As I guided him to the door, I absentmindedly swept my bangs aside. This small gesture felt instinctive, yet it elicited a brief spark of intrigue on Garrett's face.
After a moment's hesitation, he rolled up his sleeve, revealing his wrist, and asked cautiously, “Miss Laurier, have you seen this beaded bracelet?”
My gaze fell upon it; it was merely an ordinary plastic bracelet, showing signs of wear from countless days.
Garrett’s odd question left me scratching my head in confusion. A wave of déjà vu washed over me concerning the bracelet, yet despite my best efforts to remember, its source eluded me.
After a thoughtful pause, I shook my head, frustration knitting my brows as I admitted I had no memory of it at all.
Garrett’s face fell in disappointment, and he sighed deeply. With a lingering glance, he took his leave.
On the day of the trial, a crowd gathered, each person drawn to the unfolding drama. I stood in the defendant’s seat, enduring the relentless scrutiny like a thorn in my side.
Eliana, clad in a hospital gown, appeared frail and worn, her face a canvas of exhaustion. She reminded me of Maeve, her fragile beauty eliciting sympathy at first sight, as if she were a wilted flower begging for sunlight.
As she entered the courtroom in a wheelchair, Wade pushed her gently, treating her like a fragile masterpiece in need of protection. Mason and Tabitha took their seats in the plaintiff’s area, throwing a brief look my way that sent chills down my spine. My feelings of despair turned to ash as I realized their eyes were devoid of love, staring at me as if I were the enemy.
The plaintiff's lawyer began to unveil the evidence against me, presenting it with a calculated precision.
“Everyone, please take a moment to view this video taken shortly after the defendant was found,” he called out, drawing the room's focus.
The screen illuminated our villa, a picture of joy with bright decorations and radiant smiles gracing every face.
As I stepped from the car, my tattered attire sharply contrasted with the warmth of the scene.
Eliana was quick to greet me, her voice ringing with sweetness as she called me sister.
A hint of shyness crept into my demeanor. She entwined her arm with mine, guiding me into the living room, while Wade followed behind, ready to capture every precious moment.