ILLICIT DESIRES | 18 +

44: Losing Face

THREE WEEKS LATER

RITA

Today, I'm back in Court.

But this time, I'm going to lose — to ensure his safety. I wait for him, my patience wearing thin as I long to see him.

When he finally enters the courtroom, I stand and look at him with a yearning I can barely contain. Seeing him here before me makes me realize just how much I've missed him.

I bite my lip to suppress a smile and tame the rising joy threatening to escape. It takes all my self-control to stand still. I can barely stop myself from running to him, embracing him, and pressing my lips to his.

Pride swells within me at the thought that I've protected him. My plan worked. Alessi couldn't reach them while they were in police custody.

Now, he is standing here, whole and flesh and blood, the only marks on him being the wounds he sustained while protecting me from his brother.

He looks better now, too. The bruises still mar his face, but they're healing, and even though his broken arm is in a cast, it will mend with time.

A faint smile flickers across my lips as I recall that drunken night when he told me he would protect his family at all costs. He shielded me from Alessi and his brother, and in doing so, he showed me where I belong.

He sees me as family.

I am his, and he is mine. He is my seedling's family, and now it's my turn to protect him, just as he once protected me.

I will give him the power he needs to protect us from Alessi, even if it means sacrificing my social standing to make him invincible.

But the moment our eyes meet, a sharp pain shoots through me. His gaze reveals nothing but hostility, bitterness, and resentment, and the force of his anger makes me flinch.

I gulp.

I understand.

He hates me for reporting him and feels betrayed. But if I were faced with the same decision again, I would make the same choice again.

I did it for his own good.

He can despise me all he wants — as long as he lives.

My grief and longing turn to rage the moment Antonio and his brother enter the courtroom.

I huff, ready to lunge at Antonio and deliver another well-aimed kick to the groin — using Nicolai as an excuse — when the judge enters.

"Mr. Jackson, would you like to begin?" the judge asks. His voice cuts through the oppressive tension in the courtroom, a tension laced with grief, rage, and unspoken words.

"Actually, Mrs. Volkov would like to deliver the opening statement herself," Mr. Jackson replies, thus handing me the stage to weave the web of lies that will exonerate him — and condemn me.

"Very well," the judge says with a nod, turning to me. "Proceed, Mrs. Volkov."

I stand and draw in a steadying breath before stepping forward.

"Good afternoon, Your Honor. My name is Rita Volkov, and I stand before you today to reveal the truth about the events that transpired following my husband's tragic death."

I moisten my dry lips and try to compose myself.

Here we go.

"I got married on March 21st, and that night became my worst nightmare. My husband and I said goodbye to our guests and retired to our room, where I lost the love of my life."