Defy: Taennie Special

- 5

Koen's perspective

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Koen sat in his dimly lit office, papers scattered across his desk. He hadn't been able to focus on the paperwork in front of him—not when his phone sat off to the side, filled with unread messages from Cielle. Every time he glanced at it, guilt weighed heavier on his chest.

The case had been consuming his every moment. It wasn't just a legal battle; it was dangerous. His client, Hera Truesam, had been threatened, and Koen had to follow strict security protocols to protect her and himself. The enemy they were facing was no ordinary person; they had influence, resources, and the capability to track him through something as simple as his phone's GPS. Every call, every text, could have been compromised.

But how could he explain that to Cielle? She wouldn't understand the gravity of the situation—how every detail could make or break the case, or how dangerous it could be to communicate while they were being watched.

He ran a hand through his hair, the weight of everything settling over him. "I can't get her involved in this mess." He tried to convince himself that disappearing had been the right move, but that didn't stop the ache in his chest.

He leaned back in his chair, sipped a little on his wine, "I should've told her something. Anything."

Koen had grown used to keeping things professional, but Cielle was no longer just someone he offered legal advice to. She had become more than that—someone he cared about, perhaps more than he should.

Days had passed, and the silence between him and Cielle only grew. He knew she wouldn't understand, but he had no choice.

"Ah right, tomorrow's the final battle."

The night felt even a bit longer.

He needed to be in full composure to finally end this and be back at his hometown again.

The next day, the courtroom was packed, tension thick in the air as the final day of Hera's trial approached its conclusion. Koen sat beside his client, his expression calm but determined. Hera fidgeted nervously next to him, her fingers trembling slightly. Koen leaned over and whispered, "We've got this."

Hera gave a small nod, her eyes filled with fear but also trust in him. Across the room, the opposing counsel—representing the corrupt political figure they were up against—shot him a condescending look. Koen ignored it, focusing on the task at hand.

When it was his turn, Koen stood confidently, addressing the judge. "Your Honor, the evidence presented in this case is irrefutable. My client, Ms. Truesam, has been the victim of a vicious attempt to destroy her reputation and silence her. The plantiff—using his political power—sought to frame her, twisting the truth to protect his own crimes."

Just as he was building momentum, the opposing lawyer Felix Raiden Rensford, shot up from his seat, cutting in. "Objection, Your Honor! This is pure speculation, and the defense is trying to paint my client as a criminal without any substantial proof."

Koen's jaw clenched, but he maintained his composure. "Substantial proof? We've presented multiple pieces of evidence, including witness testimonies, forensic reports, and digital trails that link your client directly to the false accusations against Ms. Truesam."

Felix smirked, "You're grasping at straws, Mr. Davies. You've built a house of cards, and it's about to fall apart."

Koen stepped forward, his voice rising slightly. "The only thing falling apart is your client's web of lies. The facts are clear, and trying to undermine them won't change the truth."