Embers of Betrayal

Chapter 22: The trial begins

Courtroom...

As the day of Bernadette's arraignment arrived, Dr. Alexander accompanied her to the courthouse, his presence a source of calm amidst the proceedings.

Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense as the case was called. The Branch Clerk of Court read out the charges against Bernadette, clearly outlining the accusations.

"Bernadette Lacuesta, you are charged with frustrated homicide in the case of Maxim Cuevas and homicide in the case of Clarissa Villar," the judge stated. "How do you plead?"

Atty. Santos stepped forward, guiding Bernadette through the formalities. “Your Honour, my client, Bernadette Lacuesta, pleads not guilty to the charges.”

The judge nodded. “Noted. The plea of not guilty has been entered. We will proceed with the next steps in due course.”

As the courtroom began to clear, Dr. Alexander and Atty. Santos stood beside Bernadette.

Dr. Alexander spoke gently, “You handled yourself well today. It’s a difficult process, but we’re here to support you.”

Atty. Santos added, “We’ll keep working on your case and ensure that every detail is addressed. We’re in this together.”

Bernadette, though still overwhelmed, appreciated their reassurance and support as they prepared for the next stages of her legal journey.

As the arraignment proceeded, Maxim and Clarissa's parents were present in the courtroom, taking their positions as complainants.

Maxim, visibly distressed but determined, stood to one side, his eyes fixed on Bernadette. He had come to see the proceedings firsthand, representing the frustration and pain he felt over the charges.

Clarissa’s parents, looking somber and resolute, were also present, their grief palpable as they sought justice for their daughter. Their presence underscored the seriousness of the case and the emotional weight it carried.

After the judge read the charges and Bernadette entered her plea of not guilty, Atty. Santos addressed the court. “Your Honour, we acknowledge the presence of the complainants. We are prepared to address the case with the seriousness it deserves and work towards a fair resolution.”

Dr. Alexander, standing beside Bernadette, offered quiet support, understanding the gravity of having the complainants in the courtroom.

As the judge adjourned the session and scheduled the next steps, Dr. Alexander and Atty. Santos comforted Bernadette.

“Seeing the complainants here must be difficult,” Dr. Alexander said softly. “But we’ll face this together.”

Atty. Santos added, “We’ll continue to prepare and ensure your case is handled with the utmost care. Just focus on staying strong.”

Bernadette nodded, trying to process the day’s events, knowing she had a dedicated team by her side.

Days passed...

The pre-trial stage began, Bernadette and her team gathered in the courtroom. The atmosphere was tense as the Court calling each case one by one...

When Bernadette's case was called, the judge prepared to make announcements regarding the case.

The judge addressed the court, “We have received an affidavit of desistance from Maxim Cuevas regarding the charge of frustrated homicide. Based on this affidavit, the court will dismiss the case of frustrated homicide against Bernadette Lacuesta Cuevas for lack of interest i. The side of the complainant to pursue the case.”

Bernadette’s eyes widened in surprise, and Dr. Alexander leaned in to whisper, “This is a significant development. It’s a relief that at least one charge has been dropped.”

The judge continued, “However, the case of homicide involving Clarissa Lacuesta Vuevas will proceed to a full blown trial. The prosecution is granted four schedules to present their witnesses, and the defense is afforded the same number of days to present their case.”

Atty. Santos nodded, turning to Bernadette and Dr. Alexander. “We need to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming presentations. This dismissal is positive news, but we still have work ahead.”

Dr. Alexander put a reassuring hand on Bernadette’s shoulder. “We’re making progress, and we’ll continue to support you through each step.”

Bernadette, though still anxious, felt a measure of relief. “Thank you. I’m grateful for your support and for this positive development.”

Atty. Santos added, “We’ll focus on preparing for the next phase. With your cooperation and our efforts, we’ll navigate this challenge together.”

As the courtroom session concluded, Bernadette felt a renewed sense of hope, bolstered by the unexpected but welcome news.

As Bernadette, Dr. Alexander, and Atty. Santos exited the courtroom, they saw Maxim waiting outside. Maxim’s presence was a stark reminder of the emotional weight of the case.

Bernadette took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She straightened her posture and walked forward, determined to remain composed. As she passed directly in front of Maxim, she deliberately avoided making eye contact, her focus set straight ahead.

Maxim watched her, his expression a mix of frustration and sadness. He didn’t say anything, respecting her decision to keep her distance.

Dr. Alexander, noticing the tension, gently placed a supportive hand on Bernadette’s back. “Let’s keep moving. We have a lot to prepare for, and we’ll handle this one step at a time.”

Atty. Santos, keeping pace, added, “We’ll focus on the next stages of the trial. The important thing is that we’re making progress.”

Bernadette nodded, appreciating their support as they moved away from the courthouse, ready to tackle the next phase of her case.

As Bernadette and her team moved past, Maxim felt a sharp, unsettling jolt in his chest. He watched her with a mix of emotions, his feelings tumultuous. The sight of Bernadette, once someone he might have seen as submissive or unassuming, now seemed to possess a strength and determination that cut through him like a blade.

Her refusal to acknowledge him felt like a piercing condemnation, as if her mere presence was enough to judge him. He was struck by the realization that his actions and the weight of the case had transformed their dynamic into something far more intense and painful.

Maxim stood there, feeling a deep sense of guilt and regret, as the gravity of the situation settled over him. The pain of seeing Bernadette’s stoic resolve, coupled with the impact of his own decisions, weighed heavily on his heart.

As Bernadette walked away from the courthouse, she muttered to herself, her voice low but firm.

“I don’t care if I end up rotting in jail. What matters now is that I’ve reclaimed my dignity.”

She paused, her eyes narrowing with determination. “Maxim and Clarissa tried to stomp all over it with their betrayal. They thought they could just tear me down, but they underestimated me.”

Bernadette’s fists clenched at her sides. “This isn’t just about the charges or the trial. It’s about standing up for myself and not letting them take everything from me.”

She took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. “Even if the world sees me as a criminal, at least I know I fought back. I’ll hold onto my self-respect, no matter what.”