The courtroom was unusually quiet for the final day of the trial, as though it, too, was holding its breath. The sun filtered in through high windows, casting long golden beams across the polished wood floor. The crowd was packed—journalists, family members, lawyers, and a few strangers who simply couldn’t resist witnessing the fall of Amanda D’Arcy.At the prosecution’s table, Ethan sat with Minnie’s hand clasped gently in his. Though both had faced their share of storms, the warmth in their shared glance was a quiet confirmation:They had made it to the other side.Amanda stood between her attorneys at the defense table, expression cold, detached—as if by sheer force of arrogance, she could undo everything. Her once-perfect curls hung limp, and the designer suits had been replaced with a standard beige blazer. The judge entered, and everyone rose.“All parties may be seated.”Judge Harrington looked down from his bench, steepling his fingers.“After reviewing the evidence and hearin
The courtroom was buzzing again. Word had spread like wildfire—Ethan Lockwood and Minnie Love had survived the storm. The media outside the courthouse swarmed like vultures drawn to heat. Everyone wanted to see the couple who had defied death, scandal, and betrayal.Inside, the courtroom was colder than usual, despite the spring air beginning to thaw outside. Amanda D’Arcy sat stiffly at the defense table, still in the orange jumpsuit, her wrists still marked faintly from the cuffs. She looked like she hadn't slept in days. She’d spent days in holding, with the walls closing in around her—and now, as the double oak doors swung open, her eyes snapped to the entrance.Minnie walked in first, dressed in a soft navy-blue suit, her hair pulled back in a simple bun. The faint scar on her temple was still visible, a cruel souvenir from the forest. She held her head high, even though a thousand eyes drilled into her.Ethan followed, slower, more guarded. Though his body was still healing, the
The courthouse loomed over the old brick square—a monolith of marble pillars and stern-faced statues whose granite gazes seemed to judge all who approached. A cold wind whipped around the portico, lifting skirts and rattling loose coats, carrying shards of gravel in its swirl. Amanda D’Arcy descended from the black SUV, her posture proud and unbowed, but her cheeks were pale, her expression a flicker of controlled fury.She adjusted her orange jumpsuit and looked ahead with a stil expression. The woman who was used to designer clothes and Acessories that costed more than what people made in a year was now dressed like a common criminal. She hadnt known what it was to be disliked and here she could see hatred on peoples faces as she walked.Camera flashes exploding like artillery fire, reporters shouting accusations in synchronized waves. Amanda met the glare with polished composure, stepping forward with the practiced grace of a woman convinced of her own invincibility.Inside the cou
The air smelled of disinfectant and blooming lilies from a vase left on the nurse’s station. The hospital felt unnaturally quiet despite the soft humming of machines and the shuffle of feet echoing down sterile hallways.Minnie sat in a chair outside Ethan’s room, wearing a fresh hospital gown and wrapped in a soft blanket that smelled faintly of lavender. Her body still ached, her feet were bandaged from frostbite, and her heart throbbed with too many emotions to name. But she was alive. And so was Ethan.She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until she heard heels clicking down the hallway.Cassie.Her sister appeared first, followed closely by Ellie—hair frizzy from the snow, eyes wide with relief. Behind them, Marlena Lockwood moved with her usual grace, though the usual steel in her eyes was softened now. Worry carved deeper lines into her face, but her presence felt like a wave of warmth after a long freeze.“Minnie!” Ellie rushed forward, throwing her arms around her wit
he low rumble of tires crunching over snow broke the stillness outside Marta’s secluded cabin. Minnie looked up from the steaming mug in her hands, heart thudding as headlights cut through the fogged-up window. Two police cruisers pulled to a halt near the porch, their presence not blaring or urgent—but unmistakably deliberate.Marta stood up, brushing her palms on her wool skirt. “That’ll be them.”Minnie rose slowly, blanket wrapped tightly around her shoulders, the warmth of the fire unable to thaw the weight in her chest. The knock on the door came a few seconds later—firm, but not aggressive.“I’ll get it,” Marta said, giving her a reassuring nod.The door creaked open, letting in a blast of icy air and the sight of two uniformed officers, their expressions lined with both purpose and relief.“Good morning, ma’am,” said the older one, tipping his cap to Marta. “We’re looking for Ms. Minnie Love.”Minnie stepped forward, her voice hoarse but steady. “I’m Minnie.”The younger offic
The walls of the police interrogation room were painted a dull grey, the kind that absorbed sound and joy alike. Amanda sat perfectly still in the metal chair, legs crossed, one heel tapping faintly against the tiled floor. Her expensive coat hung on the back of the chair like a cloak of defiance. She looked out of place here, too sleek, too polished for the cold, fluorescent-lit room that stank of old coffee and stale regret.Across the table, two officers sat with a thick file, its pages stained with rainwater and mud.Amanda flicked her wrist, checking her designer watch for the third time.“I’m not sure how many more times I have to say this,” she said coolly, brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear. “I have nothing to do with whatever scandal your department is trying to stir up.”Detective Andrew leaned forward. He was older, tired-eyed, but calm. His voice was gravel smooth. “Amanda. We know you had Minnie Love followed.”“She’s my ex-husband’s wife,” Amanda replied wit