Sapphire.

Chapter Twelve

SAPPHIRE'S POV

As the moment of truth drew near, I couldn't help but feel a sense of impending doom. I felt a knot of fear tightening in my stomach. I was about to face my trial, fighting against a mountain of evidence that pointed towards me being the culprit of a crime I never committed. My task was an arduous one, and I knew that I needed to convince the judge and everyone else present in the courtroom of my innocence. I couldn't help but feel like an outsider. It was as if everyone had been instructed not to acknowledge my presence. The officer leading me through the sea of people seemed more like a machine than a human, not showing any sign of emotion or empathy towards my situation.

Upon entering the room, I immediately noticed that it was packed with people. Every single seat was occupied, from the jury to the court personnel, to numerous witnesses, including Kai, Astrid, and even people I recognize as Zaara's parents. I even caught sight of some of my regulars from the cafe, who had come to show their support. However, amidst the sea of faces, there was one notable absence: Rhys.

My heart sank as I scanned the room, hoping to see him by my side. Rhys was the one person I had expected to see here first, the one who had always been there for me through thick and thin. His absence only made me more anxious, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was a bad omen. Despite my fear, I took a deep breath and prepared to face the challenge head-on.

As I made my way into the courtroom, I couldn't help but feel like a complete outsider. The sea of unfamiliar faces staring back at me, scrutinizing my every move, made me feel like I was being swallowed whole by the crowd. The officer guiding me through the crowd only added to the unease I felt in my gut.

As I walked past the throngs of people, I could feel their eyes boring into me, their whispers like a chorus of disapproving voices echoing in my ears. Even the news reporters, who I expected to be familiar with my face, looked at me like I was a stranger.

The paparazzi's relentless flashing lights didn't help either, blinding me and making it hard to see where I was going. But I tried to stay positive, reminding myself that I was innocent and that justice would prevail.

Eventually, I made it to my seat and took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The judge hadn't entered the room yet, and I took a moment to look around and take stock of my surroundings.

The courtroom was spacious and well-lit, with rows upon rows of seats for the spectators. There were also several reporters scattered throughout the room, scribbling furiously in their notepads and shooting glances in my direction.

I could feel my heart racing as I waited for the judge to speak. My heart was pounding in my chest, my palms sweaty with nerves. The silence was deafening as everyone in the room waited for the proceedings to begin.

The air was thick with tension and anticipation. All eyes were on me, and I could sense the judgment and skepticism emanating from the crowd. It was as if they had already made up their minds about me before I had even uttered a word.

"My name is Judge Morris. I will be reviewing this case. The victim's name is Miss Zaara Malik, the possible murderer will now defend her case on how she did not commit her murder. I will now let her speak."

"I would like to begin by saying that my name is Sapphire Jones, and I strongly deny any involvement in the murder of Zaara Malik," I began, my voice steady and unwavering. The courtroom was packed, and I could feel the eyes of the jury, the judge, and everyone else in the room on me.

I took a deep breath and continued, "I understand that the evidence presented against me may seem incriminating, but I can assure you that I had nothing to do with this terrible crime. I urge you all to keep an open mind and consider all the facts before reaching a verdict."