, and the whole questioning and investigation process has been intense.Dominic has insisted that I be left alone today for some much-needed rest, even though I told him that people must do their work. He's been adamant that I rest, and I can't argue with that. The doctors did stress the importance of rest. “The doctor said you are to be discharged today before six?” I turn to where Mom is making me hot water to drink. “I will come along with you to take care of you.”“Are you sure? Who will take care of Evans?” I ask, looking down at my baby bump that's more noticeable today. “Or would he come along?”Mom nods as she carries the tray with a cup of hot water and brings it over to me. “We've arranged for him to come to the house and be with you while I care for you both. So don't worry about him; he'll be well cared for.”I took the cup and thanked her before sipping the hot water. “Who's 'we'?” She gives me a look. “Dominic?” She
SAVANNAHIt's the day before the trial, and I can't say I haven't been bothered by it. I keep thinking back to the amount of hate in Becca’s eyes, her body trembling with rage and jealousy.But despite that, I could see the underlying pain. The way she always carried herself shows so many things she has been keeping within her.Her words, “You don't know how many things I've done to keep my secret,” keep ringing in my ears. What did she do?I sigh as I run my hands down my belly, my new favorite thing to do. It's lovely knowing that a baby is growing inside me, and the reminder that I could've lost my child sends a shiver down my spine.Dominic has been extra sweet and supportive, and he won't even allow me to lift a finger. He works from home now, and I returned to work two days ago, though it's the same online work.I secretly asked Marie to deliver a file here today, knowing Evans is downstairs. I want them to meet again and see where it'll go.I'm running my hands through my hair w
SAVANNAH.It’s the day of the trial, and I'm sitting, looking at myself in the mirror. I opted to wear black pants with a blue shirt and white heels.Dominic is currently downstairs talking to Evans and Mom. I don’t know what their discussion is about, but the fact that I wasn’t asked to join makes me think it’s probably something serious.I sigh as I lift my hair that has grown over time, pulling it into a neat ponytail, and look down at my bump, gently rubbing it.I'm putting on my shoes when the door swings open, and Dominic walks in, looking as handsome as ever. He's wearing a white button-down shirt with blue pants that hug his thighs, and it takes my breath away. “Hey,” he says softly as he walks up to me. “Are you okay?”I nod as I wrap my arms around his neck. “I am,” he pecks my lips. “What were you guys talking about downstairs?”“It was mostly about how we should be today; nobody should be seen alone without someone,” he pulls me closer. “And that we leave after you’re done
SAVANNAH.The courtroom gasps at her words, and I maintain an emotionless expression; I know what she's trying to do.She holds my gaze at her words, and then the lawyer starts to question her, and I have to admit she's damn good at manipulation. She's shifting all the blame onto Aisha and the men, claiming that she and Sophia have been wrongly accused. I scoff as tears start to stream down her face.I clench my fists as she glances at me. “They're just trying to pin my daughter and me for something we didn't even do. They're doing everything possible to destroy our reputation,” and then she starts fake sobbing.I can practically see steam coming from Mom's ears, and Aisha keeps rolling her eyes. Becca is asked to step down, and Aisha is brought to the stand.My eyes find Evans, and his face is cold as he watches her walk up with handcuffs. She swears on the Bible and explains that Becca reached out to her.The courtroom is tense as Aisha recounts her side of the story and what led her
SEBASTIAN KNIGHTS.“Here in my hands is evidence that Miss Becca is the one responsible for the death of my best friend, JJ.” I hear gasps from Savannah next to me, but I don't turn to her. I keep my eyes on the woman who has caused so much damage that I didn't even think she could.Her eyes widen, and I see her hands shake. She nudges her lawyer, who stands up abruptly. “I'm sorry, Your Honor, this isn't part of the case! This man has no right to walk in here like he did.”I tilt my head and glare at him. “Is that the truth? I am not entitled to bring evidence to the court.” He goes to speak, but I cut him off. “I don't know how much she paid you, but I suggest you step back or risk losing your job.”I don't care that I'm making threats in the courtroom; the consequences be damned. Becca doesn't deserve the slightest bit of protection. She's an evil and vindictive bitch.He shrinks and looks at the judge for help. I turn to find the older man watching me. “That woman there was suppose
SEBASTIAN KNIGHTS.FLASHBACK TO WHEN SEBASTIAN MET JJ WIFE!I drive endlessly around the streets, my heart in turmoil as I review everything that has happened in the last few days. I sigh, feeling a sharp headache, knowing I could've prevented everything.I park the car and rest my head on the steering wheel, the weight of it all pressing on my chest. I could have stopped this. I run my hand down my face and look outside. To my surprise, I'm at the graveyard. I haven't been here in years, but I don't understand why I stayed away. With nothing else to do, I push the car door open and step out.It's still the same as I remember it—quiet and calm. I look around at the graves, and my heart becomes heavy, realizing that these are the final resting places for people with dreams and accomplishments cut short by death. Why do people have to die? Wouldn't it be better if there were somewhere everyone goes after growing old instead of just disappearing?Pushing those thoughts aside, I walk throu
SavannahI watch as Dad walks in with a woman whose eyes hold determination, and I hear Mom gasp beside me. I turn to her to find her watching the woman with wide eyes. Does Mom know who she is?The woman walks in, her shoulders high, and Becca's face pales when her eyes land on the woman. “It can't be,” she whispers. “You—It can't be—”I tilt my head, wondering what's going on. “Surprised to see me?” the woman asks as she looks at Becca, who is paling by the minute. “Has it been so long that you don't remember me?”Dad places his hands on the woman's shoulder, and she looks up at him and nods as she's led to the podium. They hand her the Bible as she swears and turns to face everyone.Her eyes land on Sophia, and her lips quiver before her eyes find me. She looks almost proud to see me. Her eyes then go to Mom, and I see her eyes widen slightly.So, they know each other.The judge commands the attention of everyone. “Please state your name and your relationship with the individuals in