In the dimly lit courtroom, tension crackled in the air as the judge called the session to order. Hazel sat at the plaintiff's table, her hands trembling slightly. Beside her, Advocate Kiya Fernandis radiated confidence, while Christopher's unwavering gaze gave Hazel the courage she needed.
"Your Honor," Kiya began, her voice clear and commanding, "we have undeniable evidence that the property and assets currently under Mr. Garden's name were unlawfully obtained. These assets rightfully belong to my client, Hazel Juan, the sole heir of the Juan family."
Mr. Garden's lawyer, a wiry man with sharp features, leaned forward, smirking. "Your Honor, this is preposterous. My client has been the legal owner of these properties for over a decade. There's no basis for these accusations."
Kiya remained unfazed. "Let me present Exhibit A: the original deeds signed by Hazel's grandparents, proving their ownership. These documents clearly state that the property was to be passed down to Hazel's parents and, subsequently, to her. However, Mr. Garden, along with his associate Alexander Dawson, forged new documents after orchestrating the deaths of Hazel's parents."
The courtroom buzzed with murmurs as Kiya displayed the documents on the screen. Hazel's heart pounded in her chest as memories of her lost parents flashed in her mind.
"Order in the court!" the judge bellowed, silencing the room.
Kiya continued, "I now call Father Benjamin Benedict to the stand."
The elderly priest took his place, his presence dignified. "I was a close friend of Hazel's family," he began. "I witnessed how Mr. Garden and Alexander schemed to take control of their wealth. They even pressured Hazel's parents into signing false agreements before staging their deaths as accidents."
Gasps echoed through the courtroom as Father Benjamin handed over more documents, including letters and recordings from Hazel's late parents. "These letters reveal the threats and blackmail they endured."
Mr. Garden's lawyer jumped to his feet. "This is hearsay! Father Benedict is biased!"
Kiya's eyes flashed with determination. "Your Honor, we also have video evidence of Alexander and Mr. Garden discussing their plans to eliminate Hazel's parents. This footage was recovered recently, thanks to Christopher's investigation."
The judge reviewed the footage in stunned silence before shifting his gaze toward Mr. Garden. "Mr. Garden, do you have any defense?"
Beads of sweat formed on Mr. Garden's brow as he stammered, "This… this is a setup! I'm being framed!"
But the courtroom knew the truth. Advocate Kiya delivered the final blow. "Your Honor, the overwhelming evidence is clear. My client has suffered greatly at the hands of these men. We demand justice, not only for the assets that rightfully belong to her but for the murder of her parents."
The judge nodded solemnly. "The court finds Mr. Garden and Alexander Dawson guilty of fraud, forgery, and conspiracy to commit murder. They are sentenced to life imprisonment, and all properties will be returned to Hazel Juan."
Tears streamed down Hazel's face as the gavel struck. Justice had finally been served, but as she looked at Christopher, she knew their battle wasn't over yet. This was only the beginning.
*************
Hazel, Christopher, and Father Benjamin Benedict arrived back at the bungalow as the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the garden. The air was heavy with a sense of closure but tinged with uncertainty. Inside, Father Benedict turned to Christopher with a gentle but firm expression.
"Christopher, Hazel has been through more than anyone should ever endure. Now, she needs someone she can rely on. I trust you'll take care of her," he said, his voice filled with quiet authority.
Christopher nodded. "I promise, Father. I won't let her down."
Father Benedict smiled, giving Hazel a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving. As the evening approached, an uneasy calm settled over the house. The peace was abruptly shattered when Olivia stormed into the bungalow, her mother trailing behind her with a venomous glare.
"You ruined our lives, Hazel!" Olivia's voice rang out, sharp and filled with bitterness. "You and your schemes destroyed everything we had!"
Her mother joined in, spitting out curses and insults. "You'll pay for this, girl! How dare you come into our world and take everything from us!"
Christopher's face darkened as he stepped forward, ready to intervene, but Hazel held up a hand, silencing him. "Let them speak," she whispered.
Olivia's eyes filled with tears as she glared at Christopher. "You think you're so noble, Christopher, but you abandoned me when I needed you the most. And now, I'm carrying your child!"
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Christopher's expression turned to one of disbelief. "That's a lie, Olivia. I don't believe you."
Hazel's gaze softened as she took in Olivia's desperate face. She stepped closer, her voice calm yet filled with empathy. "Christopher, even if there's a chance it's true, we can't turn our backs on her. A child should never be deprived of their father's presence. I know what it's like to grow up without that."
Christopher clenched his fists, frustration etched across his features, but he could see the determination in Hazel's eyes. "Hazel… you don't have to do this."
But Hazel simply nodded. "She'll stay here with us. We'll help her, and we'll figure out the truth in time."
Olivia's mother scoffed. "You think you can buy forgiveness with pity?" But seeing no one paying her any heed, she scowled and stormed out of the house, leaving Olivia behind.
Olivia stared at Hazel, shock replacing her previous hostility. "You're actually letting me stay?" she asked, her voice quivering.
Hazel gave a small, tired smile. "It's not about letting you stay. It's about giving your child a chance at a better life. We'll find out the truth, but until then, we need to do what's right."
Tears welled in Olivia's eyes as she stepped forward and hugged Hazel tightly. "I'm so sorry, Hazel. I was cruel and selfish. You're being kinder to me than I ever deserved."
Hazel gently patted her back. "We all make mistakes, Olivia. But now, we need to focus on the future."
Christopher watched the scene unfold, anger simmering beneath the surface. He wanted to protect Hazel, not be burdened with Olivia's manipulations. But seeing Hazel's unwavering compassion, he couldn't help but admire her strength, even if it left him conflicted.
As the evening deepened, the three of them sat together in uneasy silence. A fragile truce had been formed, but the tension in the room was undeniable. Beneath the surface, the truth waited to be uncovered, threatening to shatter the fragile peace they had just begun to build.