"I don't have a proper reason for that," Levi began, a lousy starting statement. 

Evelyn cringed inwards, waiting for his response when she heard vibrations on her table. She looked back for a moment to see that her phone was ringing. Awkwardly, she walked towards it with the idea of declining the call; she could always call the person back later. 

As she picked up her phone, she realized something; it was from the police station. 

This could be important, she thought. 

Levi had already begun responding in the pitiable manner that Evelyn had made him practice but she had missed half of what he said. Quickly, she ducked behind the table and texted the number instead. 

How can I help you? I'm a bit busy at the moment so I can't call back. 

She shoved her phone into her blazer's pocket, putting her head back in the game. 

"-really needed the fresh air I'd just had a glimpse of," Levi finished. Evelyn scanned the jury, who, as usual, seemed indifferent. 

"Where were you at this time?" Noah asked. 

"I had gone to Andrea's house," Levi began. He noticed Noah's lips, ready to interject and Levi wasn't going to let that happen, "I know, I saw her in the hospital already. But I hadn't had time to talk to her since the police intervened and took us both to the station. I was angry at her and I thought maybe I could sort things out with her mother instead."

"Sort things out with her mother? How did you plan on doing that?" Noah asked, skeptical. 

"That's just it, I didn't. Plan anything. When I left for the hospital I regained my sense of freedom, something that was snatched away unfairly and I just wanted that again. So, I went on a ride in my father's car and subconsciously turned to the road leading up to Andrea's house. At that point, it was more like how worse can it get?" Levi said. 

Evelyn sighed. How she wished she could tell everyone about everything Iris did. It would definitely guarantee them some time in prison and she could revel in that. If only she hadn't broken into their house first and bashed Andrew's head, she wouldn't think twice about exposing Iris. 

In the end, those were secrets both parties had to keep, none too willingly. 

"And do you think that this is an acceptable reason?" Noah asked. 

"No," Levi replied, "but it's the truth."

Evelyn's phone vibrated again; she picked it up to see that she had got a reply from the number, one she very eagerly opened. 

This is regarding the Coleman Arson Case. Since you are part of the case, just know that there's some evidence that we received and we have now got orders to look into it. 

Evelyn looked at the message, dumbfounded. Why had a police officer given her this information willingly? 

Who is this? She asked. 

It's Officer Ackres. I'm aware of everything that's happening with the case and considering the manner I spoke to Mr. Coleman, it wasn't too bad to give small information. 

Don't tell anyone about this. 

Evelyn smiled; no, she still wasn't fond of him but it was information that thrilled her, to say the least. 

The evidence wasn't perfect; it wasn't found at the scene of crime so it definitely didn't do much. But that, added to the light that had been shone on Andrea in the court hearings was definitely enough to look into her. 

As Evelyn looked at Levi, she realized that Noah wasn't done with him. She lectured herself as she tried to pay attention again, she needed to be there if Levi screwed up. 

"I don't know what else to tell you. Once Mrs. Brown saw me, she asked me to leave since I was under house arrest. I couldn't bring myself to argue with her about her daughter, especially since I didn't even know if she was involved or not. She also threatened to call the police and I wasn't ready to face them just yet," Levi said, "If I really wanted to escape or do something bad, I wouldn't have returned home knowing that police would be waiting for me. I made a stupid mistake and I wasn't thinking and I've already served some jail time for that. That simply isn't related to the alleged arson. At all."

Evelyn beamed; Levi was getting better at answering questions by the minute and he had practiced the expressionless expression perfectly. 

Suddenly, a light flashed before Evelyn's eyes and it showed her all that she had wanted to see. She was certain that they wouldn't charge him with arson, not after everything that they were able to prove. She pictured leaving the court with Levi, smiles on both of their faces. 

She kept herself from thinking about Alec too much; he was still seated, showing support as a father but she could see his enthusiasm die with every passing second. There were just too many errors Levi had made, from being blackmailed into this to letting his father see his burner phone but it appeared this was the last straw. 

Her thoughts were pulled away by the inevitable silence that filled the room. This time, it wasn't her standing under the eyes of everyone, it was Levi. By now, she was more than capable to play the role Alec had played for her. 

"Would you like to add anything, Ms. Turner and Mr. Harris?" Judge Davies asked, the hearing at the edge of conclusion. 

Silence again. 

"Please proceed with the closing statements."

Noah walked to the podium, papers in hand. He placed them down and cleared his throat as he addressed everyone in the room. 

"It has been confirmed that Mr. Coleman was in the chemistry lab during the fire. A lighter was found at the scene of crime containing his fingerprints which was the crux of his immediate arrest. There isn't any apparent reason or statement that explains the positioning of this lighter at the scene of crime and therefore cannot be ruled out. 

"Mr. Coleman was also found loitering outside his home during house arrest and it wasn't for an emergency. After these hearings, it's clear that he has been obstructing justice by keeping information about Ms. James' presence. Considering the severity of these crimes, it is with the interest of the State in mind that I ask for a ten-year prison statement; five years for committing arson, three years for obstructing justice, and 2 years for escaping house arrest."

Noah made promising points but Evelyn knew she could make better. She gave a shell-shocked Levi a reassuring look as she walked to the podium herself. Her eyes remained glued to him for a few moments before she looked at the paper. 

If not for your own career, do it for Levi, she thought, do it to make Alec proud. 

"On 13th August 2022, a lighter was found at the scene of crime with Mr. Coleman's fingerprints. However, this piece of evidence is circumstantial at best but it was the basis for the case against my client. On digging further into this evidence, a solid case cannot be built against Mr. Coleman for his involvement is very minimum. 

"Justice had been obstructed by Mr. Coleman but this was under the influence of Ms. James. It has been proved that Mr. Coleman didn't have a say in the matter and acted in fear. It was this fear that turned into rage as time passed, pushing him to leave while under house arrest. Also, it is to be noted that he voluntarily returned home after a while even though the police weren't aware of his whereabouts. He needed some time and fresh air, which he took and served a week in jail for. Simply put, there isn't enough evidence pointing toward Mr. Coleman but he bore the brunt of it because he was the easiest to charge; he had opportunity but that was it."

Evelyn inhaled loudly; she was almost done. 

"Mr. Coleman doesn't expect anything for all the hassle that has been caused; he only wants a peaceful life and this case - which he didn't create - to be a part of the past. I believe that after these hearings the court can allow that; he is not guilty."

She was done. She had employed everything she could think of and the case had unofficially come to an end. She headed to her team and watched as they gave Levi reassuring smiles. She sat beside Levi and held his hand in hers. She didn't see a need to keep things formal anymore, not when everyone on her side wanted the same thing. 

Evelyn spared a glance at Noah; she had been competing with him throughout the hearing but now that it felt over to her, she wanted to talk to him. Perhaps if she had talked to him more during their relationship, it wouldn't have ended the way it did but bygones were bygones. 

They made eye contact; Evelyn flashed a smile at him which he returned forcibly. Too early for that now. 

As she looked away, she saw that the judge was ready to announce something; 

"The verdict will be declared soon."

⋆ ★ ⋆

Evelyn's fingers were interlocked in Levi's hand in a way similar to that during the hearing. She rubbed her thumb on his palm and neither of them said a word. 

There was no point discussing the case now, at least that's what Evelyn thought. She knew that talking to Levi now would only go in that direction so it was best to just be with him. 

There was silence between them but not the awkward kind; it was the one that said I'm too tired to talk right now but you end up enjoying the silence anyway. She was glad that she could spend such moments and she prayed that this wasn't a calm before the storm. 

Eventually, they were summoned back to the hearing room. Her team members and the audience stood in a line to exit the room whereas she and Levi stayed at the back. The silence wouldn't cut it anymore and Evelyn wanted her words to remain with him as they heard the verdict. 

"I believe that this case will end in your favor, Levi. Don't think of anything else. Forget your father and his anger that's a problem for later. Focus on the now," she said. Perhaps she could improve her advice-giving skills but she meant every word she said. 

"With that closing statement, I don't think anyone would want to convict me," Levi said, his cheeky smile reiving with each word. 

"I won't say much but the police already have orders to look into the anonymous evidence they received regarding this case. If anything, it means they don't fully suspect you," Evelyn said.

"Not everything was for a waste," Levi said. 

They let go of each other's palms as they walked into the hearing room, the thick tension that filled it before now completely vanished. Perhaps they were being presumptuous but neither of them could help it. Inside the room, they smelt the bittersweet smell of victory; happy that it was over and upset due to the treacherous journey they had. 

Judge Davies greeted them as they entered. He dropped his stoic expression, harboring an amicable look, sparking hope down Evelyn and Levi. He cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses as he read from a piece of paper, the last words to be spoken about this case. 

"After careful consideration of the case with the evidence presented and the jury, the court has come with a unanimous decision," he said. 

Levi sucked in a breath, followed by Evelyn. This was it. 

"Levi Coleman is found guilty," the judge began, "for leaving his house during house arrest. However, due to his voluntary return, he will have to serve 6 months of community service at a center that will be communicated shortly."

Levi let go of the breath he had been holding; the word guilty was enough to send him on a mini spiral, the request of ten years in prison still hanging over his head. He heaved a sigh of relief as he realized that at the very least, he didn't have to serve an extra two years in prison as Noah had said. 

"On all the other counts, Levi Coleman has been found not guilty. The charges have been dropped."

Levi howled. Evelyn slapped his arm to quiet him down, grinning like a Cheshire cat. They expected this outcome but hearing it from the judge sent a different kind of tingle down both their spines. 

Evelyn's teammates patted Levi on the back as he contained from pushing them away. All he could think about was pulling Evelyn close into something as small as a warm embrace. However, he did push those feelings aside to smile at Addy - the girl who unknowingly saved both their asses. 

Judge Davies watched with a warm smile on his face before speaking again, "Mr. Coleman, the court requests you to restrain from leaving the country for a year; we'll need you to come in as a witness when the case is investigated further."

"Sure, sir," Levi said, excitement still in his tone. 

He turned back to Evelyn who was still smiling. He lowered his voice and whispered, "Why would I leave the country when you're over here?"

She chuckled and it turned into a sudden choke as Levi crushed her petite with his tight embrace. She ran her arms on his back, breathing into him as he breathed into her. She looked at him with a glint in her eyes. 

"It's fucking over."