Trial by Memory: Scapegoat of the Collapse

News of the major construction accident at Winfeld spread like wildfire. The victims' family members and journalists from major media outlets gathered at the company's headquarters, demanding an explanation.

But what I never expected was for the company to shift all the blame onto me, claiming the tragedy happened because I failed to relay the information in time.

In the blink of an eye, I became public enemy number one. My personal details were exposed by raging members of the public.

At that moment, I was sitting in the defendant's chair in handcuffs, quietly waiting to receive my sentence.

Seated across from me were David Harper, a supervisor at City Bridgeroads, and Wallace Quinn, the person in charge of the major overpass construction project. Their presence here did not come as a surprise to me.

What broke my heart the most was that the love of my life, my girlfriend Leia Holloway, was seated on the prosecution's side, accusing me alongside the others.

Wallace was my senior back at school, and he was also the one who pulled me into this project back then. However, he was now glaring at me, his face twisting with pure hatred.

"Aaron Bennett is a junior of mine from school. Back then, I knew that his family didn't have much, and he always seemed like a decent and honest person. Because of these, I figured I'd get him to join me on this project.

"I didn't think that looks could be deceiving. I do hold myself accountable for this disaster. It was my fault for misjudging his character."

David wiped away the few drops of crocodile tears from his face, putting on an utterly pained expression as he looked at me.

"I clearly notified Aaron to halt the construction two days before the accident, but he was too focused on dating his girlfriend. He completely forgot the message I sent him, so he’s the one who caused this tragic accident!"

Leia bit her lip, appearing as if she had steeled her resolve. She put on a display of noble defiance as she said, "Aaron, even though I am your girlfriend, I cannot take your side right now. So many lives were lost, all because of your mistake. I really regret getting together with someone like you back then."

A mocking smile spread across my face as I quietly listened to their accusations toward me. These people were such great actors. Why hadn't they been nominated for the Roscars?

Unfortunately, those watching the scene became even more convinced that I was a merciless man who showed no remorse. As a result, the victims' family members and onlookers grew even more agitated. Some of the infuriated ones even flung their water bottles up to the front.

"Congratulations to the fresh graduate for landing a 40-year package behind bars."

"People like this truly are the scum of society. He should have just died. I can't believe my husband died so tragically because of this man's shortfall in passing a message."

"This is pissing me off. Look at how calm he is. He doesn't even care about all those lives that were lost. It makes me want to get rid of him for good right now."

"But he's just an intern. Why should he be responsible for passing such an important command at work? Lately, it feels like interns are often being turned into scapegoats. Could there be more to this?"

"Excuse me, don't you side with him. This has become a court issue. Are you saying that the court is falsely accusing him? Just because he's an intern, it doesn't mean that he can use it as an excuse to escape from his crime."

"I've got insider information. Aaron never had a good reputation back in university. He often bullied the weaker ones, so it's no surprise to me that he ended up where he is today," remarked an expressionless man.

Instantly, the spectators were in an uproar, leaning toward the man to get a clearer explanation.

Nonetheless, they failed to get anything out of the man, as he remained silent after making that remark.