Like it was meant to be |Completed|

chapter 1

Silence. Thats all everyone in the court room could hear. They watched in silence as the jury made up their mind.
People started murmuring whether he will be punished or will be left free to roam the streets of Riverdale as a free man? Lots of whispers here and there took place until the judge silenced everyone as the jury had decided the verdict.

They all looked at the judge expectantly hoping, wishing and praying for once in Riverdale, something right should happen.

"The jury after careful consideration, observation and discussion have concluded that all the claims filed against the defendant are true. The court hereby sentences Hiram Lodge for lifelong imprisonment without bail. The court is adjourned"

There was a sigh of relief that could be heard all over the room, as no one had predicted that something like this could happen to Hiram who has his pawns everywhere.

Archie, Betty, Jughead and Veronica looked on as the sheriff escorted hiram in handcuffs out of the room. For them it felt like victory was finally theirs. They had won. All their hardwork, determination, sleepless nights, their tears, frustration had somehow pulled them through, helped them to finally accomplish their motives.Hiram Lodge no longer has any hold on Riverdale.

Archie standing beside Veronica took her hand "Ronnie you okay?" when he saw the cold expression on Veronica's face. He was worried, seeing her like this, so cold was something he never saw.

"Yeah V, are you really alright? We understand he's your father, we won't judge you if you feel sad about him. No one deserves to see their father being taken to prison, even if he has done some heinous crimes. Its difficult for any child to see their parent being taken away"  betty soothingly said. She wanted desperately to make her best friend feel better, she knew how hard it is to learn that your father is a criminal, she wanted to be there for Veronica just like she was there for betty when she got to know of her father being the black hood.

Veronica just looked ahead, not wanting to fave anything tonight, she didn't want feel weak in front of anyone, let alone her friends. she just replied "I'm fine guys."

Stubborn. Thats what she is. Always hiding her feelings from others. Never telling anyone how she really felt. One would look at her and say she has nothing to worry about, not knowing underneath she was breaking into pieces. Always have to be seen strong. No weaknesses. She didn't want to burden anyone with her feelings. That's what she thought.
Betty knew this. She knows how Veronica will never show what she's feeling inside, her pain, her suffering to anyone not even her. And it pained her to see Veronica like this. She wanted Veronica to open up to her, to make her feel better by talking, but her best friend always chooses to not talk about her feelings.

"Veronica-" betty was cut off by Veronica
" look he deserved what he got. He did unforgivable crimes. He is not my father. Father's take care of their children, their families, that man never cared about anything more than money and power and ill be damned if i feel sorry about him being in a place he deserves. In fact he should never have gotten out" she coldly said as she clenched her fingers.

"If that was how you felt why did you help him in the first place?" Jughead spoke finally.

Betty and Archie glared at him "Jughead!" Betty shouted
"What? You can't expect me to listen to her ranting as if she never did anything wrong" Jughead said.

At this point Veronica had had enough.
"Thats it! What do you think of yourself? Some innocent little teenager? You and i both know you have done so many mistakes, yet everyone here forgave you. I did one mistake, and you never let me hear the end of it. And to remind you, it was YOU who advised me to give my father a chance if he has changed. I didn't know what he was planning, i thought he was doing things legally and right for Riverdale. I didn't know of his plans and as soon as i found out, i went against him. I helped take down my father Jughead!and I don't want to say this, but without me this would have never happened! What all do you need to make you believe that i am not my father?i get it! My father took alot from you. But he did that Not me. I was innocent. "

Jughead scowled at her and was about to reply when archie said "enough Jughead. I think she has been through enough today. Im taking her home"
As he lead Veronica out.

Betty just looked at Jughead and Shaked her head. "Jughead.."

"I don't want to hear it betty. Not now" as he left her alone.

Betty stood there alone. She wondered if everything could go back to the way it was before?