Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Lily

The courtroom was cold. Not from the temperature, but from everything that had happened.

This was the fifth hearing. The fifth time we had sat here, listening, waiting, hoping for justice. But no matter how many times I heard Clover's name, no matter how many times I saw him sitting there at the defendant's table, it never got easier.

Clover Maddox had already served his time for murder. He had spent years in prison for taking Ryan's grandmother from him. And now, here he was again this time for something even worse. He hadn't just hurt one person. He had tried to take our sons. Our babies.

Ryan sat beside me, his jaw tight, his hands curled into fists on his lap. I reached over, slipping my fingers through his, silently reminding him that I was here. That we were in this together. His grip was strong, almost desperate, but I didn't let go.

Sarah sat on Ryan's other side, her face pale, her shoulders stiff. She had lost too much already. First her mother, then her husband. Now she was here again, forced to relive another nightmare.

The judge entered, and the room fell silent.

"This court is now in session for the fifth hearing in the case of Clover Maddox, charged with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder."

The words sent a chill down my spine. I had heard them before, but they never lost their impact.

expression was blank, but I knew

hearings has been clear. The defendant, Clover Maddox, not only aided in the abduction of Ethan, Liam and Noah Williams but did so with full intent to end their lives. His prior criminal record speaks for itself. He is a repeat offender, a man who has already taken one life and was released back into society, only to commit another heinous crime. The prosecution firmly stands by the request for the maximum sentence." Clover's lawyer, a tall, thin man with graying hair, stood next. "Your Honor, my client has already paid his debt to society for past crimes. While the accusations against him are severe, I ask the court to consider that there was no actual harm done to the children in question. They were found unharmed,

second to realize it was Ryan, laughing under his breath. But there was no humor in it.

voice was low, dangerous. I squeezed his hand, silently pleading with him to stay calm, but his fury

William, please remain silent or I will ask for order in

clenched his jaw and

Clover. "Mr. Maddox, do you have anything to say before

looked up. His eyes found mine first, then Ryan's. A slow smirk curled at the corner of his lips.

this ends." Content below

twisted. He wasn't scared. He wasn't remorseful. He was

"Then I will proceed with sentencing."

let this

of the evidence

the crimes committed, this court hereby sentences Clover Maddox to life in prison without

a breath I didn't even realize I had