31. HAYLEY
Chapter thirty-one
HAYLEY
“Order! Court is now in session! Order.”
Today is the third day, and like the two before, I am once again being asked to testify my accounts of certain events.
I'm about to take the stand once more when my lawyer abruptly stands, addressing the court.
"Your Honor, before the witness takes the stand, I have new evidence to submit," he announces, his voice echoing through the courtroom.
“There’s new evidence?”
“What is it?”
“Who is it against?”
“I know she is guilty!”
“Order! Order!”
The murmurs then die down, but the opposing counsel remains standing, fists clenched.
The judge peers over her glasses, her brows furrowing. "Is this evidence newly discovered? Or was it submitted at the beginning of these proceedings?"
My lawyer clears his throat. "Your Honor, this evidence has only just come to light. We received it late last night and have been able to verify its authenticity."
The judge leans back in her chair, considering for a moment. "Very well. Approach the bench, both counsels. We'll need to discuss if this new evidence is acceptable before proceeding."
As the lawyers move towards the judge's bench, I remain frozen in place, my heart pounding. What could this new evidence be, and how will it affect my case?
After significant arguments by Hank’s lawyer, the judge allows the document to be put into evidence, giving the opposition a thirty-minute break to review it.
Calling the courtroom back to order, the judge directs my lawyer to proceed.
The courtroom buzzes with tension as he stands.
My heart begins to beat even faster as he walks towards the bench, a file in his hand. What is he doing? I glance at my ex, Hank, who looks just as confused as I feel.
"Your Honor, these documents prove that Ms. Miller had no involvement in the corruption case. In fact, they show that she was deliberately kept in the dark about the illegal activities."
Gasps echo through the courtroom. I lean forward, straining to hear every word.
The judge examines the documents, her brow furrowed. "Attorney Grayson, this is quite a turnaround. For the record, may I ask why this evidence is only being presented now?"
He clears his throat. "Your Honor, this information only came to light very late last night. Upon thorough examination, we felt compelled to bring it forward in the interest of justice."
Hank’s lawyer also jumps to her feet. "Your Honor, we again move to have these documents stricken from evidence immediately."
As the legal battle unfolds before me, my mind races. Why didn’t my lawyer tell me before we began today? And what about the other side? I search Hank's face for answers, but he avoids my gaze, his jaw clenched tight.
The next hour is a blur of legal jargon and heated arguments. The evidence is presented, ad nauseum, to the jury. Finally, the judge calls for courtroom order.
"In light of this new evidence, we will recess while the jury deliberates. The court is adjourned and will be recalled when deliberations are completed."
The bailiff's voice rings out: "All rise!" And the jury recesses.
As we file out of the courtroom, my attorney takes my arm. "This is good news, Hayley. Really good news that I received late last night. I’m sorry that I didn’t have time to let you know ahead of court."
I nod, still dazed. "But why? How did all this come and from where, and how? And exactly what is it?" But before answering, my attorney’s attention is drawn away.
The hour crawls by. I pace the hallway, my stomach in knots. When we're called back in, I can barely breathe.
The jury files in, their faces unreadable. The foreman stands, a piece of paper in her hand.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asks.
"We have, Your Honor."
The moment stretches forever. I close my eyes, bracing myself.
"On the charge of involvement in corporate corruption, we find the defendant Hank Ryder guilty on all counts as charged. We find the second defendant, Hayley Miller, not guilty on all counts."
The words echo in my ears. Not guilty. I'm free and Hank will never be able to invade my world again.
Tears of relief spring to my eyes as the judge speaks. "Ms. Miller, you are hereby cleared of all charges. Your involvement in this case is dismissed. You are free to go. Your standing as an attorney in this and any other state is untarnished by these accusations."
As the initial shock wears off, confusion sets in. I look over at Hank and his lawyer once again- but nothing.
I feel relieved as I leave the courtroom, but it's short-lived. The adrenaline crash hits me hard, and I stumble, nearly falling. A cold hand grabs my arm, yanking me back very hard.
I spin around to Hank, his face filled with rage. "You snake!" he spits. "Did you buy off my lawyer? Is that how you got away with this?"
I jerk my arm free, anger rising to match his. "I didn't do anything wrong, and you know it!"
His lips curl into a cruel smirk. "Oh, please. You've always been willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. Isn't that why you were with me in the first place? A na?ve lawyer out of college getting together with someone accomplished. Me! I took pity on you, why else would I be with someone like you?
But of course -" he smirks. "You've moved on to your next target."
The accusation stings, but curiosity overrides my hurt. "What are you talking about?"
His next words send a chill down my spine: "Johnson Luxury Hotels. Ring a bell?"
"What?" I ask, genuinely confused.
He laughs bitterly. "Don't play dumb. I know you're with the owner now. Didn't think you'd find such rich prey in that outback, but I guess you're more skilled than I gave you credit for."
"You're insane," I hiss, backing away. "Stay away from me. I hope you rot in jail."
As he is pulled away by two officers, I’m shaking, a knot of dread forming in my stomach. I stumble to a nearby bench and pull out my phone, fingers trembling as I search for "Johnson Luxury Hotels owner."
My world tilts as a familiar face fills the screen. "Billionaire Austin Johnson," I read aloud, my voice cracking. It's undoubtedly Austin, looking professional in a suit, but there's no doubt that this is the man I've grown to love.
My mind races. How could he have kept this from me? Our conversations replay in my head, and I realize how carefully he's avoided mentioning his wealth and status. A terrible thought creeps in: "How do I look to him? Am I just another opportunist he couldn't trust?"
Lost in my thoughts, I barely notice my lawyer approaching until he's right in front of me. I grab my bag, ready to flee, but his words stop me cold.
"Ms. Miller, wait!"
I whirl to face him, hitting him directly with the words I want to know. "Where did you get that evidence at the last minute?"
He shifts uncomfortably, adjusting his tie. "I... I am just glad I could protect an innocent person who shouldn't be wrongly accused."
"Don't lie to me," I snap. "Tell me the truth."
He swallows hard. "Please tell Mr. Johnson I took care of it. And I'd like to thank him again."
The words hit me like a physical blow. I turn and walk away, my heart shattering with each step. Behind me, I hear my lawyer call out once more: "Please ask Mr. Johnson to call me."
Anger and sadness rage within me as I leave the courthouse. The man I thought I knew—the man I've fallen in love with—suddenly feels like a stranger. And yet, my heart still aches for him. I want to do nothing more than to run into his arms for comfort and tell him everything is over.
Is this the beginning of another broken heart?