Web Fic
Chapter 151
The trial was in full swing, and the evidence kept rolling. The drone footage that little boy had captured for Estrella was damning-not only had it caught Nick in the act of domestic violence, but it even recorded the chilling moment when Nick had his hands around Lexi’s throat and pushed her down the stairs. Property © 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.
Estrella’s predictions were correct about how Nick abused Lexi and how Lexi tried to
evade him.
With irrefutable evidence, including the scene of him pushing Lexi down the stairs captured on camera, Nick completely wilted, a stark contrast to his earlier arrogant demeanor.
All his schemes and dreams were shattered. He wouldn’t be wooing any wealthy lady like Piper anymore. The rest of his life would likely be spent behind bars.
After the video evidence concluded, the judge turned to Nick’s defense with a stern look. “Counselor, do you have anything to say in your client’s defense?”
Nick’s lawyer shook his head, defeated. “Nothing, Your Honor.”
The judge then turned to Nick. “Defendant, do you have anything to say for yourself?”
At that moment, Nick was still fixated on the projector screen that had displayed his downfall. How was this possible? How did Estrella get her hands on this footage? Who in the neighborhood was spying on him with a drone?
Nick had thought he’d covered his tracks by keeping Estrella out of his house and away from his home security footage. He believed his abuse of Zoey had been seamless, with no witnesses to expose him,
but he never anticipated that Estrella could obtain even more evidence, including the very moment he pushed Lexi down the stairs.
Justice has long arms.
Seeing Nick still shaking his head at the projector screen, the judge repeated his questi but Nick just remained silent. After a brief consultation with the jurors, the judge proceeded to deliver the verdict.
“Under Section 232 of our criminal code, the defendant Nick is hereby sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for the crime of intentional homicide.”
“Under Section 234 of the criminal code, the defendant Nick is hereby sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for assault, totaling 28 years.”
Nick was 28 years old. Now, sentenced to 28 years of prison, his life was effectively over. The thought of a life of luxury was replaced with the grim reality of life behind bars.
The sentences for murder and assault were handed down, and Zoey broke down in tears. Rather than bringing Nick to justice, Zoey would rather her sister had never known this
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scumbag, and never experienced any of this.
Estrella wiped away Zoey’s tears and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat, letting her cry on.
her shoulder.
They had initially decided not to let Zoey’s parents attend the trial, fearing they couldn’t withstand the harrowing evidence. However, the couple insisted on witnessing Nick’s downfall and sentencing. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the end of the trial and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Estrella can somewhat understand Zoey’s current feelings. When Estrella first saw this evidence, she herself was trembling with anger.
“Estrella, thank you,” Zoey managed to say between sobs. Estrella just patted her back, offering silent comfort.
Once Zoey had calmed down a bit, Estrella drove her back to the hospital, then headed to
the office.
“Ms. Estrella, congrats! Another win for you.”
“Ms. Estrella, congratulations.”
Her colleagues’ cheers couldn’t lift Estrella’s spirits. She didn’t feel any joy, only a wish for such incidents to decrease and for women not to be seen as victims.
After wrapping up the case paperwork at the law firm that afternoon, Estrella drove to the hospital in the evening. Zoey’s mother had woken up by then. Seeing Estrella, the family quickly stood up to express their gratitude. “Ms. Estrella, thank you.”
“Estrella, thanks so much.”
“I am just doing my job,” Estrella replied, steadying them. She glanced at Lexi on the hospital bed. “Has she woken up yet?”
Jeffery went to get Estrella a glass of water while Haley sighed heavily. “Lexi’s still Then she added, “We thought we knew Nick, but we were so wrong, and we let her n
him. It’s our fault.”
Estrella consoled her, “Some people are masters of disguise. It’s not your fault, or Lexi’s It’s Nick who’s to blame, and his parents who failed to teach him right from wrong.”
Haley wiped away tears and said, “All we hope for now is that Lexi wakes up soon.”
“Lexi will wake up,” Estrella assured her. “And she’s young. She has her whole life ahead of her.”
“If it weren’t for you exposing that Nick, Lexi would still be suffering,” Haley said with gratitude.
Estrella gently patted Haley’s arm, signaling her not to be too distressed.
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After sitting with Lexi’s parents for a while, Estrella checked the time and decided to leave. Zoey accompanied her to the hospital lobby, showering Estrella with thanks and sharing how her perspective on love and marriage had changed. She no longer saw marriage in her future. Caring for her parents and sister was her priority.
Estrella replied, “If you can’t meet the right person, marriage indeed doesn’t hold much
meaning.”
Marriage was something Estrella had come to understand well-full of petty squabbles and heartaches. Without proper communication and mutual respect, it was better to remain single.
As Estrella finished speaking, her phone in her pocket rang. It was from Jason.
“Where are you?” Jason asked when she answered.
“At the hospital.”
“I’ll come pick you up.”
“Okay.”
After hanging up, Zoey inquired with a hint of teasing, “Estrella, have you got a boyfriend?” Estrella tucked her hands into the pockets of her coat, grinning as she announced, “I got married. Got the license two years ago, but never had the big reception.”
Zoey tensed up immediately. “Estrella, does your husband treat you well?” Having just witnessed her sister’s tumultuous marriage, the mere mention of the word ‘marriage’ triggered an almost visceral fear in Zoey.
Estrella turned to look at her, offering a wry smile. “He’s alright.” Estrella didn’t want to delve too much into her life with Jason, afraid that any detail might feed Zoey’s phobia of matrimony even further.
When Zoey walked Estrella to the hospital entrance, Jason’s car pulled up just in tim After a brief goodbye, Estrella hopped into the vehicle. As they drove away, Jason glanced at her and asked, “You won the case and you’re still not happy?”
Estrella’s smile was tinged with bitterness. “Winning? It’s not about winning. The day women are no longer victims of domestic abuse, when they’re truly respected and treate as equals that will be a real victory.”
Nick’s crimes of domestic violence and attempted murder warranted today’s verdict. And with Lexi still unconscious in the hospital, there was no real sense of triumph.
Jason squeezed Estrella’s hand, his gesture heavy with unspoken remorse. That time, he shouldn’t have lost control and slapped her.
Feeling the weight of Jason’s grip, Estrella knew he was recalling something regretful. She
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turned to face him and asked, “Jason, what would you have done if Holly hadn’t died?”