Status Quo | ✓

-31-

One month was all it took to conclude the case and gave the man what he deserved. Under the circumstances, Avery and I had a rough introduction but we eventually became each other's strength to fight this case. If it wasn't for her, I may still be battling on the losing end. 

Today, I walked out of the courtroom feeling as though a large weight had been lifted off my shoulders, allowing me to breathe and move on with life. 

It's over. It's finally over.

From behind, Leon held onto my hand, giving a light squeeze as he smiled at me. Tears rolled from the corner of my eyes and I let out a breathless laugh while gripping onto his hand tightly. I had never felt so relieved in my life. It comforted me immensely to know that I could finally leave this behind me and look forward to the future. Turning towards my side, I saw Avery leaving with Gabriel and I hurriedly remove my hand from Leon and ran towards her. 

"Avery!" I called, trying to get her attention. 

She halted her step and pivoted around to face at me. Her blue eyes glistened with tears as they brimmed with relief and happiness. "Rachelle, thank you." She pulled me into a hug, squeezing me in her embrace. "Thank you so much." 

"I should be the one thanking you." My voice turned slightly hoarse from an urge to cry while laughing. 

"I'm so glad to have met you." Her voice cracked. I nodded against her shoulder and realised that within this dark period of my life, I made another genuine friend. She's just a tad bit rude, but I'll still consider her good and somewhat likeable. I'm kidding, Avery's actually pretty amazing in every way. 

I stood where I was and felt a hand circle around my waist, pulling me back. My head tipped back and saw Leon smiling tenderly towards me. He planted a kiss in my hair and said, "Let's go home."

I nodded and we returned to his apartment. 

-

"Shall we head out for dinner?" he suggested. 

"Can we stay at home? It's troublesome for me to move around," I chuckled, pointing to the crutches beside me. 

"I don't mind carrying you around," he said funnily. "Princess carry or koala cuddle?" 

"Neither!" I reached my hand out to push his arms away but he was stronger than me and he reached to hold onto my waist. Flashing me a mischievous wink, he tickled my sides and a peal of laughter burst out of me as I struggled to get off his grip. 

"Stop it!" I laughed with tears pooling at the corner of my eyes. 

"Kiss me to stop," he grinned. 

I forcefully pulled the back of his head and crashed my lips on his. His hands immediately stopped and rested against the arc of my hipbones. He slanted his head slightly, deepening the kiss. Removing one of his hand from my hip, he reached for the curve of my neck and held me in place while he continued to taste my lips relishingly.