Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

The court session resumed at 3:00 pm sharp.

The entire session was still being live-streamed. Everyone was now familiar with the presiding judge, the prosecutor, the plaintiff, and the defendant.

In the morning, the public gallery was packed to the brim. Now, it was just Alyssa, Jasper, and their family and friends. The quietness was chilling.

None of the other Becketts were present. Even Sophia's daughter, Betty, was too embarrassed to attend the session.

Sophia and Jeffrey walked out one after another. Their hands were cuffed. Once again, they were led to their respective seats in humiliation.

Metal railings separated Sophia and the rest of the courtroom. Her hair was in disarray. She was expressionless. She scanned the gallery with a blank look in her eyes.

She observed that only the Taylor family remained. A twisted expression took over her face, and she couldn't help herself and burst out laughing.

Steven frowned. He tapped the gavel. He coldly instructed, "Please be quiet, defendant!"

his composure. His face was rigid, as if a light touch might shatter

he

as they proceeded to the plaintiff's

her to get through the tumultuous session in the morning. She barely had anything to eat at

the court's final verdict on both Sophia and

for this hearing day and night. He swore to be in his

insufficient to rely on his capabilities. This time, Alyssa and Jasper had helped to strategize. Other than that, Silas had helped to turn the tide. Sophia wouldn't have confessed to her crime in court if it weren't for

that Steven now looked slightly different than when they were in the

the public, he was someone who paid attention

moments of gravity and significance, treating it as a

The room was silent.

his face. He lifted the written verdict with his hands. He read it out in a clear and strong voice, "I hereby announce the verdict on