Moving on with the Bully (Book 2 of the Bullied Series)

Chapter 9

Adrien's POV

Today was the day. 

I grabbed a suit from my closet, and set it out on my bed. I showered before returning to my bed to put on the suit. I grabbed my wallet and ID and started toward Marinette's room. I knocked twice, and she told me to come in. I walked inside to find her finishing the last button on her blouse. It was a greenish color and the buttons were an off white. She had on a pair of black heels that matched her knee length pencil skirt. She looked like a sexy lawyer. Appropriate for a court appearance. She gave me a sad smile after she buttoned her shirt; I hated that look. We walked out of the house and into the town car. Marinette grasped my hand as we pulled up to the court house. 

"Are you going to be okay?" She asked me with worry in her eyes. 

If I were being honest, I wasn't okay. I hadn't seen my asswipe of a father since I left for London with Mari. He must have been pissed when the police knocked on his door, and told him he's under arrest. I can almost hear him talking back, telling them that he's innocent; he might have even tried to bribe him. I know that he also must be pissed at the person who told the authorities that he was abusive. If he somehow doesn't get convicted, then I'm as good as dead. 

I shook my head slowly because she would be able to tell that I was lying if I lied. I didn't want to elaborate on the issue though. She bobbed her head up and down as she seemed to understand that I didn't want to talk about it; I was grateful to her for that. We walked toward the intimidating building, and were bombarded with questions from the paparazzi. 

"Adrien, how do you feel?" One guy asked.

"Mr. Agreste, how many years do you think your father will get?" A woman asked me. 

"Do you truly believe that your father is guilty, Adrien Agreste?" Somebody else asked. 

Like I always do, I ignored the people and walked into the building with Marinette. From there, a lady led us into the court room. It was very specious and threatening. The jurors were already in their designated spots. My father was at the table to my left with his lawyer; another lawyer sat at the table on my right. Orange was my father's least favorite color, and I smiled at the fact that he had to wear it. 

I positioned Marinette and myself behind the defensive lawyer's table. We waited for a few minutes quietly before an officer walked in. 

"All rise for Judge Archibald," the cop instructed. "This court is now in session." We rose to our feet as the judge, with his robe and gavel, waltzed in. He sat in his seat and told the rest of us to do so as well. 

"This is a criminal case, ladies and gentlemen, about the abuse of a minor," the judge announced. "Are we ready to proceed?" The judge looked towards the lawyers as he said this. 

"Yes, your honor," both sides said. 

The judge continued, "We will start with the plaintiff's opening statement."

The lawyer sitting next to my father stood up and made his way in front of the jury. His walk was slow and deliberate. The man wore a Italian, tailored suit that fit him perfectly. He looked sharp, professional. His balding head showed that he holds wisdom and experience. He seemed to know exactly what he was doing. I wouldn't expect anything less from a professional hired by my father. 

The lawyer began, "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the case presented to you today is outrageous. A man of society, a man who all of you probably know, is being accused of hurting his son. Gabriel Agreste has  given the world to his child, and wouldn't do anything to hurt him. The boy is a model and brings in money for the family, so there would be no reason to hurt or punish him. Gabriel Agreste is a business man, so harming another human life would hurt business; he wouldn't do anything to hurt his business or his family. Thank you." With a smile on his face, he walked back to his seat.