Chapter 19 - The Final Verdict
Later that week, Vivienne’s criminal trial finally came to a close.
Harrison and I sat in the front row of the courtroom, holding Maya’s hands.
Vivienne looked pale and haggard in her orange prison jumpsuit.
The judge slammed his gavel down, sentencing her to five years in a federal penitentiary without the possibility of early parole.
She didn't even look back as the bailiff led her away in chains.
A massive weight lifted off our shoulders.
The nightmare was permanently over.
We walked out of the courthouse into the bright California sunshine.
Paparazzi snapped photos, but Harrison didn't try to hide us.
He proudly put one arm around Maya, and to my absolute shock, he wrapped his other arm around my waist.
He pulled me close against his side, presenting us to the world as a united front.
“Let’s go home,” Harrison whispered in my ear.
I leaned into his chest, feeling a profound sense of peace.
My sister was officially in remission as of yesterday morning.
May you like
Maya was chattering happily about getting ice cream on the way back.
Everything had fallen perfectly into place.
