Echoes of Courage [SHORT FREENBECKY AU STORY] COMPLETED

Chapter 11: The Courtroom Verdict

A/N: Hey beautiful people! Just a quick note to let you know that I've decided not to include the detailed proceedings of what happened in the courtroom in this chapter. I felt that focusing on the aftermath and the emotional impact on the characters would serve the narrative better. I hope you'll still enjoy how the story unfolds! Thanks for your understanding and support. 🫶🏻

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The next day, the tension in the courtroom was palpable. Freen, Becky, Nam, Irin, and Freen's father, as he wants to witness and meet personally the woman his daughter is so eager to save, sat together in the front row, their eyes fixed on the judge. Nop sat at the defendant's table, his once smug demeanor now replaced with a nervous twitch, his gaze shifting anxiously around the room.

Becky's hands were clenched tightly in her lap, her heart pounding in her chest. Freen sat beside her, a reassuring presence, her hand resting gently on Becky's, offering silent support. Nam and Irin exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of determination and concern, while Freen's father observed the proceedings with a calm, inscrutable gaze.

The judge, an imposing figure in his black robe, finally spoke, his voice echoing through the courtroom. "Will the defendant please rise."

Nop stood, his legs unsteady, his face pale. The courtroom fell into an eerie silence as the judge began to read the verdict.

"After careful consideration of the evidence presented, this court finds the defendant, Nop Khanpiang, guilty on all charges."

A collective breath was released in the courtroom. Nop's knees buckled slightly, and he gripped the edge of the table for support. He looked over at Becky, his eyes wild with desperation, but she refused to meet his gaze. Her eyes were fixed on the judge, her expression one of quiet relief.

"No... no, this can't be happening," Nop muttered under his breath, panic rising in his voice. "You can't do this to me!"

The judge, unshaken by Nop's outburst, continued, his tone stern and unwavering. "Nop Khanpiang, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the crimes of domestic abuse, unlawful imprisonment, and attempted murder."

A murmur ran through the courtroom as the sentence was announced. Nop's face twisted in horror, his mouth opening and closing as if searching for words, but none came. He shot a desperate look at his lawyer, who simply shook his head. Nop was quickly escorted out of the courtroom by two bailiffs, his protests growing louder but falling on deaf ears.

"This isn't over!" Nop shouted as he was led away. "I'll appeal! You can't keep me locked up forever! I will find you Becky! Remember that!"

Becky felt a wave of emotions crash over her- fear, exhaustion, but also relief and a sense of closure she hadn't thought possible. She turned to Freen, her eyes brimming with tears, but this time, they were tears of release. Freen smiled softly at her, squeezing her hand.

"It's over, Becky," Freen whispered, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. "You're free now."

Becky nodded, the reality of it sinking in. "Thank you, Freen... for everything.

"You don't have to thank me," Freen replied gently. "You're the one who found the strength to fight back. I'm just glad I could help."

Freen's father, who had remained silent throughout the trial, leaned in slightly, his voice low but filled with a quiet pride. "You did well, Freen. You stood up for what was right, and you made sure justice was served."

Freen met her father's gaze, surprised by the rare praise. "Thank you, Dad," she said softly, her tone respectful yet determined. "I couldn't let him get away with it."

Nam and Irin joined them, both of them looking relieved and satisfied. "Justice served," Nam said, nodding toward the now-empty defendant's table.

"You were brave to stand up and fight, Miss Becky. This is your victory as much as anyone's." Irin added.

Becky, feeling overwhelmed by the support, managed a small, grateful smile. "I couldn't have done it without all of you. Thank you so much."

Nam clapped a hand on Becky's shoulder. "You're stronger than you know. And now, you've got a whole new future ahead of you."

The group slowly began to file out of the courtroom, Freen walking beside Becky. As they stepped outside into the bright sunlight, Becky took a deep breath, feeling the warmth on her skin-a warmth that felt like hope, like a new beginning.

Freen's father lingered for a moment, watching the group with a thoughtful expression. As he observed his daughter and her friends walking away, he knew that this victory was more than just a legal one. He knew her daughter so well.

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to be continue.....