Anatomy of an Heiress

Chapter 16

"Will the jury spokesperson please stand?" The judge called out.

We're here on the final day of the trial. 

After the talk with Yonna, we decided to just go back because we were both not in the mood. She's having a really hard time and I wish I could be there for her. I just hope everything goes well already.

We are seated behind Miss Viviene, we're just waiting for the jury's final verdict. This is the final decision whether this imbecile rots in prison or be free.

A man in his late 40s stood up with a paper in hand, looking at the judge. 

"Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict?" Asked the judge again. 

"Yes," answered the foreperson. 

I was holding Miss Viviene's sister's hand tightly. I'm already praying so hard, I'd give up everything just so justice could be served, fairly. 

The clerk went towards the man's direction and got the verdict form from him to hand it to the judge. The judge read it silently, then he looked at both Lucas and Ate Viviene.

I looked at her sister and smiled warmly, trying to comfort her. Kahit ito na lang, universe. Don't fuck this up.

I looked up, closing my eyes. My father is on the other side. I don't really want to talk to him or hold his hand... I don't know how to forgive him. 

The clerk got the verdict form from the judge to read it aloud. Ate Viviene was just waiting, she's holding the hand of her lawyer.

"The jury finds the defendant guilty of sexual assault under RA 7877, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act." The clerk reads.

"The jury is thanked and excused. The court is adjourned," the judge stated and slammed his gavel on the block. 

It echoed in my ears. All I felt is relief. I closed my eyes and looked up, refusing to cry, and hugged Ate Vivien's sister. 

I saw my father stood up and smiled. His eyes caught mine but I turned my gaze away and smiled at Ate Viviene. She hugged me and I did the same. 

"We did it," she whispered and kissed my cheek, I felt my shoulders got wet.

"You did it," I emphasized and let go of her. I held both of her shoulders and hugged her again, I'm really just so happy. 

Most of the friends of Lucas were hot-headed, colleagues of Ate Viviene were all so happy. I hugged some of them too, my father went outside already to take care of the press. I glanced at Lucas for the last time before they bring him in. 

He was looking like he wanted to hit me. See? Monster. 

I showed my middle finger to him before hugging other of Ate Viviene's friends and even the lawyers. 

When we went out of the courtroom and are about to go to our own separate ways, Ate Viviene grabbed my wrist, making me hug her again. "We'll celebrate this, okay? I'll text you the details, party tayo," she said with a teary eye. 

I smiled genuinely and nodded. "Please take care, I'll see you in the office soon," I happily said and grinned wider, letting go of her. She waved her hand and walked away, I did the same. 

I just hope he doesn't receive special treatment in there. He's the worst, walang s'yang special na dapat matanggap. 

Before I went inside of my car, nahagip ng mata ko si Papa na nakatingin sa akin sa malayo. I looked at him back and scoffed, opening my car door. I don't know how sorry he is, I just know that he was careless for letting Lucas take charge every time he flies overseas.