Chapter 57
"Based on all the evidence presented, I sentence Bella Blake and Kate Blake to life imprisonment for multiple charges including manslaughter," the judge declared, striking his gavel.
"All rise!" the court clerk announced.
Everyone stood as the judge exited. Lilly let out a sigh of relief, knowing she had succeeded in bringing them to justice and exposing their crimes to the world. She watched as Bella and Kate were led out through the back door, feeling a sudden unease when she saw Bella smirk.
"What's wrong?" Alexander, standing close by, asked, noticing her worried expression.
Lilly forced a smile. "Nothing. I'm just relieved that it's over and now my sisters and mother can rest in peace."
Alexander studied her for a moment, sensing there was more, but chose not to press.
Peter, seated at the back of the courtroom, had witnessed everything. The events of the past few weeks felt surreal, and he blamed himself for all of it.
Outside, Lilly watched as Kate and Bella were transported to prison in a police van.
"It's time to go home," Alexander said to her.
Lilly nodded and began walking towards the car with Alexander when she heard her name called by a familiar voice. They turned to see Peter approaching.
Lilly frowned.
"We can leave if you don't want to talk to him," Alexander offered.
"I can't keep avoiding him forever. We need to have this conversation eventually."
"Do you want to speak with him privately?"
Lilly nodded.
"I'll be close by," Alexander said, kissing her forehead before walking to the car.
Peter reached her and stopped. His appearance showed the toll these events had taken on him; he looked like he hadn't slept for weeks, and he seemed deeply regretful.
"I'm sorry, please," Peter said in a low tone, his voice full of remorse.
"You're sorry?"
Peter nodded. "I know everything that's happened is my fault, Lilly. My actions destroyed our family. I lost your mother because of my unfaithfulness, and now I've lost two daughters. I'm willing to accept any punishment, but please, forgive me," he pleaded, tears in his eyes.
He had spent the past weeks drowning in guilt and sorrow, realizing the extent of his mistakes.
"Why are you only realizing now how much you've ruined our family? Why?!" Lilly shouted, tears streaming down her face.
People outside the court turned to look. Alexander, leaning against the car nearby, immediately walked over and wiped her tears, glaring at Peter for making her cry.
"Do you want to leave now?" he asked gently.
"Please take me away," Lilly said, her voice emotional.
"Shh, it's okay. We're leaving now," Alexander reassured her, holding her hand and guiding her to the car.
Peter stood frozen, tears rolling down his face. What Lilly said was true. He questioned why it took him so long to realize he had destroyed his family. He thought their enemies were responsible for the deaths, not realizing the true culprit was within his own home.
"I won't stop seeking your forgiveness," he murmured, watching the car drive away.
In the car, Lilly stared out the window, lost in thought, until she felt Alexander's hand on hers. She looked over to see his concerned expression.
"It's all over now."
Lilly nodded. "It's over."
Alexander moved closer, hugging her and kissing her forehead. "Thinking about your father?"
"Yes, he's so selfish."
"You were disappointed in him. I saw it in your eyes earlier."
She nodded, feeling deeply let down.
"It's fine if you don't want to forgive him right away."
"I just want this period to pass."
"It will," Alexander assured her, looking into her eyes. "I'll make sure it does, so you can focus on our new family, me and our unborn child."
A week later, on the anniversary of her sisters' deaths, Lilly dressed in all black—gown, shoes, handbag, gloves, and a net scarf over her head. She took the elevator to the sitting room, where she found Alexander reading a newspaper. He smiled warmly at her, which warmed her heart.
The best things in her life were marrying Alexander and carrying his child. His warm smile always made her heart beat faster, and his care for her made her so happy.
She smiled back and walked towards him. Alexander stood and approached, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her. "You look beautiful, even in all black."
Lilly blushed. "Thank you."
Alexander caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Where do you want to go first? The grave or the prison?"
Lilly thought for a moment. "The prison first. I need to say my final piece."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded. "Yes."
Alexander studied her before nodding. "I'll be there with you."
"Okay."
They left for the women's prison, three hours away from the main city. Upon arrival, they went through the necessary checks before being allowed inside to visit an inmate. Alexander could have used his connections to get in immediately but wanted Lilly to see the strict security, reassuring her that escaping would be difficult. She had been having nightmares of their escape, so seeing the tight security eased her mind. Alexander had also tightened the security himself and had people inside monitoring every move.
They sat in a VIP visitors' room, Lilly feeling exhausted but determined to stay awake for the visit. Alexander regretted putting her through the stress, especially since she was pregnant.
After about 30 minutes, the door opened, and Bella and Kate were escorted in by two female officers.
The moment the door opened, Lilly’s heart raced. She had mentally prepared herself for this moment, but seeing Bella and Kate in their prison uniforms, looking disheveled and defeated, stirred a mix of emotions within her. She felt anger, sadness, and a strange sense of pity.
Bella and Kate were seated across from Lilly and Alexander. Bella’s eyes still held a hint of defiance, while Kate looked more subdued, her spirit seemingly broken.
Lilly took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I needed to see you both one last time,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “To understand why you did what you did, and to tell you that despite everything, I hope you find some sort of redemption in here.”
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