Xavier~
"My lord, my client did not pressure John to enter a relationship with him; John was willingly involved with Victor." I began my argument to defend Victor in the courtroom after the court session began.
I was so nervous while leaving the house, and now, in the absence of Bella, I feel helpless. My dad's doubt-filled gaze still haunts me, as if he is trying to mock me for showing the confidence that I will defend Victor.
"Xavier, the court is not focused on accusations alone; it requires proof, so please present your evidence to the court." Jorawar Uncle mocked me. He observed my nervousness and exploited it to heighten my anxiety.I discovered some evidence, but my nervousness prevented me from properly presenting it in court.
The ongoing argument in the court is not fully occupying my mind. Rather, I have many questions and doubts running through my head. I feel uncomfortable arguing with my uncle to defend my younger brother. Jorawar Uncle holds a special place in my heart, and I don't want to humiliate him in court by launching a counterattack.In the past, my profession consumed so much of my attention that I failed to recognize the value of my relationships, but now, I have placed such a high value on them that I no longer desire to engage in this case.
"Given the lack of evidence supporting Xavier Thompson's brother's involvement in this case, I respectfully request that you penalize Victor Thompson for his harassment of John Woods." When I heard Uncle Jorawar's stirring words, my brow began to perspire.
Dad was right; I am a failure. When I saw Victor standing in the culprit box, I bowed my head in defeat.
"Xavier, do you have anything else to defend your brother?" The judge questioned me before giving his verdict on the case.
"I have evidence, my Lord; however, I require some time to prepare, as I am currently experiencing anxiety." I was honest with him about how I was feeling at the time.
"Okay, after lunch, the court session will resume." I sighed in relief when the judge accepted my request.
Uncle Jorawar made fun of me for squandering his time in court, but I chose to ignore him and started going over the paperwork once again to get ready for the hearing.
"Are you okay, Xavier?" I heard Bella's concerned voice and turned to look at her beautiful presence. I feel more confident just by being around her. In the scorching desert, she felt like a drop of water.
"Bella, I can't do it; I already told you that I don't have the confidence to stand against Uncle Jorawar." To relieve the pressure that was growing inside of me, I gave her a firm hug.
"It's fine, Xavier; we all have blocks and fears." She consoled me by giving me a back pat.
"But Victor? His life is at stake this time; this is not a regulated case." After inhaling her soothing strawberry scent, I raised my head from her neck's crook.
"That's why I choose you to defend him because no one can defend him in a better way than you." She tried to encourage me once more while holding my hand.
"I am scared of losing to Uncle Jorawar. He is a skilled and accomplished attorney. A failure like me can not face him." I questioned her, feeling uncertain about my worth.
"Derrick was skilled and experienced, but do you know why I was able to defend you?" She paused and looked deep into my eyes. "I never consider what I will do if I lose this case since my entire emphasis is on winning that one. Use your inner strength to push your negative thoughts out of your head, Xavier." Her inspiration had a magical effect on me, making me feel less nervous.
Victor chimed in, his voice steady. "Xavier, I remember a time when you were the most fearless lawyer I knew. You argued cases with such passion, such brilliance. Where has that fire gone?" His words pulled at the edges of my doubt, stirring a faint spark of something I hadn't felt in a long time—hope.
"How is your hearing in court?" Victor questioned her.
"Oh, it's as usual; I won the case." She shrugged her shoulders, as it had become her habit to win every case.
I wish I had her level of confidence.
"Let's have lunch now." After checking her wristwatch, she motioned for us to all head to the cafeteria. Bella's pleasing presence made me completely forget about my anxiety. Victor and I had a peaceful lunch with her.
"Xavier, are you enjoying losing this case with your family?" I had to turn to face Uncle Jorawar after hearing his mocking words.
"Uncle, please join us." I stood from my chair in his respect and gestured to him to join us.
"Huh. Do you think I came here to join you for lunch? I'm not going to be kind to you this time, so I've come here to urge you to prepare for the post-lunch court session." After giving me a hostile glance, he walked out of the cafeteria. Hearing his warning made me even more tense.
"Xavier relax; you don't need to be afraid of his threats." Bella put her hand on my palm to reassure me once more.
"Are you leaving now?" I gazed at her with a hopeful expression. She felt like a parched leaf floating in the river, keeping me from going under.
"Yes, I have some important work. I will see you at home." After giving a nod, she started to walk out of the cafeteria.
"Bella, please don't leave; I need your presence in the courtroom." I grabbed her hand and begged her.
"Okay." With a sigh, she motioned for me to proceed to the courtroom.She didn't appear happy with me in the courtroom, but for a while, I became self-centered and used her presence to boost my confidence, ignoring her disapproving glances. Her presence acted as a catalyst to boost my confidence, enabling me to argue with Uncle Jorawar with full confidence.
Even though Uncle Jorawar's facts and arguments are stronger and more persuasive, I am still satisfied with how I performed in court.
"My lord, my client is a well-known musician, and it's fairly typical for someone to use his name to gain fame. Before he deceived Victor Thompson into falling in love, John Woods was an ordinary man unknown to anyone. Now, he has become a sensational headline on every news channel. John Woods rose to fame without exerting much effort to showcase his talent, and now, many other musicians are eager to collaborate with him. I believe that John Woods is merely using this as a ploy to establish his name and fame."
The courtroom fell silent after hearing my argument. When Victor had finished listening to me, his eyes were filled with confidence. Uncle Jorawar was also slightly taken aback by my confidence.
"My lord, please allow me to interrogate John Woods by calling him into the witness box," I asked for the judge's permission.
"Permission has been granted; however, because it is already court closing time, we will move forward with this case at the next hearing. We have adjourned the court until the 17th." The judge left the courtroom after banging on his table.
After regaining some of my lost confidence, I experienced an odd feeling of relief.
"I'm proud of you, Xavier." As soon as everyone had left the courtroom, Bella gave me a joyful embrace.When we emerged from the courtroom, I noticed a familiar car following us on our way back home. When I noticed Jordan Lucas following us, I pulled over on the side of the road.
"What did you expect from us now?" When he saw me waiting for him on the roadside, he got out of his car, and I clenched my jaw to control my frustration.