Crimson knew that the day would be as busy, if not busier, than Emanuele's trial, but even so, she could not contain her surprised expression as she saw the number of people sitting in their seats, anxiously awaiting the start of the session.For security reasons, only those directly involved in Emanuele's case were allowed in, with the exception of the streaming service's employees. However, Sarah's trial was open to more people, mainly important legal members who were actively involved in stopping Laketown's corruption schemes.That was being the crime of the century. Many doctors and policemen were being investigated, and whole families were being discovered to be fraudsters. No one would ever forget the proportions that this veritable wave of terror had caused in that and other cities.The delegate now looked at the defendant, who was standing in the corridor, duly escorted by two agents. Despite her frown and scowl, she did not exhibit violent behavior, but it was better not to r
The first thing Emanuele noticed when she finally arrived at the courthouse was the number of people. She didn't bother to count, but just a quick glance among those present revealed that there were at least fifty people. Most of them wore imposing clothes, such as expensive suits and designer socialwear. Everyone was complacent, serious, and stiff.Joshua and the girl soon sat down. Her hands were cold and trembling, and Joshua intertwined his fingers in hers, doing what he could to give her firmness and assurance."All rise to greet the Honorable Judge Donovan Rincon."The man who entered was almost as old as the judge responsible for Emanuele's trial himself. As soon as he took his customary seat, everyone returned to their seats.And then they brought in the defendant. Sarah.Emanuele's twin was bright eyed with crying, which immediately impacted her. The last time they had spoken was on that brief visit, and the only thing that had implied tears was the mention of their father.
Emanuele needs to be physically restrained by three police officers, while five others make a wall of protection in front of Sarah."Don't do this to her! Don't kill my sister!" she gasps, her own voice failing and hurting her own ears. Tears stream down her face.Joshua quickly tries to make Emanuele come to her senses. He places both hands on the young woman's tanned face:"Hey. Hey, look at me.""LET GO OF ME, JOSHUA!""Emanuele, please calm down and listen to what I have to say.""No! I don't want to hear anything from anyone, I just want to save my sister's life!"Joshua carefully squeezes Emanuele's shoulders and tries to bring her closer to him. He knew she was going through a difficult time and needed someone she could trust and lean on."I know, I know you want to save her, but you need to calm down. Please listen to me. You might end up getting sick again, or even taken away by these policemen. I am here. Look at me."Emanuele looks into Joshua's eyes, trying to find an answ
Emanuele could neither sleep nor eat properly in the days that followed.All the girl could do, and at the massive insistence of Joshua who took care of her whenever he could, was to take a few naps and, very begrudgingly, put food in her stomach. He always tried to be as close as possible, even though he needed to work.With the insurance money, Joshua was able to recover almost nothing from the old apartment, so he opted to buy new furniture and decorate Alexandra's apartment, or rather his apartment. Doing this, however, seemed pointless and even disrespectful, since the present moment was one of mourning, not of celebration.When the man apologized for his attitude, Emanuele just shrugged and continued to stare at some fixed point on the wall.They did not sleep together. Each stayed in his own room most of the time. Joshua tried to get close to her physically, but he was content to give her a respectful cuddle and caress to comfort her. It was not the time for them to get close l
The next day dawned gray, cold and absolutely silent.Of course, cars were still passing by, people were leaving their homes to go to work, and children were going to school. But the noise present, that typical sound that Emanuele's ears were used to, could not penetrate the enormous bubble of silence that surrounded her.The call from the delegate the day before was an answer she had been begging to receive, but now that she knew that her sister's last wish was to see her, an unbearable weight had taken over her heart. Sarah was going to die. And all they had together were brief, monitored, timed conversations.Emanuele looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a black overcoat and pants of the same color, as well as dark boots. Her dyed red hair was tied up in a tight bun, and no matter how hard she tried to disguise her swollen face, red from crying with makeup, it was still obvious to anyone paying a little more attention. Joshua appeared in the doorway, wearing dark soci
Joshua immediately embraces Emanuele as soon as she, still very tearful and emotional, leaves the room where Sarah is being held. She clings to the man's clothes, sobbing terribly. Her eyes are swollen and red. "I am here," he murmurs. "I'm right here, my love." The girl can barely respond or say anything. A man wearing religious robes appears. He is middle-aged and wears thick-rimmed glasses. In his hand is a Bible. The man's voice is patient and docile, and he uses all his politeness as he approaches Emanuele. "May God's infinite mercy soothe your heart, child. I am so sorry for your loss." Apparently, the priest was already very well informed of the situation. The girl does not respond, only sinks even deeper into the chest of Joshua, who makes no mention of letting go. The policeman in charge of Sarah's surveillance accompanies the religious man. That was the protocol. Before being formally executed, Sarah would have the right to console herself and at least try to ensure a se
The winter dawn is cold.A month has passed since Emanuele saw her sister die. One month, and even then, the memory was still latent and terrible.The girl had already been to therapy, but the nightmares continued to torment her. Joshua didn't know what to do anymore, since every night at two o'clock in the morning the girl's terrified screams woke him up.The teacher got out of his own bed in the dim light. The clock on his cell phone said it was one hour and fifty minutes, that is, ten minutes before the nightmares began.Standing up, taking care not to make any excessive noise, Joshua opened the door to his room, going towards Emanuele's door.But the door was open.Frowning, the man approaches the room. Her bed is empty.Still not making hasty decisions, Joshua goes to the living room, equally empty. His heart only slows down when he sees the girl sitting at the table, drinking a glass of water. She watches him without saying anything, then goes back to sipping the liquid.Slowly
As soon as he closes the door, Joshua gives warm, soft kisses on the sensitive skin of Emanuele's neck. The man sighs, almost intoxicated with passion, and murmurs:"I love the way you smell."With all the delicacy and romance in the world, Joshua props the redhead's torso on the bed, leaving her legs and feet touching the floor. He caresses her over her clothes. Emanuele moans."The last time we were together like this, I gave only a demonstration of what might come next. Remember?"He stimulates her further with the tip of his thumb, in subtle, gentle circular motions. "Those were the words of a man overcome with desire, and even lust, if I am willing to admit it. Today I may again have those feelings in my body, but... there is a difference. Now I am sure that I love you."Still with his thumb on Emanuele's clit, Joshua kisses her eagerly; the movement of his tongue is smooth and warm. Murmurs come out of her throat, as if the teacher is delighting in that moment.Emanuele's hands