Chapter 9 - THE VERDICT
The sequestered jury deliberated for less than three incredibly tense, agonizing hours.
The heavy tension in the crowded courtroom was so incredibly thick it felt physically hard to breathe when the bailiff announced their return.
David stared blankly at the scuffed wooden floor, completely resigned to the dark, inescapable fate he had brought upon himself.
Sarah was still frantically muttering to herself, desperately trying to play the insanity card at the absolute last possible minute.
The judge adjusted his glasses and formally asked the nervous jury foreman to read the final, binding verdict to the court.
"On the severe charge of criminal conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, we find both defendants absolutely guilty," the foreman read clearly.
"On the charge of attempted murder in the first degree, we find the defendants guilty."
"On the final charge of massive corporate and life insurance fraud, we find the defendants guilty."
Sarah collapsed completely over the defense table, loudly sobbing as she had to be physically held upright by two armed bailiffs.
The seasoned judge did not show even a single ounce of mercy or sympathy during the formal sentencing phase.
"You are both hereby sentenced to life in a maximum-security prison without the possibility of parole for the rest of your natural lives," the judge declared loudly.
"You are vile, soulless monsters who betrayed the most sacred, fundamental bond of parenthood for sheer financial greed."
The heavy wooden gavel slammed down with a resounding crack, permanently signaling the end of the darkest chapter of Maya's entire life.
As they were being forcefully led away in heavy iron chains, Sarah turned her head to look wildly at Maya one last time.
"I gave birth to you, I am still your mother!" she screamed hysterically, fighting against the guards holding her arms.
Maya did not flinch, nor did she shed a single tear for the pathetic woman being dragged away.
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"My mother died the exact moment she locked that attic door and left me to burn," Maya replied coldly, her voice devoid of any emotion.
She turned her back on her screaming parents and confidently walked out of the heavy courtroom doors into the bright, warm sunlight.
