Live or Die

CHAPTER 21

The courtroom is steeped in a tense silence, the gravity of the trial palpable in the air. Seated at the defendant's table are Jae Hyun, In Soo, and Ga Young, their fates hanging in the balance as the proceedings unfold. Joon Ho, standing confidently with a stack of evidence, presents the case with unwavering determination, each piece a damning testament to the crimes committed.

Joon Ho: (clearly) "Your Honor, the evidence before you lays bare the depth of deceit, manipulation, and wrongdoing perpetrated by the defendants."

Jae Hyun, faced with the undeniable truth of his actions, bows his head in resignation, the weight of his guilt finally settling upon him.

Jae Hyun: (softly, with remorse) "Your Honor, I confess to my part in these heinous acts. But I must reveal that it was Ga Young who... who took Choi Min Ah's life."

A murmur ripples through the courtroom at this admission, all eyes turning to Ga Young, who sits frozen, the reality of her actions crashing down upon her.

In contrast, In Soo's demeanor remains defiant, her voice tinged with denial as she addresses the court.

In Soo: "I deny these baseless accusations. I am a victim of circumstance."

However, Joon Ho's presentation of the evidence is meticulous and compelling, leaving no room for doubt in the minds of those present. The judge, having considered all testimonies and evidence, prepares to deliver the verdict, the weight of justice steady in his voice.

Judge: "After careful consideration of the evidence and testimonies presented, this court finds Seo Jae Hyun and Seo In Soo guilty as charged, sentencing them to 20 years in prison for their crimes. Ga Young, having played a direct role in the death of Choi Min Ah, is hereby sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment."

The gavel's sound reverberates through the courtroom, marking the closure of a chapter marred by tragedy and betrayal. As the defendants are led away, the sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of one's actions and the long arm of justice.

Joon Ho watches quietly, a mix of relief and sorrow in his eyes, knowing that while justice has been served, the scars left behind will take far longer to heal. For Yeji and those affected by the actions of Jae Hyun, In Soo, and Ga Young, the road to recovery is just beginning, paved with the promise of a future free from the shadows of the past.

As the sentences are handed down, the courtroom's solemn atmosphere is shattered by Seo In Soo's vehement outburst. Her face contorted with rage, she turns her venomous gaze towards Yeji and Joon Ho, who stand as symbols of her downfall.

Seo In Soo: (screaming, voice filled with malice) "This isn't the end, Yeji, Joon Ho! You hear me? I'll find a way, and I swear, I'll kill you both with my own hands!"

Her threats echo ominously through the courtroom, sending shivers down the spines of all who hear them. Despite the shackles that bind her, In Soo's words carry the weight of her unyielding fury and the depth of her desperation.

In stark contrast, Ga Young's response to her fate is marked by a desperate plea for mercy, her voice cracking under the weight of her imminent imprisonment.

Ga Young: (pleading, tears streaming down her face) "Please, don't take me away! I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I'm so sorry..."

But her pleas fall on deaf ears as the guards firmly grasp her arms, leading her away from the courtroom. Her cries of despair are a poignant reminder of the tragic path that led her to this moment, a path paved with choices that have irrevocably altered the lives of many.