The news anchor's voice faded into background chatter, replaced by images of Damien's parents shielding their faces from cameras as they entered the courthouse. Commentators speculated on what this meant for the family's reputation and the hotel's investors.
Jossy pressed the laptop closed. Her throat felt tight, her chest heavy. Even with the outcome in her favor, it didn't feel like a victory. It only reminded her that the nightmare was far from over and that the world still expected her to step into the spotlight and confirm the whispers.
***
A month went by in the blink of an eye. Jossy still lived at Bel air with Noah's parents, who had been endlessly kind and treated her like their own daughter. Noah came by often, checking on her, and bringing work updates. Over time, a comfortable friendship grew between them ,one built on trust, shared silences, and the knowledge of what she had endured.
Jossy couldn't ignore the way Noah's gaze lingered whenever they spoke. She had long suspected he liked her, but she wasn't ready to face that yet. She had survived the storm, and for now, she was focused on reclaiming herself.
***
The morning of the court hearing arrived, and the city was full of anticipation. Damien Rothwell, the once proud heir to a high profile hotel empire, was now facing physical and sexual assault charges. Media vans lined the streets outside the courthouse, microphones and cameras capturing every movement. Jossy, escorted by her lawyer, her parents, and Hazel for support, felt her heart beat hard as she approached the entrance.
Inside, the courtroom was packed. The judge called the session to order, and Damien, sharply dressed but visibly tense, sat surrounded by his attorneys. His parents were there too, faces full of worry.
Jossy, calm but resolute, took her seat next to her lawyers. Every whisper ,every flash of a camera reminded her of the years she had survived, the pain, the fear, and the courage it had taken to get here.