From the start (Joel Miller x Reader) (EDITED)

Chapter 13

The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains, casting a muted glow over the bedroom. You were already half-awake, nestled against Joel's chest, the steady rhythm of his breathing anchoring you in a moment of calm that felt rare these days.

Your phone buzzed on the nightstand. You reached for it carefully, trying not to stir him too much. The screen read your lawyer's name. You glanced at Joel—still asleep, his arm draped protectively around your waist—and then answered in a quiet voice.

"Hey," you whispered.

"Morning," your lawyer said, her tone professional but warm. "Just a quick update. Things are starting to move on our end."

You sat up a little, easing out from under Joel's arm. "Yeah?"

"We've submitted everything—footage, statements, the medical records. The prosecutor's office agrees it's a strong case. They're formally pursuing charges."

You let out a quiet breath. "So it's official."

"Yes. Dani's been contacted by his legal counsel. There'll be a hearing soon. I wanted to prepare you for that."

You nodded, rubbing at the sleep still clinging to your eyes. "I figured it was coming."

"There's a chance he'll try to settle out of court," she added. "But that's your decision. Based on the evidence, we can take this all the way if you want to."

You didn't answer right away. You stared ahead, eyes fixed on a spot on the wall as her words settled over you like dust in the quiet.

Behind you, you felt the bed shift. Joel had stirred—awake now—but silent, waiting. His hand found the small of your back, thumb moving slowly, soothingly.

"I don't want it swept under the rug," you finally said. "He hit me in front of witnesses. On camera. He doesn't get to hide from that."

Your lawyer didn't hesitate. "Understood. I'll keep you updated as soon as the date's confirmed."

You ended the call with a quiet "Thanks," and lowered the phone to your lap. You sat there for a moment, unmoving, trying to process the gravity of it—formal charges. A court date. No more "what-ifs." No more "maybe they'll believe me."

Joel's voice came soft from behind you. "That the lawyer?"

You nodded, finally turning to face him. "Yeah. It's happening. Charges are being filed."

His jaw flexed, but he kept his voice calm. "Good."

You paused, unsure what to do with the tightness in your chest. "It's just... real now. It's not me reliving it in my head anymore. It's going to be in a courtroom. With people watching. With him sitting there."

Joel sat up slowly, ignoring the stiffness in his back, and took your hand. "He should have to sit there. He should have to face what he did. And you shouldn't have to carry it in silence anymore."

You searched his eyes, surprised at how steady they were. He didn't flinch from the anger or the pain in yours.

"I'm scared," you admitted quietly.

Joel pulled you into his arms without hesitation. "I know. But you're not alone."

His hand slid up your back, fingers threading through your hair, holding you as tightly as you needed. You buried your face in his shoulder and breathed him in—sawdust, skin, warmth.

"You're doing the right thing," he whispered. "And I'll be with you for all of it. Courtroom, breakdowns, middle-of-the-night panic—whatever it is."

You smiled faintly against his shirt. "You sure signed up for a lot."