"Noah Lennox, please tell the court about your interaction with the victim."
Noah's voice was calm. "She reached out to me when she was in danger. I provided assistance so she could safely leave her apartment and receive medical care. I've known her since college."
The defense attorney began the cross-examination, aiming to cast doubt about the relationship between Noah and Jossy.
"Mr. Lennox," the attorney said, "is it true you liked Ms. Harrison back in college?"
Noah nodded carefully. "Yes, I liked her, even before Damien asked her out. But I stepped aside when Damien asked her out. I never interfered with their relationship and i never saw or talked to her for two years."
The defense leaned forward. "And yet you've been seen meeting her recently. At a gala and in your office. Doesn't that suggest your interest continues?"
Noah shook his head firmly. "The meeting at the gala was a coincidence and I only met her at my office, with two of my employees, because she needed help. I've been concerned for her safety and wellbeing, that's all."
The defense tried again, probing gently, "So you admit you're emotionally invested?"
Noah paused, choosing his words. "Concern for someone's safety is basic human decency. It's responsibility and care."
As Jossy sat in there, she listened carefully to Noah. She hadn't realized, back in college, that Noah liked her. At the time, he was simply Damien's friend.
Now, watching him on the witness stand, explaining every interaction with her so carefully, she understood the depth of his integrity. He hadn't pursued her, even when he could have; he had waited, stepped aside when Damien entered her life, and only resurfaced when she needed him. The revelation was both humbling and comforting.
Her eyes followed him as he recounted that night at her apartment.
By end of the week, it was Jossy's turn to testify.