Chapter 18 - THE VERDICT
The verdict came nearly a year after the engagement party.
Sabrina was convicted on multiple counts.
Julian was convicted as well.
The judge described their actions as a calculated attempt to exploit a vulnerable child for financial control.
Sabrina received a lengthy prison sentence.
Julian received an even longer sentence because evidence showed he had helped coordinate the financial side of the scheme.
When the judge finished reading the decision, Ethan closed his eyes.
It was over.
But Lily was not in the courtroom.
Ethan had refused to let her hear the details.
Outside, Grace stood beside him.
“Do you feel better?”
He thought about it.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because prison doesn't undo what happened to her.”
Grace nodded.
“But it prevents them from doing it again.”
Ethan looked at her.
“That matters.”
“Yes.”
They drove home.
Lily was waiting in the garden.
She ran toward Ethan.
“Uncle Ethan!”
He lifted her into his arms.
She asked:
“Is it finished?”
He knew what she meant.
“Yes.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
Then she asked:
“Can we get ice cream?”
Ethan laughed.
“Yes.”
Grace shook her head.
“Chocolate.”
Lily smiled.
“Chocolate.”
May you like
For the first time, justice and ordinary life existed in the same sentence.
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