Chapter 7

(Nikolai's POV)

Before Tristan spoke, the court clerk called the case, announcing the names of the parties involved. The lawyers stood, introduced themselves and confirmed their appearance.

“Lawyer Tristan?” He turned to the judge.

“Are you sure you want to defend Mr. Jonas?”

“Yes, my lord.”

The judge glanced through the documents before addressing the matter. The plaintiff's lawyer rose first, explaining the complaint and presenting the evidence supporting their case. 

“Mrs. Laura here claims she saw Mr. Steven Blake here leaving the hotel room her her husband, Mr. Jonas,”

“She claims also that they've had disputes concerning a business transaction and Mr. Steven threatened to kill his friend, Jonas,”

“Objection my lord,” Tristan raised his voice.

“Objection overruled, prosecutor Harris, please, continue,”

“Thank you my lord.”

Everyone became quiet apart from Harris, I picked my snacks one piece and squinted my eyes to see the expression on Tristan's face when his objection was overruled.

Tristan listened carefully, occasionally taking notes before standing to challenge the claims.

“The prosecution claims my client killed Mr. Jonas, why does your estimated time of death say 10:30 pm to 11:30 pm when he left the hotel room by 9:59?” he questioned the evidence Harris submitted.

Harris didn't answer, Tristan offered an account of what had happened. Witnesses were called one after another. Each took an oath before answering questions from the lawyers. 

The courtroom grew tense as witnesses were questioned, their statements sometimes contradicting one another. The judge occasionally interrupted to seek clarification, reminding everyone to remain orderly.

“Tristan is truly in the act but who cares if he loses the case, I'd be the happiest person on earth… I want your ego thrown away.” I made a fist and punched the air.

After both sides had presented their arguments and evidence, the lawyers made their final submissions, urging the judge to rule in their favor. The judge listened without interruption.

“Steven killed my husband!! Don't let him go scot free!!”

“Unless you killed your husband, Mrs. Laura,” Tristan snapped and my mouth opened in awe.

“What are you saying?” Laura tilted her head and said, her voice cracking.

“What are you talking about, attorney Tristan? My client is innocent,”

“Where were you at the time of his death? Or should I ask who you sent to do the job for you…. because I heard Mr. Jonas is your seventh husband!!” He slammed the desk in front of Laura, sending her into shock.

The camera zoomed in to her shaky fingers. Tristan took out a recorder and submitted it as evidence pointing to Laura. Harris was dumbfounded, he sat on his seat and bent his head embarrassed.

“After going through the evidence submitted, the court finds Mr. Steven Blake innocent. Mrs. Laura, the court has found you guilty of the death of your husband, Mr. Jonas and has hereby sentenced you to fifteen years imprisonment.”

The judge struck the gavel against the desk and dismissed the court. The lawyers started gathering their documents, the parties exchanged anxious glances. Harris hurriedly left the courtroom before Laura was arrested and the courtroom slowly emptied.

“What a wonderful show and the great Tristan won the case.” I snuggled and left the room, leaving the mess I made for Grace.

“Time to clean up and finally get to eat a proper meal.”

I danced to the bathroom and freshened up, I continued dancing to no song to the closet and dressed up, my pink bra filled with socks for a nicer shape.

I hopped all the way from the hallway to the stairs and jumped into the seat at the dining table and called Mrs. Joyce. She placed my food on the table and left after giving me her crooked smile.

“I'm sick of the house and the living dead people in it.” I hissed and ate.

My food stuck in my throat, I gasped for water, I was choking on my food and dropped my spoon. I painfully moved the kitchen and held the tap. The pain was like a jolt that stole my breath, I couldn't grab the tap firmly and I fell.

The pain was precise.

I coughed once.

Twice.

Again.

“Mrs. Sinclair?!!

Grace came to me, I managed to point at the tap, she understood without caution and brought me warm water and fed me. The more I drank the water, I vomited through my nose. It was excruciating for me.

She left and came back with painkillers and fed me, I swallowed it and in a few minutes, I got better and went to continue my eating.

“You want to eat again?” She sounded surprised.

“I shouldn't?” I asked her.

“I mean, I mean, you just escaped death,” she hid her face.

“So, you're saying because I almost died, I shouldn't eat again? What a ridiculous thought you have, I don't ever get traumatized.”

She leered and ran off, I chuckled and continued eating. I adjusted the bra, I was running out of patience wearing them and I can't complain to anybody.

Tristan banged the door and strode to his study and I followed him. I glared at him for seconds before moving to watch his busy hands.

“Do you need anything, Nikolai?”

Why does he have to notice me now?

I shook my head and entered inside.

“I didn't say you could come in,” Tristan didn't look up from his desk.

“I never asked if I could come in, I helped myself or should I mistakenly lock you inside again?” I teased him.

He finally looked up and met my teasing gaze.

“Are you making efforts in finding my sister, your wife?” I shot him the question and he leaned into his seat.

“Ain't you enjoying your role as my wife?”

“Can't you tell I'm sick of seeing your face every damn day? Like, why am I waking up next to you? It's crazy!!” I gave him a demonstration.

“I can't keep pretending, I'm fucking tired and irritated wearing bras like a menstruating woman. Soon, your dwellers will ask if I don't see their god-damned cycle.” I folded my arms across my chest.

Tristan stood up and gawked at me, he scoffed and left me unanswered.