Chapter 2

Larissa’s Pov

Benjamin and I turned sharply to the door, only to catch sight of a maid's wide, horrified eyes. Her gaze fixed on Lara’s lifeless form on the floor, and in an instant, she opened her mouth and let out a scream that was nothing short of a nightmare.

Her eyes darted wildly from Benjamin to me, then back to Lara’s body. Her lips parted, but no words or scream came out; instead, she slammed the door shut behind her and bolted.

“There’s a dead body upstairs!” Her voice rang out. “Someone’s been killed!”

My heart dropped as I heard her shouting. I glanced over at Benjamin, who looked as pale as a ghost.

“No– no, no, no,” Benjamin muttered as we both scrambled after her, knowing we had seconds before everything would spiral out of control.

But it was too late.

By the time we reached the top of the stairs, the room below was in chaos. The guest stared at us with a mixture of shock and confusion.

Benjamin and I exchange glances before slowly making our way down the stairs. The reporters present were already taking pictures, while the guests began whispering amongst themselves as they noticed the blood stains on Benjamin’s hands and suit... and my own arm from where he’d grabbed me, smudged with his bloody fingerprints.

“Benjamin!” Mr. Paterson thundered, his face dark with rage as he made his way through the guest. His gaze landed on Benjamin, then slowly to the bloodstains on his suit and my arm. “What’s going on here?”

Saying Benjamin’s face was as white as a ghost as he stared at his father was an understatement. There was literally no color on his face.

“Dad, I– I– it’s not–” Benjamin stumbled for words. He looked at me, his eyes filled with fear and helplessness.

“I asked you a question!” Mr. Paterson said amidst gritted teeth, barely able to contain his anger.

“It was an accident,” I surprised myself by speaking, even though my heart was pounding so loudly I thought I might pass out. "I… I was in the study with Lara, and we… we argued. She…she fell, and..hit her head,” my voice was trembling as I spoke, but I held my ground because I knew that everything was hanging by a thread at this point.

Benjamin's gaze snapped to me, shock and disbelief written all over his face. I gave him a wry smile because I knew what I was doing was dumb, but our future together was at stake here. If Benjamin had the tiniest daint on his reputation, his dreams… our dreams of being in charge of Patterson's Financial Group were over, all of our hard work would be in vain.

“Is this true, Benjamin?” Mr. Patterson asked, eyeing me suspiciously, that I feared he could see through my act.

Benjamin stared at me again, this time his eyes were brimming with unshed tears.

“Yes, Dad,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Larissa–”

The guests murmured in shock, and the camera flashes of the press increased as they zeroed in on Benjamin and me.

Someone must have called the police, because the wailing of sirens could be heard, and in no time Police filed into the house.

************

ARRAIGNMENT DAY

The courtroom felt cold, and lifeless, as though the walls themselves were closing in around me. Today was the day– Benjamin's big day. And yet, here I was, seated like a criminal.

Even though I knew that Benjamin was probably shaking hands and giving speeches as he officially took the reins of Patterson's Financial Group, I still glanced over my shoulder hoping–praying to find him in the courtroom.

“All rise!” The bailiff's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

Ms. Davis, my public defender nervously flipped through a stack of papers to organize her notes.

“Larissa, I know this looks overwhelming, but remember to stay calm,” Ms. Davis leaned in and whispered, as the judge, a middle-aged man with piercing eyes took his seat. “This is only the arraignment, we'll have more time once you are granted bail, all you need to do is to plead not guilty.”

I gave her a nod in response and reminded myself mentally that after today, a new attorney would be handling my case, the best the country has to offer.

“Case number 2847, State vs. Larissa Knowles,” the clerk’s voice boomed.

“Ms. Knowles, you're here on the charge of involuntary manslaughter, how do you plead?” The judge's cold and detached voice echoed through the room.

“Not guilty, Your Honour,” I managed to say.

“Mr. Parker, any preliminary arguments?” The judge looked over at the prosecutor.

“Yes, Your Honour,” Mr. Parker shot a quick glance in my direction as he stepped forward. “Given the gravity of the crime, the state strongly opposes bail,” he stated firmly. “This case has garnered substantial media attention, and we believe that there is a risk of interference if Ms. Knowles is released.”

“Your Honour, my client has no prior criminal records, no history of violence,” Ms. Davies said, her tone surprisingly calm, but it lacked conviction. She sounded like she was just saying this for formality's sake. “She poses no danger, and has significant ties to the community,” she added.

“Ties to wealth that could facilitate an escape,” The prosecutor interjected. “This is a murder charge, Your Honour, not some minor infraction. It would be inappropriate that bail be granted.”

The judge held up a hand silencing him. “Let's review the circumstances,” the judge began. “Ms. Knowles was found at the scene with the victim, and eyewitness testimony has already indicated her involvement. As this is an Arraignment, and given the situation, I am inclined to agree with the prosecution.”

I turned sharply to Ms. Davies, desperation written all over my face. “Is this it?” I whispered.

“This is just a temporary setback…”

Setback? I couldn't believe my ears. I know Benjamin would sort this out with a much better attorney, but I can't afford to spend another night in that cell, I'll literally die!

“It– it was an accident, Your Honour,” I blurted out, ignoring the warning glares of Ms. Davies. “I promise I'm not a flight risk, I won't interfere with the investigation or–”

“Ms. Knowles, your outburst isn't going to help your case,” the judge said, giving me a cold look. “You'll have an opportunity to defend yourself during the trial. For now, bail is denied,” he declared and banged his gavel.

My stomach dropped. My whole body felt like it was going numb, as they read out the details of my detention. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, telling them they had it all wrong, but the judge's decision was final, and my outburst wouldn't help at this point.

I was led out of the courtroom, and taken back to my cell. Just as I was locked in, I heard a familiar voice that sent relief coursing through my veins.

“Larissa!” Benjamin called out to me.

I snapped my head in the direction of the voice, and my heart leaped with joy as I spotted him, in his slightly disheveled suit, but that didn't matter, he was here. Just the sight of him melted every horrible moment of today

“Ben,” I breathed out, and a stray tear ran down my cheeks in relief, as Benjamin reached through the bars and cupped my face.

“Larissa, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I wanted to be… God, I hate that you went through that alone," he whispered, his thumb brushing my cheek.

“I understand, today was your big day,” I whispered, trying to stop the flood of emotions welling up in my chest. “But you're here now, that's all that matters, and–”

Benjamin crashed his lips into mine, shutting the words in my mouth. The warmth of his lips against mine felt like a calm through every chaos, and in that moment I forgot the cell, the courtroom, and even the judge's voice ringing in my ears. I closed my eyes, letting the tension in my body melt as I held on to him.

A soft cough broke us apart, and a man standing beside Benjamin gave me a small polite nod.

“Benjamin, I'm afraid we don't have much time,” the man said gently.

Benjamin stepped back a bit but still held my hand through the bars. “This is Mr. Thomas, he'll be handling your case,” Benjamin introduced. “He's one of the best In the country.”

Mr. Thomas gave me a small smile. “Ms. Knowles, Benjamin already explained everything to me..,” I looked over at Benjamin and he gave me a smile, and squeezed my hand gently. “I understand how overwhelming this must be. But you have nothing to worry about. Your case would be dismissed during the preliminary hearing. I'll file the necessary paperwork to push for an early hearing.”

“Thank you, Mr. Thomas,” I managed to say.

Mr. Thomas gave a curt nod, before stepping aside, giving Benjamin and me a moment.

“I won't rest until you're out of here and all this is behind us, I swear it,” Benjamin assured me with so much determination. “I love you so much,” he said, and planted a kiss on the back of my palm, as an officer walked towards us.

“I love you too,” I replied, and with a reluctant glance at the officer, he let go and turned to leave.

“Awww, so sweet,” an inmate in the cell chuckled. “Too bad he's lying.”

“Excuse me?” I turned around sharply with a frown. The inmate who spoke had a wry smile on.

“Oh, honey, your fancy-suited boyfriend reeks of lies,” she snorted, crossing her arms. “I can smell a liar from a mile away.”

“You don't know him,” I said defensively.

“Dumb, and confident, my favorite combination,” she smirked, as she leaned back and closed her eyes, leaving me alone with my thoughts.