Chương 23: The Trial

But, undeterred, she chose to ignore the conflicting sentiments, instead wrapping the exquisite fabric around her shoulders.

As the soft, golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the lace curtains, Emma found herself ensnared in a moment of nostalgia.

Bright's gentle smile, with those eyes that held a kindness so profound, evoked imagery straight from the pages of classic romance novels.

In that brief recollection, he seemed like the very embodiment of a dashing hero, capable of sweeping any damsel off her feet.

However, Emma's practicality swiftly snapped her back to reality. She realized she was merely holding a shawl – a piece of fabric meant to drape over her shoulders on a chilly day.

It was a functional accessory, and no matter how much she tried to romanticize it, the fact remained that it served a utilitarian purpose.

Chiding herself with a sigh, Emma mentally rebuked her overactive imagination.

"Oh, stop it, Emma!" she scolded her daydreaming self. "It's just a functional piece, nothing more. No use getting sentimental over a mere accessory." With a determined shake of her head, she focused on the practicality of the situation.

Emma hurriedly organized her files, reaching for the keys to her bag on the nightstand. After days of meticulous preparation, she was poised for today's trial.

Her case revolved around a woman seeking a divorce from her abusive husband, a story of relentless mistreatment that had culminated in physical violence.

The woman had decided to file for divorce, seeking justice in the courtroom for the cruelty she had endured.

Emma was determined to advocate for her client and ensure that her voice was heard in the halls of justice.

Emma briskly walked through the crowded streets, her eyes scanning the lively surroundings. The city's vibrant atmosphere was electrifying, with people bustling about, street vendors promoting their goods, and the distant hum of traffic.

She'd heard about the upcoming fireworks festival tonight. The streets were already filling with young men and women strolling along the sidewalks, their attire more colorful and extravagant than usual.

The weather was exceptionally bright, a welcome departure from the overcast days that had dominated recently.

In this moment, amidst the energetic city life, Emma couldn't help but appreciate the contrast and feel a sense of anticipation for the evening's festivities.

As Emma meticulously checked through her papers, her mind drifted back to the woman's tearful testimony, recounting the years of pain and suffering she had endured.

Emma was determined to ensure that her client's story was not overshadowed or dismissed in the legal proceedings.

She knew the importance of presenting a compelling case, backed by evidence and airtight arguments, to secure the justice her client deserved.

As she made her way to the courtroom, she was prepared to fight for the rights of the vulnerable, to give voice to those who had long been silenced by fear and intimidation.

Emma's gaze shifted forward, landing on a pair of teenagers walking hand in hand. Clad in their school uniforms, they stirred a familiar sensation within Emma's heart, a sensation she tried to brush off as merely an effect of the shawl draped around her neck.

But the memory of her first kiss with Bright during the fireworks festival after art night flooded back, refusing to be ignored.

"Oh, damn!" she muttered to herself, nearly colliding with a vendor's stall.

Emma quickly apologized, hastily resuming her hurried stride. The past had an uncanny way of resurfacing at the most inconvenient moments.

What is love anyway? A mere waste of time. Love is just a phrase that rolls off the tongue, something anyone can utter without much thought.

It's a concept that doesn't truly exist in the real world. Humans concocted it to give themselves hope for a brighter, happier tomorrow.

In truth, it's a web of emotions that can entangle and suffocate, leaving one gasping for breath in its deceptive embrace.

It is the soft whisper of promises unfulfilled and the weight of expectations never met. Love is the bittersweet illusion that lingers in the hearts of the hopeful, casting shadows on the path to true contentment.

—————

In short, love is a grand illusion, a deception of mankind!

—————-

Emma turned her face away from the crowds and chose an alternative route, darting through the bustling streets.

Despite the pain shooting up her legs, she pushed herself to arrive five minutes early for the court session.

Sweat trickled down her back as she raced toward the courtroom, the polished wood and imposing doors coming into view.

Her heart drummed in her chest as she grasped the handle and flung the doors open, only to be met with an eerie sight: an empty room, devoid of any life or sound.

"W-what… where…?"

Emma's breath caught in her throat, her mind scrambling to make sense of the situation.

Where was everyone?

Had she missed some crucial change in the schedule?

Emma peered around, her head cocked in confusion. There was only the secretary, busily organizing files at her desk.

"Oh Miss Emma. I apologize for not informing you earlier, but the trial has been canceled."

"What?"

"The trial has been canceled, Miss," the woman repeated, her voice slightly louder. "Miss Leyla has withdrawn her claim."

"But—but I have already..." Emma stuttered in place, her response laced with frustration. Her shoulders slumped automatically. She had prepared all her documents and pulled all-nighters, yet... why did it end up like this?

The secretary looked at Emma with a tinge of sympathy in her eyes. She knew how hardworking and dedicated Emma was to her cases, and it must be a blow to find out that all her preparations had gone to waste.

Emma took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. She didn't want to show her disappointment too openly. "Is there any reason for Miss Leyla's decision?" she inquired, her voice more composed now.