Karma.
The world finally knows of my identity. I put my arm on top my head shielding my face as we walk up to the courtroom. Todays is the judgement and i can’t wait to see Cassandra’s face when her sentence is read to her.
The courtroom is abuzz with anticipation as we make our way to our seats. I keep my head down, my heart pounding in my chest, and my mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Today is the day that Cassandra’s fate will be decided, and the weight of all that has transpired hangs heavily in the air.
I steal a glance at Christian, walking beside me with Luna in tow. She insisted on being here, convinced that if her mother saw her seated across the room, Cassandra might finally understand the magnitude of her actions. Luna’s anger is palpable; she spent her entire life believing her father was a monster, only to discover the truth.
The courtroom is hushed as we take our seats, and I can feel the eyes of the spectators on me, their curiosity piqued by the enigmatic figure they once believed was dead. I keep my composure, my identity no longer a secret, and my purpose clear—to see justice served.
Cassandra’s lawyer argues passionately for her innocence, but the evidence against her is overwhelming. The walls she built around her empire have crumbled, and the truth has emerged, piece by damning piece.
Finally, it’s time for the judgment. The room falls into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of the judge clearing his throat. Cassandra stands, her face a mask of defiance.
“The court finds you, Cassandra,” the judge begins, his voice unwavering, “guilty of the charges brought against you.”
A gasp ripples through the courtroom, and I can’t help but glance at Cassandra. Her composure cracks for just a moment, a flicker of desperation in her eyes.
The judge continues, listing the charges and the corresponding sentences. As each one is read, the weight of Cassandra’s actions becomes more apparent. She will pay for the pain and suffering she’s caused.
Luna stares at her mother, her eyes filled with a complex mix of anger and sadness. It’s a harsh reality to see someone you once loved and trusted facing the consequences of their actions.
The sentence is finally announced, and Cassandra’s defiance crumbles. “Cassandra, you are hereby sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.”
The courtroom erupts into a mix of relief and shock. Justice has been served, and Cassandra’s reign of terror has come to an end. I can’t help but feel a sense of closure, a chapter of my life coming to a long-awaited conclusion.
As Cassandra is led away in handcuffs, her once-confident stride reduced to a slow shuffle, I turn to Christian. He’s watching Luna, his face etched with concern. It’s time for us to move forward, to heal the wounds that Cassandra’s actions inflicted on our lives.
“Luna,” Christian says softly, “I know this is all a lot to take in, but I want you to know that I’m here for you, always.”
Luna looks up at her father, tears welling in her eyes. “I know, Dad.”
Christian reaches out and embraces his daughter, their tears mingling as they hold each other close. It’s a poignant moment, a step toward rebuilding the fractured bond between them.
I look over at Luna’s father, he looks away when our eyes meet. He wasn’t spared either. He is on probation too and did say he wants to do better for his daughter.
He finally decides to walk over to us. He seems anxious.
“Luna?” He says and she turns to him.
She seems hesitant, then smiles.
“I wanted to have some lunch, i would love to have your company.” He asks.
She looks up at Christian and he nods as a go ahead. We watch them leave and then we too exit the courtroom, the weight of the past begins to lift, replaced by a glimmer of hope for the future. The truth has been revealed, justice has been served, and now, we can finally begin to move forward. Just Katerina and not Karma.
A smile tugs at the corners of Christian’s lips as he turns to me. “Karma,” he says, his voice filled with sarca, “thank you for everything you’ve done. Would you… would you like to go out for a coffee, maybe dinner? Just the two of us?”
I meet his gaze, and for the first time, I allow myself to hope for something more—a future free from the shadows of our past. “I’d like that, Christian,” I say, returning his smile. “I’d like that very much.”
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