Forever Almost

Chapter 36

Taylor sat in the hallway, her heart racing as she tried to make sense of everything. She couldn't believe how quickly things had spiraled out of control. Alone with her thoughts, she replayed the courtroom scene over and over, thinking of what she would say when the break was over. How could she possibly prove Kayla wrong without incriminating herself or further complicating the situation with Travis? The weight of her secret, of the twins growing inside her, pressed down on her, threatening to suffocate her. She knew that whatever she said next could change everything forever.

Donna and Jason had offered to stay with her, to comfort her, but she had refused. She needed this time alone, to clear her head and gather her strength. Watching them walk away, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. They were trying to help, but right now, she didn't want to burden anyone else with her problems.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she heard voices nearby. She couldn't make out what was being said, but she recognized Travis's voice, thick with anger.

"You left me 20 years ago with that heartless man to die!" Travis's voice echoed through the hallway, raw with emotion. "I've lived all these years on my own. I can manage now. I don't need your fake concern."

Taylor's heart sank at his words. She knew how much pain he carried from his past, but hearing it out loud was a different kind of agony. She strained to listen, her pulse quickening as she caught the next part.

"And tell Taylor not to talk to me again. I don't know how you all got together, but now leave me alone. I don't want anyone."

The words hit her like a punch to the gut. She covered her mouth to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. This wasn't the reunion she had imagined, not the way she had hoped things would go after everything they had been through. But she couldn't blame him; he didn't know the truth, and the situation was unbearable for both of them.

The break was over, and as Taylor walked back into the courtroom, her legs felt like lead. The judge was waiting for her response, his eyes fixed on her as the rest of the courtroom sat in silence. She knew that whatever she said next would change everything.

"I... I..." Taylor stammered, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words. She was terrified, stumbling over her thoughts, when suddenly, the courtroom doors burst open.

"Here, Taylor!" Kylie's voice rang out, breaking the tension.

Relief washed over Taylor as she saw Kylie rushing towards her, holding a small object in her hand. Without wasting a moment, Taylor ran to her, grabbing the item and rushing back to the judge. She could feel Kayla's eyes on her, filled with confusion and fear.

The judge took the pendrive from Taylor and inserted it into the computer. The entire courtroom held its breath as the video began to play. It showed the café where Taylor had met Kayla, where Kayla had threatened her to abort her babies or risk losing Travis forever. Every word, every sinister threat Kayla had made was recorded, leaving no room for doubt.

As the video played on, Kayla's face drained of color. "No... this is not true... this is not me..." she mumbled, stumbling over her words, trying to deny what was right in front of her. But the evidence was undeniable.

The judge's expression hardened as he watched the footage. When the video ended, he turned to the courtroom, his voice firm. "Based on the evidence provided, it is clear that Dr. Travis Kelce is innocent of the charges brought against him. He will be released immediately. As for Ms. Kayla, your attempt to defame a respected doctor and manipulate the legal system for personal revenge is reprehensible. You will be taken into custody and charged with perjury and attempted extortion. Furthermore, your medical license will be revoked."

The room erupted in cheers as the judge's gavel struck down, sealing Kayla's fate. Taylor felt a wave of relief crash over her, but it was short-lived. She turned to look at Travis, who was standing just a few feet away. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and she saw the pain, the betrayal, and the anger in his gaze.

Without a word, Travis turned and began walking out of the courtroom, his movements stiff and unyielding. Taylor's heart ached as she watched him leave, and she hurried to follow behind him, her mind swirling with the words she desperately wanted to say but didn't know how.

As the courtroom doors closed behind them, the future remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: their journey was far from over.