Tainted Series # 9 : The Billionaire's Regret (KNIGHT WHARTON SARMIENTO)

Chapter 33

Disclaimer: Purely a product of imagination. Not an actual court scenario. 

We were all silent to pay our respect as soon as the prosecutor introduced herself and the old man, the honorable judge in front.  I am nervous. I can feel the fast beating of my heart while listening to her giving introduction and background about the case. 

Beside me is my lawyer, Atty. Tristan Angelo Gonzales. Standing professionally  and with full authority. On the other side was the three accused, Vanessa, Rome, and Dra. Aldover and their lawyer, Atty. Jackson Romulo. 

"The defendants, Mr. Acosta, Miss Regala and Dra. Aldover and their defense plead not guilty to the accusations." 

I was enraged hearing what the prosecutor said. The audacity of these three demons to deny the crime they did. Nakita ko pang umangat ang sulok ng labi ng doktora at ang nakakalokong tingin nito sa akin.

"Today we'll uncover the truth. Atty. Romulo will make a cross-examination to the plaintiff, Miss Dela Vega." Tumingin ito sa gawi namin ni Atty. Gonzales. Sinulyapan ako ni Atty. Tristan at sabay na kaming tumayo. Hinatid niya ako papunta sa harapan. 

Nakitang kong naghihintay ang abugado ng kabilang partido na matapos ako. May nakakalokong ngiti sa kanyang mga labi ng magpang-abot ang tingin nila ng abugado ko. 

Abot-abot ang kaba ng aking dibdib. Pakiramdam ko literal na may tumatabol sa puso ko sa sobrang lakas ng tibok nito. Pero kailangan kong labanan ang kabang nararamdaman ko. Ito na ang panahon para makuha ko ang hustisya sa lahat ng kasalanan nila sa akin, kay Knight at sa kambal ni Rook.

"Relax. We can do it." Atty. Gonzales uttered before he went back to his seat. 

I was left in front looking at the people inside the court room. My parents, my brothers, my other Kuyas and Knight's family, they were all looking at me with, giving me kind stares and support.

On the other side was the demons. I met Rome's eyes, it was full of unknown emotions but he was too quick to shift his gaze away from me. Beside him is Vanessa, showing me an impassive look and Dra. Caren with those greedy stares and evil look, showing no remorse. 

I was asked to say the oath, to say the truth and nothing but the whole truth. After that I seated in front facing all of them. I heard the the defendant's lawyer scoffed a little making me look at him.

Pinatong niya ang kamay niya sa harapang bahagi ng platform na kinuupuan ko at marahang tumapik tapik doon ang mga daliri sabay ngiti sa akin. Ngiting may halong pananakot at pang-uuyam. 

"Good morning, Miss Dela Vega." pormal na bati niya sa akin. Umayos ito ng tayo at diritsong tumitig sa mga mata ko. 

His expression changes, he gave me that cold and intimidating stare and I did too. I countered the intensity of that stares he is giving me showing him that I am not intimidated at all. 

"Let's get straight to the point Miss Dela Vega. May 11, 20xx , you attended a birthday party of your co-model at De Lamar's Hotel right?" he asked

"Yes." I answered looking straight at his eyes. I saw the corner of his lips form a playful grin. 

"You went there freely, without any force or anyone pushing you, to enjoy the night and have fun right?"

"Objection your honor.  The question is misleading." Atty Gonzalez, interrupted. Nilingon siya ni Atty. Romulo ng may nakakalokong tingin. 

"Your honor I was just establishing--"

"Sustained. Go straight to the point, Atty. Romulo." the judge said and the lawyer just shrugged his shoulder like it's nothing.