parents by accident ★ charles leclerc

⸻ part 10, how could you?

i couldn't sleep that night knowing that the next day i would know who tried to kill me. i have been nothing but nice to anyone in my life, so who would want to kill me? thoughts invaded my mind, so i decided to put on something on the TV. i turned my head around and i saw charles had fallen asleep facing me, he looked so cute. his hands together underneath his head, his hair was messy, he even looked good sleeping. like what is this sorcery? i ended up binging gossip girl, since its back on netflix. when i realized it was already the next day. to double check, i opened my phone and certainly it was 5:00 am. i wasn't even a drop tired, but i know i would get tired throughout the day so i headed to the kitchen and made myself a big cup of iced coffee to get though today. it was a hard day, i would be all day in court and i should've slept. since i didn't want to leave charlène there, i decided to leave her with my best friend that has a child of similar age, so they could play while im away. i sat back on the couch, thinking about what could go down and drinking my coffee. when i heard charles come out of the room and walk down the stairs.

"good morning cherie." he sat next to me and gave me a kiss. "are you ready for today?"

"not really, i haven't slept a drop. like who could it be?" i sipped my coffee.

"i have my suspects. but let's wait and see, then. i'm going to shower now, babe. see ya" he stood up and headed to the bathroom.

later that day..

the courtroom is a tense arena, a place where the truth is meant to emerge, cutting through the web of lies. my heart pounds relentlessly in my chest as i sit on the edge of my seat. today, the veil covering the identity of the person who attempted to end my life will finally be lifted.

i clutch the armrest, my knuckles white, as the prosecutor's voice fills the room. the evidence unfolds before us, a mosaic of facts that are about to expose the sinister intentions concealed beneath a façade of normalcy.

all around me, whispers and hushed conversations add to the atmosphere of anticipation. i'm here to see justice done, to unmask the individual who tried to snuff out my life while i slept, innocent and unaware.

the prosecutor calls forth the first witness, and i can't help but catch my breath. the figure that strides into the courtroom is entirely unexpected, casting a new light on the unfolding drama. it's marie, my mother. she appears strong, her expression a mixture of concern and determination. her presence alone is a balm to my anxiety, a reassurance that i am not alone in this fight.

marie takes the stand, her voice steady as she recounts the harrowing night she found me, struggling for breath. her eyes meet mine briefly, conveying a message of solidarity and unwavering support. she's here to ensure the truth prevails.

the defense calls a witness, a friend of the accused, and my stomach drops. charlotte, my boyfriend's ex, steps onto the stand, her demeanor a blend of defiance and desperation. in her eyes, i glimpse traces of the person she used to be before her obsession twisted her into someone unrecognizable.

my gaze remains fixed on the proceedings, my heart heavy as i listen to charlotte's distorted version of events. her words twist the truth, attempting to paint me as someone i am not. i clench my fists in my lap, the urge to stand up and protest nearly overwhelming.