The Hidden Duchess

CHAPTER 11

The Hidden Duchess | Royalty Series 1

Krizzybabes

My mind went blank after hearing his invitation, and I didn't know why, but my head immediately nodded in agreement without my knowledge. I was just staring into his eyes while blankly nodding my head as if my body had a mind of its own without my consciousness while his eyes widened with my response.

"For real?" he asked, clearly ecstatic with my agreement.

"Y-yeah?" I said, not sure because I was also surprised by my decision but couldn't take it back since I had already agreed.

"Woah!" He couldn't believe that I agreed with his offer. "This is the first time that someone agreed to watch me inside the law court." His eyes glistened with happiness as he talked.

"Really?" I asked, not entirely believing his statement. "What about your parents? Your friends? It's impossible for them not to watch you as you do your thing inside the law court," I stated.

He smiled, but there was a glimpse of sadness in his eyes. "Nah, my Dad has always been busy managing our business, while my Mom has always been against the decision of me becoming a lawyer. Gusto niya kasi na business management yung kunin ko para matulungan ko si Dad sa mga negosyo, but I disagreed." He heaved a sigh. "My friends, on the other hand, aren't fond of policies and such related to that. They only want to have fun and paint the town red," he said.

"Anyway, the hearing tomorrow is at 9:00 AM. We should be there at 8:00-8:30, so probably, we should leave a little early," he added, then smiled, so I smiled as well. "Matulog ka nalang ng maaga, see you tomorrow, Xyr," he said again.

I nodded. "Goodnight, attorney, have a good sleep and good luck for tomorrow," I said, making him smile wider as I walked out of his office.

The next day, like what he said, we left early for the hearing case in the City Court of Justice. We arrived a bit early as we waited for the judge to come out while he looked cool sitting at the plaintiff's/prosecution table alone. He looked so unbothered despite the presence of the defendant at the next table, who was a big name in this city.

He sat there, wearing a serious face, but he would instantly smile whenever our eyes met each other's gaze. Not long after, the judge entered the courtroom, so everyone stood up as a sign of respect for his authority. He went directly to the bench, called the court to order, and did his usual things inside the court while everyone was silent, paying attention in the frontier.

The courtroom is tense, filled with members of the public, family members of both parties and court staff as the Judge enters and the room stands.

"Good morning. Please be seated. We are here for the final day of hearings in the case of Sembrano vs. Fernandes. Counsel, are you ready to proceed?" The judge asked, calling the court to order.

"Proceed, Mr. Villanueva. " He added, and then Vienson called his client, Ms. Vanessa Sembrano, to the witness stand. The woman takes a deep breath and is sworn in. She looks scared while glancing at the defense table where the alleged offender settled wearing handcuffs. She's trembling as she walks with someone to assist her toward the witness stand.

"Ms. Sembrano, can you please describe the events of the night in question?" Vienson asked as he stood Infront of the witness stand, wearing a serious face as he asked her in a low but serious voice.

"N-nasa club po kami no'n, kasi birthday ng best friend ko at nag kasundo po kami na mag inuman." She said, difficulty from fighting against her fear is evident in her voice as she talk.