The morning light filtered through the small, barred window of Aiko’s cell, casting long shadows across the cold concrete floor. She lay on her thin mattress, staring at the ceiling, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. The past few weeks’ events had left her feeling hollow, a shell of her former self.
The sound of keys jangling and the heavy clank of the cell door opening jolted Aiko from her reverie. A female guard stood in the doorway, her face impassive as she dropped a folded pile of clothes onto the foot of the bed.
Aiko sat up, her brow furrowed in confusion. “What are these for?”
The guard’s lips quirked in a humorless smile. “You don’t want to miss your court date, do you?”
The words hit Aiko like a physical blow, leaving her breathless. Court date? With everything that had happened—the fire at the prison, Malcolm’s sinister schemes, and the bittersweet visit from her foster siblings — she had forgotten about her impending trial.
As the guard left, Aiko’s trembling hands reached for her clothes. They exuded an air of conservatism, resembling matronly figures, a complete departure from her usual style. She dressed, her mind racing with thoughts and fears.
Will Uncle be there? The memory of Hiroto’s cold, calculating gaze sent a shiver down her spine. Can I ever leave this place? The walls of her cell seemed to close in around her, suffocating in their oppressive presence. Will I be Malcolm’s slave? The very thought made her stomach churn with revulsion.
Aiko’s spiraling thoughts got interrupted as the guard returned. “Let’s go,” she barked, her tone brooking no argument.
Aiko felt as if walking to her execution as they navigated the detention center corridors. The courthouse loomed before her, an imposing edifice of stone and justice that seemed to mock her existence.
In the holding area, Aiko sat rigid with tension, her eyes darting around the room. A man approached, his appearance as oily as his demeanor. “Hello, Ms. Takahashi,” he said, his voice dripping with false warmth. “My name is Julius Shcherbakov, and I’m your attorney.”
Aiko blinked in surprise. “Who hired you?”
Julius’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s just say we both have friends in high places.”
Before Aiko could press further, her name was called. As she rose on unsteady legs, a flash of movement caught her eye. Her heart leaped into her throat as she recognized Hiroto sitting to her right. Just as her darkest fears emerged, Malcolm appeared and slid into the seat beside her uncle.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
As Julius spoke on her behalf, Aiko focused on the two men. They leaned close, their lips moving in hushed conversation. What are they saying? She thought, straining to hear over the pounding of her own heart.
Ms. Takahashi, what is your response?” The stern voice of the judge cut through her concentration like a knife.
Aiko’s eyes snapped forward, meeting the judge’s piercing gaze. What do they want me to say? She thought, her mind racing for the right words. “I’m innocent,” she blurted out, her voice trembling. “I’m the victim here.”
The judge’s expression remained impassive. “Are you entering a plea of not guilty?”
“Yes,” Aiko whispered, then cleared her throat and spoke more firmly. “Yes, I’m not guilty.”
A woman who looked like she’d stepped out of a garish painting rose to her feet. Her gaudy attire was as Aiko felt, downtrodden and worthless. She cleared her throat before pointing an accusing finger at Aiko. “This young woman attacked the aggressor known as Jack, causing Liam to be shot. She might as well have pulled the trigger herself. In fact, Aiko was bathing in the victim’s blood when the police arrived. We believe she is a flight risk, and I urge the court not to issue any bail.
Aiko felt the blood drain from her face, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. How dare they twist the truth like this? How could they paint her as the villain when she had suffered so much?
Julius interjected, his voice oozing charm. “This young lady has undergone multiple traumas, and staying in prison is adding to the emotional strain. With charm oozing from his voice, Julius interjected. “I request you set a modest bail and release her into the care of her only living family,” he said, his voice oozing charm.
Aiko’s gaze darted between Julius, Hiroto, and Malcolm, her mind reeling. What game were they playing? Whose side was Julius on?
The judge’s eyes swept across the courtroom, and Aiko could have sworn she saw Malcolm give an almost imperceptible nod. The sharp crack of the gavel made her flinch.
“I am setting bail at $500,000,” the judge announced with finality.
As the courtroom erupted into a flurry of activity, Aiko remained rooted to the spot, her world tilting on its axis. Five hundred thousand dollars. It could have been five million. She had no hope of putting a fraction of cash to free herself. She faced a certain doom.
Her eyes met Malcolm’s across the room, and the triumphant gleam in his gaze sent ice through her veins. She realized with sickening clarity that this was all part of his plan. He had orchestrated every moment, and every word spoken in that courtroom.
As the bailiff approached to lead her away, Aiko caught one last glimpse of Hiroto and Malcolm, their heads bent close in conversation. Whatever they were planning, whatever twisted scheme they had concocted, she knew with bone-deep certainty that she was nothing more than a pawn in their game.
Her wrists felt the bite of the cold metal handcuffs as they led her from the courtroom, leaving her mind in a maelstrom of fear, anger, and despair. How had her life come to this? How could she escape the web of lies and manipulation closing in on her?
As the courthouse doors closed behind her, Aiko felt a resolve hardening within her. She’ll escape the nightmare, whatever it took. She had to, for herself, Liam, and the loving family who took her in.
With each step back toward her cell, Aiko’s determination grew. She will no longer be a victim. She would fight to reclaim her freedom and expose the truth with every ounce of strength.