Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 74

Julie walked up to where her lawyers were seated and sat down when Marc pulled out her seat. She was sat in the middle of them, and she was grateful for that. She had a feeling they had done that on purpose. Both the attorneys were very kind and very smart, and they knew what they needed to do to make the biggest impact. To give the best chance of winning the case. She hated taking advantage of Harry's privilege. But right now, she was forever grateful he had these lawyers at his disposal. She set her bag down and turned to look behind her to see if she could see Harry, Niall, and Amanda.

Once she spotted them sitting behind her with Zayn slightly off to their left, she let out a breath and turned back around. She made the mistake of glancing over at Johnny, smug smirk plastered right across his evil face. He really thought he was going to walk in here, scare her enough, and go home with Harry's money. Like, seriously? In the whole time they were together, did he not know her at all? Did he not understand that she was not going to let anyone bail her out again and again? If she'd had known about the first NDA, she would have very forcefully advised Harry not to go through with it. She shook her head and looked away when Johnny caught her eye.

Julie stood with her lawyers and the rest of the court room, when the judge made his way to the bench. Her heart was pounding so hard right now, she was sure that the whole room could hear it. She had convinced herself through everything she'd gone through from the time she'd received the court notice until this moment, that this was the right thing to do. Right now, however, was the first time she began questioning her decision. Right now, was the first time she wasn't convinced she would be able to get through this whole thing. The love of her life, her best friends, her friends, acquaintances, her enemy, and complete strangers were all sitting in this court room. Where soon, she would be spilling her deepest, darkest, most haunting memories. She didn't want to face this.

Julie looked down at her hands when the tears gently spilled over onto her cheeks. She didn't want anyone to see them. She didn't want Johnny to see them. To see her weakness. He always thought her weak, and she did not want to help him with that assumption. Then again, maybe that could work to her advantage. Maybe, he would underestimate her and let his guard down. And she could sneak in and take control of this whole situation. She just had to sit back and wait. She wasn't sure how long this trial would take, but they were expecting 3-5 days. There was no jury, as both sides had agreed to let the judge make the verdict. Julie wasn't sure that was for the best; however, the less people involved with Harry, Niall, Zayn, Louis, and Liam being included was for the best. How on earth the trial deliberations needed to last that long, she wasn't sure. After the proceeding began, she realized why. Opening statements seemed to drag on forever, and they didn't even get through all of them before lunch. The afternoon was spent with the lawyers from both sides basically bickering about certain evidence and what could be allowed in and what could not. Certain other things that Julie didn't quite understand. They never even got to one testimony that day.

The next morning, everyone arrived at the same time and ushered themselves into the courtroom, taking the same seats as they had the day before. Julie was wearing a similar pants suit as the previous day; only this time it was in navy blue. Don't stand out is what she had been told. Make sure to stay simple, believable. She had no idea why what she wore mattered, but at least she was comfortable. The morning started late as the lawyers met in the judge's chambers first to work out some unknown details and arguments, and by the time the day started in the courtroom, everyone already seemed on edge. Jesus Christ, Julie thought, everyone looked like they were beyond frustrated, and again not one person yet got up on the stand. Lunch came and went and finally the first witness was called. Johnny's lawyers had brought in a few of his friends, and some quack doctor he had Julie go to when they were together. None of them held much merit. Johnny's friends basically made generalized statements on how they never saw him lay a hand on Julie, how they never witnessed any abuse. How they thought Johnny was a great guy who supported her for years. Julie had to resist the temptation to roll her eyes quite often. She knew these friends; "reliable witness" was a term used very lightly with them.