Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 20

Ria's POV:

NEARLY THRE YEARS AGO

November 30th:

The court was thick with tension as the final day of the trial began. My sisters and I were seated together, our hands clenched tightly, as if holding onto one another would somehow anchor us in the storm of fear and uncertainty that loomed ahead. My heart raced, a constant, painful thud that reverberated in my chest, as I tried to focus on anything but the gnawing dread in my stomach. I could barely breathe.

The judge rapped his gavel, and the proceedings began with a formality that seemed almost mocking in its detachment. The defense had submitted new evidence, a development that we had not anticipated. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, a constant, painful thud that echoed my growing anxiety.

As the judge reviewed the new evidence, my sisters and I exchanged worried glances. The judge's stern face revealed nothing as he read through the documents and watched whatever was on the screen. I could see his furrowed brows and occasional nods, but nothing more. The room was silent except for the faint clicking of the keyboard and the low murmur of the judges' whispered discussions.

Finally, the judge cleared his throat. "The court will now proceed with the testimonies."

My heart sank as I heard the words. We had hoped for a more definitive end, but the introduction of new evidence had shifted the course of the trial. I tried to steady my nerves, focusing on the hope that Gia's testimony would be compelling enough to make a difference. Gia was about to take the stand, and I had every faith in her strength and resolve.

Gia stood up, her face a mask of determination as she walked toward the witness stand. I watched as she took her oath, her voice firm and unwavering as she swore to tell the truth. I could see the tension in her posture, the way her fingers clenched slightly, but she was composed. She began recounting the events with a clarity that I had come to rely on. She spoke of the stalking, of what had happened, and how it had changed everything. She described Vlad's actions in detail like I shared with her, her voice rising and falling with the weight of her words.

My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest. I could barely focus as the proceedings continued. Gia was finishing her testimony, strong and unyielding as she described what had happened. She had done everything right, said everything she needed to say. She was perfect. And for a brief, fleeting moment, I allowed myself to hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could still win this.

The defense lawyer, who had been waiting for his moment, rose from his seat. His demeanor was calm, almost casual as he began his cross-examination. His voice was smooth, each question calculated to undermine Gia's credibility. "Ms. Winters, can you confirm the exact time of the incident?"

Gia answered with precision, but the lawyer's questions were relentless, designed to sow doubt. He questioned her about her state of mind, her interactions with Vlad before and after the incident, and the inconsistencies in her account. Each question seemed to chip away at the walls of her confidence, and I could see her struggle to maintain her composure. My own anxiety mounted with every pointed accusation, every insinuation. I hated that she was in this position because of me.

The courtroom was tense, the atmosphere thick with the weight of what was at stake. I could feel my own fear, mingling with Gia's anguish, as the defense lawyer continued his probing. Every time Gia faltered or hesitated, I felt a pang of panic. I wanted to shout out, to tell the truth that seemed to be slipping away from us.

As Gia's testimony concluded, the defense lawyer shifted his focus to the next phase. "We now call Nikolai Wolves to the stand."

Nikolai stood up, his demeanor almost nonchalant as he approached the witness stand. I barely knew him—he was Vlad's older brother, but I had never interacted with him. His appearance was a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation. His expression was unreadable, his movements deliberate and calculated. He took his oath, his voice steady and devoid of any hint of emotion.