Chapter 57: Unexpected Twist

I sit on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding as the jury enters the courtroom. The tension in the air is palpable, and I exchange a nervous glance with Devine. This moment has been long, and we've endured so much to reach this point. Our future hangs in the balance, and we cling to hope, praying for a favourable outcome.

The jury takes their positions; their faces are inscrutable. The judge calls for silence as the moment of truth approaches. I squeeze Devine's hand tightly, drawing strength from her presence. We've fought tirelessly, with every ounce of our beings, and now we await the jury's decision.

Suddenly, the room erupts as the foreperson stands and announces, "We, the jury, find the defendants..."

Time seems to slow down as I hold my breath, waiting for those life-altering words to escape their lips. The foreperson pauses, drawing out the suspense. My heart pounds in my ears, drowning out all other sounds. It feels like an eternity until they finally say it.

"Not guilty."