THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 428: The Trial 1

The following morning, before 10am, Lauren was headed to the courthouse in her brother Killian’s car.

Steffan was to meet her there since he was still pretending to be Dolly’s husband who still can’t remember anything.

When she thought of the drama that was about to unfold in court today, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

"And what’s so funny, sis?"

"Nothing."

Killian raised an eyebrow. "You seem to be behaving quite weirdly since that boyfriend of yours returned from the land of the dead."

"Fiancé, Killian and you know better than I whether he was dead or not," Lauren spat back. She pouted and yanked her head to look at the bustling city life through the window instead of her annoying brother’s face.

"Killian, you don’t have to always say such things about your brother-in-law. Your sister clearly doesn’t like it."

"Mom, they’re not married until married," Killian repeated what he’d said to Lauren some days back.

William glanced briefly at his son who was clearly looking for trouble with his sister but before he could intervene, his wife beat him to it.

If one didn’t know they’d think he hated his sister’s fiancée.

"Whatever. But you sure do have some nerves to come up with that," Monica smirked. "Weren’t you cohabiting with your wife for close to a year before you decided to finally tie the knots? Where was this philosophy of yours then?"

"You ain’t serious, mom, are you?" Lauren asked animatedly as she turned her attention back to her brother who was looking like someone who had just eaten sour grapes.

"Of course, I am, sweetheart. I never mentioned it all these while because I didn’t see the need to. You only came back few days to their wedding so you didn’t know about that," Monica revealed.

Killian wished he hadn’t attacked in the first place. Now it has backfired. But why would his mother taint the perfect elder brother image he’d painstakingly built for his kid sister all these years? Can’t she just... mind her business and leave them to their harmless siblings’ banter?

"Is this what we should be talking about right now instead of concentrating on the court case?" Killian asked.

"Cheryl’s got everything all set. We’re only going because we just need to put up an appearance," Lauren said. "So mom, you were saying..."

Killian released a helpless sigh. There was no way he was going to escape this duo today, just when he thought of pretending to be deaf and dumb, the courthouse came into view as he turned the corner.

Perfect timing. He never knew he had so much love for this court house the way he did now. "We’re finally here, guys," he announced with such enthusiasm that not only Lauren and Monica, but also William Holmes, their father burst out laughing.

"This is it not over yet," Lauren said as her eyes scanned the entrance to see Steffan’s family car also pulling up at the car park.

"They met Cheryl at the entrance of the building who was already talking with Steffan’s family and they all walked in together.

Steffan lingered behind until he saw the police van that brought Dolly from the police station before walking inside.

Benita’s family were already seated in the courtroom when the rest of the people arrived.

Steffan, now seated beside his parents, maintained a stoic expression and merely glanced at Dolly who was being escorted into the courtroom by two officers.

Dolly, who was being led to her seat, scanned the room but her usual aura of haughtiness was completely gone as her gaze lingered on Steffan for a moment before flicking away.

However, she looked calm, almost too calm, as if she was certain of something the rest of them weren’t aware of.

The sight made Lauren’s stomach churn, though she forced herself to stay composed. She’d see how long she would keep up that false calm.

Across the aisle, she caught Benita’s eyes fixed on Dolly as she took her seat not far from where she was and Lauren could literally hear her prayers for the truth that will finally set her free to be revealed today.

Not long after the judge was announced and the court session began.

The judge took his seat, and the bailiff’s voice rang out, "This court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Hamilton presiding."

Judge Hamilton, a stern figure with years of experience, adjusted his glasses as he glanced at the documents in front of him.

"Today’s case concerns the charges against Dr Dolly Thompson for deceit, kidnapping, and her connection to an attempted murder involving a firearm at the wedding of Dr Steffan Rosse and Ms Lauren Holmes. Prosecution, you may begin."

Cheryl rose from her seat and addressed the court.

"Your Honor, today we present evidence that Dr Dolly Thompson not only deceived Dr Steffan Rosse into believing she was his wife, taking advantage of his vulnerable state during his amnesia to unlawfully imprison him in her apartment, but also that she orchestrated a scheme to kidnap him. More disturbingly, we will also show that she was directly involved in the events leading to the gunshot fired at Dr Rosse and Ms Holmes’s wedding eleven months ago, which nearly resulted in the death of Dr Steffan Rosse. Although Benita Dawson pulled the trigger, we will establish that it was not her intention to kill but was under the manipulations of Dr Dolly Thompson."

As Cheryl presented the case, Lauren stared at her with deep admiration and was grateful that they had her on their side.

However, Dolly sat unphased, occasionally whispering something to her lawyer and Lauren couldn’t tell if it was confidence or delusion keeping Dolly so calm.

The room was very quiet as Cheryl continued. "We will prove, without a shadow of doubt, that Dr Thompson planned the entire scheme with the help of her associates. She manipulated Benita’s actions by secretly loading her empty gun with a bullet."

Dolly was called to the state and asked to declare if she was guilty or not.

"Not guilty," Dolly pleaded as previously instructed by her lawyer. She was asked to step down afterwards, her defense attorney was called.

Mr Callahan, whom Dolly had hired, rose to his feet. He was a shrewd-looking man with sharp eyes and heavy brows which would have looked much better sitting above a gorilla’s eyes.

"Your Honor," he began, "the defense will demonstrate that my client, Dr Dolly Thompson, had no part in the alleged kidnapping or attempted murder. While it is true that she lived with a friend during the time in question, there is no evidence connecting her to the gun or the events at the wedding. As for the so-called kidnapping, Dr Rosse willingly decided to live with her after his injury. Dr Thompson simply cared for him as any loving wife would, nothing more."

The judge nodded. "Very well, let’s proceed with the evidence."

Cheryl stood once more. "I would like to call the first witness, Benita Dawson."

Benita turned an anxious eye on her mother, who nodded at her reassuringly and encouraged her to go on.

Taking a deep breath, Benita rose and moved to the witness box. The bailiff stepped forward to administer the oath.