ASTHERIEN'S POV :-
It's the second hearing today. What's going to happen?
Never mind. Let's just see.
We were in the courtroom.
Waiting for the judge.
Since morning, he had seemed a little off.
I was shaking my legs without even realizing it.
Today, Jaff was here too.
He finally got time for this.
The judge entered. Everyone stood up in respect.
My jaw tightened as statements were being exchanged, from our side, from the opposition.
My fist clenched.
"Your honour! As for the proof, I would like to submit this report. This claims that a loan was taken. It wasn't an investment."
The lawyer said, handing the file to the judge.
Where did they get this file?
I looked at him for the answer, he just gave a smile instead.
Like he knew something.
I couldn't ask him that time, but nevermind, unless we have it, why do we have to find the source?
Both lawyers shot sharp glares at each other.
The atmosphere shifted instantly, tense, heavy, as the defendant's lawyer began cross questioning.
"Lawyer Cha! The documents aren't complete. There may be records of a loan, but there is no record of it being returned."
Just then, to strengthen their side, they submitted another file.
My grip on his hand tightened.
He looked at me. That look. I knew exactly what it meant.
He had hope, but not proof.
"Your honour! These are the files that claim it was an investment, with clear signatures of Mr. and Mrs. Flynn."
He said, tapping the table firmly.
In the middle of the heated argument, my eyes drifted toward him.
I could feel what he was feeling.
He stayed calm. Controlled. No reaction showing.
Just behind him, in a far row, sat that man... Loris.
Cold. Calm. Like nothing happening here even mattered to him.
Huh. After everything he did, he still had the audacity to sit there like that?
I closed my eyes for a second, just to steady myself.
More arguments followed, more facts thrown in, but still no conclusion.
"Your honour! This can't be the record! The agreement was signed years ago! And this print is new! How are we supposed to accept this as a real document?"
Lawyer Cha said, looking up sharply.
The judge gave a simple nod. Kai didn't react.
But the relief on his face said everything.
A new hope had risen.
The next date was announced.
While leaving the courtroom, Kai went to talk to Mr. Cha.
It was taking too long, so he asked Jaff to drop me off.
Well… I could go myself too.
It had been a while since I talked to him properly. So going with him felt a bit awkward.
We were in the car. I was looking out the window.
Soft music played.
Even though it was calm and steady, it still irritated me.
I asked the driver to turn it off.
It had already been more than 15 minutes. Neither of us had spoken.
The silence was awkward. Someone please just get me home.
I had rehearsals today.
After court, I was planning to go straight there.
"Umm… it's been a while," he finally said.
"Yeah… a long time actually."
I shifted my gaze back to the window.
"So… what do you think?" he asked.
I turned to him.
"About what?" I asked, confused.
"The case? Do you think you're going to win?" he asked.
How is that even a question? As long as we have faith in ourselves, why would I even think like that?
"Let's not talk about that when we're not even near a conclusion," I said.
"But still… you and Kai-" he stopped mid-sentence.
"Me and him what?" I asked.
What is he even trying to say?
"Are you guys close now?" he asked directly.
Why does he need to know that?
"Umm… a little? I mean, close enough to trust each other…"
"Just close? Or…"
"Whatever!" I cut in quickly, trying to shift the topic.
I didn't want to talk about it. Not until the case is over.
Yeah, we are close. Maybe more than close?
And especially that night… we cried together. We figured things out together.
And now he's there-to protect me, his family, his own worth.
I'm trying my best too.
But nothing compared to his efforts.
I got lost in my thoughts and didn't even notice we had already reached the parking lot.
I saw his expression change as I stepped out.
I went back home.
JAFFER'S POV :-
All my efforts… wasted again.
No matter how hard I try to pull them apart, I only end up pushing them closer.
She looks happy with him.
Should I stop this?
Everything I did was meant to make her fall harder for him.
Why can't I?
Why can't she see me?
Why was he always the one she noticed?
Ever since college… even when I knew what he was going through and helped him get her back to him… didn't she notice even a single sign from me?
FLASHBACK :-
It was during our lecture.
Both of them in the front seat.
Me sitting at the back, hoping she might notice me.
But she didn't. She says she hates him, yet she always smiles secretly at his jokes.
Just her… laughing like that. Like nothing else matters. That's what I love about her.
And right beside her… the reason for that laugh.
My smile slowly faded.
I tried to ignore them. I really did. But I kept failing again and again.
I thought she wouldn't fall for him again. I still had a chance.
And then I saw her with him… rehearsing for her act… with him.
I couldn't even show it. No one could notice.
I couldn't betray my friend.
Love shouldn't come between friendship.
But… was it really a good decision to bring Ash back to Kai?
END OF FLASHBACK.
And what? I ended up betraying him.
What I good friend I became.
I reached home.
I entered the door, still not getting over of what I did...for nothing.
My eyes… they were burning.
I should stop this.
Ugh!!
I suddenly wanted to break everything in sight.
But instead… I broke down.
On my knees.
Regretting everything I did.
Why did it have to end up like this?