THE CEO

Trial Day

It's Monday morning. Today is the day that I face my attackers. I lay in bed staring at the ceiling when I felt Sebastian stir beside me, "Did you get any sleep, my love?" I look over at him and sigh, "Not much, no. My nerves kept me up most of the night." He leans over and kisses me softly, "I wish that I wasn't as tired as I was, my love. Otherwise, I would have comforted you." I smile at Sebastian, "You needed some proper sleep. I have kept you up for too many nights." He chuckles as he kisses me again. Rosswell knocks on the bedroom door, "Sir, it's almost time for breakfast. Would you prefer if I brought it up?" Sebastian doesn't take his eyes off me, his mouth almost touching mine, "Yes, thank you, Rosswell." Rosswell walked off to bring our food, and our breakfast arrived shortly after he left. Sebastian and I sat in bed and had our meal. We were quiet while we ate until I broke the silence, "I'm nervous about today." Without looking at me, he says, "I know, my love, but I will be there with you. If you need a break, tell Arthur." I nod, and we continue eating in silence.

After breakfast, we both get dressed for the day. I decide to wear my black pants suit with a white button-up shirt. Sebastian comes over to me and admires my outfit, "This is perfect, Becca. You look amazing." I thank him and kiss him on the cheek, "I don't want to wear anything too revealing. I might give Ramsey ammunition." Sebastian seems proud of my decision, and we walk down to the front door to wait for Marvin. Marvin arrives a few minutes later. He quickly gets out of the car, "I'm terribly sorry, Sir. The car got a flat tire on the way." Marvin is shaking and seems terrified. I walk over and touch his arm, and he jumps, "Marvin, you didn't get a flat tire. Tell us what happened." Marvin hangs his head, "Harry's father blocked me in my driveway. Threatened me. He told me that he would kill me if I got you to the courthouse on time." Marvin looks pleadingly at Sebastian, who is furious, "Sir, I came straight here. I would never do that to Miss Vanguard." Sebastian embraces Marvin, "You have always been a good friend. You can stay here for the rest of the day. We will have Roswell send some people to your home and move you and your family in here until the trial has concluded. Take the day off, my friend." Marvin thanks Sebastian, and he heads inside. Sebastian gets in the car's driver's seat, and I get in the passenger side, and we drive off.

I stare out the window while Sebastian drives. Neither of us said anything. The situation with Marvin caught us both off guard, and I don't think either of us could believe that someone could threaten an innocent man to get to us. "He's a monster." Sebastian looks over at me, "Who is, my love?" I fiddle with my jacket, "Harry's father. How could he do something so heartless? Marvin has nothing to do with any of this. Why would he threaten him?" Sebastian's hands tensed around the steering wheel, "I think that he did it to get to me. He knows exactly what you mean to me and what his money means to the company. He's throwing his weight around. He wants us to drop the case against his son." I reach over and place my hand on his leg, "He can do whatever he wants. There is no amount of money in existence that will change my mind about Harry." A soft smile creeps into the corners of Sebastian's mouth, "Good." I spent the rest of the drive going over the things Arthur taught me. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and Sebastian gently took my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Once we arrive at the courthouse, there is an army of photographers and news stations, all eager to get a word in. "Shit. We can't park here. They will rip us apart." I couldn't answer him, all I could manage was to keep my head down and hope they don't notice me. The moment they saw Sebastian's face it was over. They rushed the car making it almost impossible to drive. After some time, Sebastian manages to find a spot where we can park. The reporters haven't let up for one second. Sebastian signals that I should stay in the car and calls Arthur for assistance. Not long after the call was made, security pushed through the crowd and escorted us toward the courthouse. The sound of a hundred people talking at once was deafening. Even if I could hear their questions, there is no way that my voice would be able to carry far enough for them to hear my reply. Sebastian wraps his arm around my waist and helps me push through the crowd. Finally, we make it inside and once the door closes my ears begin ringing from the sudden silence.

Arthur approaches us and shakes Sebastian's hand, "I'm glad you made it. Are you ready Miss Vanguard?" I look over at Sebastian and then back at Arthur, "I'm ready." Arthur seems pleased by my response and leads us to the courtroom. As we walk through the doors, it smells of wood stain, expensive leather, and cleaning products. Not really the world's best combination. The smell makes me feel sick and I must pause for a second to compose myself. Sebastian leans closer to me, "Are you alright darling?" All I can manage is a nod. We walk further into the room and Sebastian takes a seat behind where we will be sitting. Arthur guides me to my seat and proceeds to unpack his briefcase while I get settled. I turn to look at Sebastian and so does Arthur, "Old friend, wish us luck today." Sebastian smiles at Arthur, "You don't need luck when you have Rebecca Vanguard at your side." I watch as the two men chuckle at their own jokes for the next minute.

The door in the back of the room creaks open and in walks a tall slender man with dark hair and a sour expression on his face. I look over at Arthur and he mouths the word, Ramsey. I can feel my heart pounding in my throat as I watch him walk to his desk. Ramsey looks over at me and winks without smiling, "Miss Vanguard." Without responding, I look back at Sebastian, and I can hear Ramsey laughing at me.