Outside the courthouse, the media erupted, headlines flashed across every media network.
"Damien Rothwell Found Guilty of Assaulting Wife"
"High Profile Heir Convicted in Shocking Case"
"Jossy Harrison: Courage and Justice Prevail"
Analysts dissected every piece of evidence, every testimony, and every detail of the trial that had brought this moment to life.
Jossy remained seated, tears drying on her cheeks. She thought of the years she had spent hiding, planning, and surviving, and she felt seen. The court had acknowledged her pain, her truth, and her resilience.
Noah whispered softly, "It's over, Jossy. You did it."
***
A few days later, Jossy was back in court, by her side, the usual support system..Noah, Hazel, and her parents.
The judge looked down as he read out loud. "Damien Rothwell, for the repeated physical and sexual assault of your spouse, you are hereby sentenced to fourteen years in state prison without the possibility of parole."
Jossy exhaled, tears slipping down her cheeks as Noah gently held her hand. It was finally over!
That evening, the Lennox estate was filled with celebration. Jossy, Hazel, Noah, and Jossy's parents joined Mr. and Mrs. Lennox to mark the end of a harrowing chapter for Jossy. Laughter and soft music floated through the rooms, and there was an undercurrent of relief that made the night feel profoundly significant for each of them. They were all invested in the trial, and were happy to put that chapter of their lives behind them.
After dinner, as dessert was being served, Jossy cleared her throat. "I've made a decision," she said, her voice sure but soft. "I'm going to move back to Alpine for now. I need a break from LA, so I'll live with my parents for a while."