Chapter 4

Larissa's POV

“Brayden?” I whispered, the words barely escaping my lips, as the officer closed the door leaving just Brayden and I.

“Hello, Larissa,” he stepped away from behind the officer's desk, his mouth tugged into a faint smirk.

“What are you doing here?” I asked irritatedly. Seeing him and not Benjamin like I had hoped riled me up.

“Just checking in on you,” he responded.

“You and I both know that's a lie,” I said boredly. “What’s the real reason why you're here?”

“Ah, still as feisty as ever. Good,” he stepped closer, his cologne lingering in the small space. “You're going to need to keep that fire alive for what's to come.”

“I'm done here,” I turned around to leave, but he said something that made me stop in my tracks.

“I know you didn't kill Lara,” he said calmly.

I still didn't turn around and didn't say a word either, because I have no idea how much he knew, or if he was just guessing. From what I know, Brayden and Benjamin didn't have a relationship as brothers. Brayden has always been jealous that Benjamin was favored by their father more, but why wouldn't he? Benjamin was perfect in everything. The perfect son, perfect boyfriend, perfect boss, there's not a single bad thing about Benjamin.

“But I think you're smart enough not to keep protecting someone who's shameless enough to get engaged to your sister, barely weeks after you saved his ass,” he added

I turned around sharply. “Benjamin is engaged to me, our wedding is in a month's time,” I slapped my hands over my mouth as I realized I just fell right into Brayden's trap.

But what could I do at this point? Brayden's words shattered the last piece of hope I was holding onto, and I couldn't stop tears from rolling down my cheeks.

A triumphant smirk formed on Brayden's lips, I could tell he had me exactly where he wanted me. “Is that the lie you tell yourself so as to be able to sleep at night?” He asked with furrowed brows.

“If Benjamin is engaged to Londyn, I'm sure there's an explanation,” I argued. “Once I'm out of here in a few days, the misunderstanding will be cleared up.”

“You're more dumb than I thought,” he stated. “Do you really think you're getting out of here?”

“What's that supposed to mean?” I retorted. “It was an accident; there was no intent, and–”

“Your name would be cleared,” he said mockingly. “I think it's time you wake up from that delusion of yours. You're not getting out of here if Benjamin's attorney is going to handle your case.”

I stared at him with teary eyes, completely lost on what to say. No matter how hard I tried convincing myself that the announcement on the radio was a mix-up, deep down in my heart I knew it wasn't.

“I'm here to help if you'll let me,” he continued. “We can help each other.”

“Why?” I choked out.

“I can't stand aside and watch someone else pay the price for Benjamin's deeds,” he said. “But first you'll have to fire Mr. Thomas.”

“But I don't have money to get a good attorney,” I whispered, my heart breaking at every word.

“Leave that to me,” Brayden said. “Just get yourself mentally prepared for what's to come when you are out of here,” he said, and without waiting for a response, he walked out of the door, leaving me drained and confused.

…………….

PRELIMINARY HEARING

Since Bryaden’s last visit, sleep has been a luxury I couldn't afford. Not like I’d been getting any since I was locked up, but these past few days have been unbearable.

‘Do you really think you’re getting out of here?’ Brayden’s words hung over me like a storm cloud, dark and suffocating.

Benjamin’s continued silence only fueled my internal torments. He didn’t come to see me like I instructed Londyn to tell him, and all my attempts at reaching him on the phone went unanswered.

Arriving in front of the courthouse, a man in a well-tailored suit approached me as soon as I stepped out of the police van. He wasn’t stopped by the officers who brought me, so I assumed he was well-known by them.

“Ms. Knowles, I’m Edward Carter; Mr. Patterson sent me,” he introduced himself.

“Which of the Patterson’s?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Brayden Patterson,” he answered. “I’m to handle your case only if you’ve accepted Mr. Patterson’s offer.”

“Thank you, but–” The sound of tires crunching against gravel made me stop mid-sentence as I turned in the direction the sound came from.

My breath caught in my throat as I recognized Benjamin’s car. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips, accompanied by relief that coursed through me.

Finally, he’s here.

Benjamin stepped out of the car, and my smile was quickly replaced by a frown by the person who came out next. Londyn.

Londyn looped her arm through his like they’d be attached at the hip. She leaned into him affectionately and whispered something into his ear that made him chuckle softly.

Time seemed to stop as my whole world crumbled in an instant. I couldn’t think, and neither could I breathe properly. I could barely process what I was seeing as—Benjamin, the man I had sacrificed so much for was with another woman, not just any woman, MY FUCKING SISTER!

"Ms., we need to go,” the officer beside me nudged my arm gently, snapping me back to reality.

Benjamin and Londyn walked past me like I was invisible; they didn’t even give me the decency of sparing me a glance; they were so engrossed in each other so much that they were oblivious to the world around them.

“Ms. Knowles,” Brayden’s attorney spoke next. “We don’t have much time. Are you in, or—”

“Yes,” I said firmly, even though my voice trembled slightly. “I accept Brayden’s offer.”

“Good, leave the rest to me,” Mr. Carter said, and I walked into the courthouse while I followed behind with the officer leading me.

As I stepped my feet into the courtroom, something stirred within me: a deep, dark urge for revenge, and if I had to make a deal with the devil himself, then so be it, but one thing was certain: Benjamin and Londyn had made their choice, and now I was making mine.