Judgement

The courtroom was so quiet you could hear the creak of the judge’s chair as he shifted his weight. The air was thick, heavy, as though every breath taken by those inside carried the weight of destiny. Chloe sat on one side with her lawyer, shoulders trembling, her hands clasped so tightly her knuckles had turned white.

Across the aisle, Tessa sat composed, Ayisha at her side but noticeably distant, her eyes dim with regret and confusion. By this time, lady Bianca was absent, but ...