Affection's Facade

Happily ever after

Author's POV

The familiar crunch of gravel underfoot signaled the arrival of the Osei family at the courthouse. The vast steps leading to the entrance were lined with reporters, their cameras flashing and mics thrust forward, capturing every second of what promised to be a worthwhile day.

The sun beat down harshly, its rays glinting off the polished surfaces of the courthouse, making everything look brighter, sharper. Tae-hyung stayed close to Elera, casting concerned glances her way every few steps, sensing her growing anxiety, making it hard to breathe.

Inside, the grand courtroom was filled to capacity. As the family took their seats, whispers danced around them, everyone speculating on the outcome. The high ceiling that captured the murmurs, had begun turning them into an almost musical hum.

All eyes turned to the jury as they filed in, their faces inscrutable. Elera, feeling the weight of the stares and the tension, tried to steady her breathing. The sounds around her grew muffled, and a strange lightheadedness settled over her.

Before the judge could call the room to order, before the first word of the long-awaited verdict could be pronounced, Elera's vision blurred. The details of the courtroom ceiling swam in front of her eyes as she felt the strength leave her body.

With a gasp, she started to slump, unconscious before she even realized she was falling. The last thing she felt was Tae-hyung's arms reaching out, trying to catch her. The room erupted in a flurry of confusion and shock.

Tae-hyung's reflexes kicked in as he swiftly wrapped his arms around Elera, preventing her from hitting the ground. The entire room went silent, and for a brief moment, all attention was diverted from the anticipated verdict to the scene in front of them.

"Someone, call a medic!" Jae-hoon shouted from a few rows behind, already dialing on his phone.

Nearby spectators rushed to assist, offering water and fanning Elera with papers and handkerchiefs.

"My daughter needs space!" Mrs. Osei implored, her voice choked with concern. The crowd hesitated, then slowly backed away, creating a small clearing around the fallen woman.

With Elera cradled in his arms, Tae-hyung caressed her cheeks, asked her to wake up but it was without any success.

Within moments, paramedics arrived with a stretcher, having been stationed nearby in anticipation of potential chaos following the verdict.

They quickly assessed Elera's condition, checking her pulse and vitals. One of the paramedics turned to Tae-hyung, "She seems to have fainted from stress and exhaustion. We need to take her to the hospital to ensure she's okay."

Elera's family, still in shock, quickly agreed, following the stretcher as it was rushed out of the courthouse.

As the doors closed behind them, the courtroom, which had been consumed by the unexpected event, slowly returned its focus to the matter at hand. The judge, showing visible concern, addressed the room, "We will take a brief recess before we continue."

Outside, the media caught wind of Elera's condition, their cameras flashing even more fervently. The Osei family's private matters once again overshadowed the primary proceedings of the day.

The drive to the hospital was tense as Tae-hyung held Elera's hand the entire way, lost in his thoughts. Mrs. Osei kept glancing at her daughter, while the rest of the family whispered among themselves, speculating about her health and the strange turn of events.

At the hospital, doctors immediately attended to Elera. As she lay in the examination room, surrounded by the hum of medical machinery.

After what felt like hours, the doctor finally emerged from the examination room. His face was a careful mask of neutrality, making it hard to read his thoughts.