Shane's POV

"My name is Tawnee Baldwin Matthewson, and my partner's name is Isaac Fry, counsel for Mr. Alexander Mahoney in this action."

"Due to the defendant's actions, my client has suffered humiliation and pain from the incidents in Miami and New York. We are only seeking a fair amount for the pain and suffering. And, we hope this trial shows the type of person Ms. Sanders is."

I am about to jump over this rail and choke Alexander!!! Pain and suffering?!! Is he for real?! Is that what they are going to say?!

My mum popped me and held me back. She whispered, "Shane, shut it before you get put out. We already know how that worm is. He will find out about the pain and suffering alright when he has to pay Bliss an astronomical amount of compensation."

I could even hear the annoyance in Kalani's voice. Kam had to calm him down.

Jacob Dolloway - "Hermione Forrest and Jacob Dolloway, your honor, here to represent the defendant, Ms. Bliss Sanders. We are here to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that our client was defending herself in each instance. He has our client here in court because he didn't like her saying no to him. We will prove that Mr. Mahoney is the one at fault for his pain and suffering. And, Mr. Mahoney will be exposed for what he really is - disgusting."

Judge Williams - "Mrs. Matthewson, your first witness, please?"

Tawnee Matthewson - "Your honor, we call Mr. Mahoney to the stand."

Here comes the show. Alexander said the court oath, then took his seat. He totally ignored what he repeated and spewed lies out of his mouth.

Alexander's POV

Tawnee Matthewson -" Mr. Mahoney, how was your first encounter with Ms. Sanders?"

"Even though she is a very attractive woman, she is just not my type. I treated some of my employees to lunch at The Imperial Rose Chinese restaurant in Long Island. At the time, I was with a few of them at the bar, getting drinks. Suddenly someone bumped into me, almost knocking over my drink. I turned around, and it was Ms. Sanders. We introduced ourselves. Then she asked me on a date. And, I politely declined."

Tawnee Matthewson - "How did Ms. Sanders take it?"

"She didn't take it well. She stormed off to wherever she was going. Then, as we left, she started following me back to my car."

Tawnee Matthewson - "So, you are saying she started stalking you?"

"I started fearing for my life. So, I got in my car and sped off."

I looked right at Shane as I said that. And he was about to explode.

Tawnee Matthewson - "No further questions, your honor."

Hermione Forrest - "We would like to cross-examine Mr. Mahoney, your honor."

Judge Williams - "You may proceed, Ms. Forrest."

Hermione Forrest - "Mr. Mahoney, is that the statement you will say in this court? You just recited the oath, yet you still spewed those lies about Ms. Sanders. Do you care to clarify your encounter at the Chinese restaurant?"

"Ma'am, those were not lies. It was the truth."

Hermione Forrest - "This evidence I have says otherwise. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I would like to admit exhibit A as evidence of Ms. Sander's and Mr. Mahoney's encounter. This video we are about to view clearly shows Mr. Mahoney saw Ms. Sanders before she bumped into him. He purposely steps in her path so she can bump into him."

Dang. Why didn't my lawyers think about that?

Hermione Forrest - "Mr. Mahoney, before we go any further, are you sure about your statement?"

"How do I know that the tape wasn't tampered with to be in Ms. Sander's favor? It happened just like I said it did."

Hermione Forrest - "Okay, if you want to continue with this farce, I would like to present exhibit B as evidence. Mr. Mahoney, I do not appreciate you accusing me of tampering with evidence. And, if you must know, I am good friends with the owner of that restaurant, and they willingly provided the video and the recording I am about to play. Please excuse the volume. The recording will reveal what really happened."

********

Conversation between Bliss and Alexander at the restaurant.

Bliss - "Oh gosh, I am so sorry."

Alexander - "It's okay. Not every day do I get bumped into by a beautiful woman like yourself. By the way, I am Alexander."

Bliss - "Hi, I am Bliss. And I am sorry about that."

Alexander - "Beautiful name. Ms. Bliss, would you like to go to dinner sometime?"

Bliss - "Thanks for the offer. But I am not interested. I have no interest in dating."

Alexander - "I understand. Well, it was nice bumping into you."

********

Hermione Forrest - "As Ms. Sanders walked away, your eyes followed her to exactly where she was sitting, as was seen in the first video. My client clearly states in the audio that she had no interest at the time in dating. So, as I asked you earlier, do you want to continue wasting people's time with this frivolous lawsuit?!!!"

Isaac Fry - "Objection, your honor!! Ms. Forrest is badgering the witness."

Judge Williams - "Objection sustained. So far, based on the evidence presented, things are not going well for you, Mr. Mahoney. I am sure the jury would like to know as well."

Tawnee Matthewson - My client will continue the proceedings."

Judge Williams - "You may continue, Ms. Forrest."

Hermione Forrest - "No further questions for Mr. Mahoney."

I stepped down and then proceeded back to my lawyers. "We are in trouble. You better find a way to get me out of this," I leaned over and whispered to Isaac.

*****

Bliss' POV

Judge Williams - "Ms. Forrest, please call your witness to the stand."

Hermione Forrest - "I would like to call my client, Ms. Bliss Sanders, to the stand."

I walked over to the bailiff to repeat the oath, then went to take my seat on the stand.

Hermione Forrest - "Ms. Sanders, please describe your first encounter with Mr. Mahoney."

"Everything in the recording is true. At the time, I had no interest in dating. I was very independent. I depended on no one. Alexander asked me for a date, and I said no. I don't need any man's money. I have my own. And I sure did not stalk him after we left. Mr. Mahoney and my boss, Shane Landes, do not like each other. While both parties were leaving the restaurant, Mr. Mahoney called over to Mr. Landes. The look on Shane's face was of displeasure. Shane told me to get in my SUV, and I did. I did not hear their conversation afterward. In no way, shape, or form did I storm away from Mr. Mahoney. I don't know where he got that idea. Every time I have been around Mr. Mahoney, I have felt uncomfortable. He always looks at me with lust in his eyes. I have no interest in him whatsoever."

I looked over to Shane, and he winked. Okay, the nerves have calmed down. So, whatever question is thrown at me, I am ready for it. I don't want Jessica or Carly to have to testify. Jacob switched with Hermione. Now, he will ask the questions.

Jacob Dolloway - "Now, Ms. Sanders, please explain what happened in Miami."

"What didn't happen?! Friday evening of the conference, some jealous woman who had always been trying to date Mr. Landes saw us together, and she tripped me. I sprained my ankle. She claimed she didn't do it. Fortunately, Mr. Mahoney did assist in getting a video of what happened. It was Milena Castilgione. I did thank him for taking the video."

"Then, on Saturday evening, there was a business gala that everyone attended. Mr. Mahoney sat directly behind me. While I was eating, someone started touching my butt. It happened twice. So, on the third time, I grabbed their hand and broke it. No one has a right to touch me unless permitted by me. And I certainly did not permit Mr. Mahoney to touch me."

"On Sunday, I stayed in my room because I was the one who was humiliated, not him. I had previously been assaulted by someone from a company Mr. Landes invested in. Alexander Mahoney assaulted me at the gala. My friends also told me that Mr. Mahoney knocked on my room door, thinking I would let him in without anyone knowing."

Jacob Dolloway - "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, exhibit C is being presented for evidence. It is a copy of the tape that clearly shows Mr. Mahoney touching my client's butt. We were able to get a close-up shot of him touching Ms. Sanders."

The video played, and Alexander's lawyers looked pissed.

Jacob Dolloway - "Also, exhibit D is being presented for evidence. We were able to obtain a video of what happened in the hallway. Here we clearly see Mr. Mahoney looking around, then knocking on Ms. Sander's door. Thankfully, she did not open the door, or he would have assaulted her. Mr. Mahoney was knocked out by one of Mr. Landes' employees. Mr. Mahoney is clearly obsessed with my client, not the other way around."

Alexander's lawyers looked clueless, and he was angry. That is exactly what he gets.

Jacob Dolloway - "One more question. What happened when you, Mr. Landes, and two other employees landed in New York after your conference?"

"Alexander had the media waiting at the airport as we got off the plane. He told the media that I was after him for his money. I will repeat myself: I DO NOT want Alexander Mahoney or his money. And, now that I am dating Shane, people think I am after his money. No, I am not!! I do not need any man's money. It's plain and simple. Mr. Mahoney has already done enough to try and hurt my family. Mr. Mahoney used my sister and one of my good friends for sex since he thought women were created to pleasure him. Ha!! As if! Mr. Mahoney's bullying tactics are pathetic. I will not be bullied by anyone - man or woman. Your honor, I apologize if I am rambling, but this whole case wasted your time, the jury, and the tax-paying citizens of New York. He deserved his hand to be broken and kicked in the groin at that press conference. Who knows how many countless women he has bullied? But I know one thing, it will not be me."

Jacob Dolloway -"I have no further questions, your honor."

Alexander's lawyers were speechless. "No questions for the defendant."

Judge Williams - "Ms. Sanders, you may step down."

I stepped down and went to sit with Jacob and Hermione.

Judge Williams - "Ms. Sanders, you are right about one thing. From what we have seen, it is obvious who the guilty party is, but we will let the jury decide. Please proceed with closing arguments. Mr. Dolloway and Ms. Forrest, you may proceed."

Jacob is about to proceed with the closing arguments.

"Your honor, it is clear with the evidence presented that Ms. Sanders did not cause Mr. Mahoney the pain and suffering he claims. He deserved it. He tried to humiliate my client, and it did not work. When a woman says no, it means no - plain and simple. We as a human race just need to respect others' decisions - with relationships, business, privacy, etc. Please stop trying to take something that is obviously not ours, which Mr. Mahoney tried to do. Ms. Sanders is very happy in her relationship with Mr. Landes. Whether we like it or not, we need to respect it."

Then, Alexander's lawyers say, "Your honor, we waive our opportunity to present a closing argument."

Judge Williams - "Very well. The court is adjourned until 2:00 pm."

The judge pounded the gavel and left the courtroom.

"Bliss, go ahead and join your family. We will send either you or Shane a text with the verdict."

"Okay. Thank you, Jacob and Hermione."

I made my way over to Shane and mom.

Shane's POV

As Bliss started walking towards us, Alexander lost his mind and charged at her. Then he started choking Bliss! He started screaming at her, "If I can't have you, no one can!!!"

After hopping over the railing, Mason, Julian, and I made a beeline toward' Bliss. "GET HIM OFF OF HER NOW!!" He had a firm grip on her neck. The three of us couldn't pry his hands. Kalani was finally able to get him off of Bliss.

"CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE, NOW!!" The bailiff and several other security guards handcuffed Alexander. But, before they led him away, my fist connected with Alexander's face. "You're freaking crazy to lay your hands on Bliss!!! Get him out of here!!"

I ran back over to Bliss, who passed out from being choked.

"Shane, I can help Bliss! I took a CPR class and a rescue breathing class."

It was scary watching Bliss in this condition. I didn't want to let her go, but I did.

"Lay Bliss flat on her back."

Hermione positioned herself to help Bliss. "Can someone time me, please?! I will need to look for a pulse after two minutes."

"It is two minutes, Ms. Forrest," Andrea replied. Hermione checked Bliss's pulse. "I'm not getting a pulse, Shane. I will need to perform CPR!!"

"WHERE IS THAT FREAKING AMBULANCE?!!" Suddenly, the paramedics rushed into the courtroom with a stretcher. Braelyn started crying, and Andrea and Jessica then became hysterical. Bliss wasn't waking up.

After a few more attempts, Bliss finally opened her eyes. Bliss's voice was weak and hoarse when she slowly said, "My neck hurts."

"Shane, don't pick Bliss up so fast. Let the paramedics help her now."

The paramedics carefully put a brace on Bliss's neck, then slowly lifted her on the stretcher. Then, they raised the stretcher and started wheeling her to the ambulance.

"Shane, I am going with you." My mum grabbed Bliss's glasses and bag, and we followed behind the stretcher.

The media is going to hound everyone for a reason as to why Bliss is on a stretcher. So I saved them from asking. "Please show a shred of respect and privacy at this time. Your answers will come when we are ready to give them," I told them as we continued towards the ambulance.

Once Bliss was inside, mum and I hopped in, and the ambulance pulled off to the hospital.

*****

My mum and I walked to the waiting room while Bliss was whisked away through a pair of double doors. I have never hated a man like I hate Alexander now.

"As soon as Bliss is released, we are going to London for a month. If I stay in New York, I AM GOING TO MURDER ALEXANDER!! We can work from there if need be."

"Shane, I absolutely agree. Take some time off. We will handle things here."

"Actually, I was hoping you all would come. I want everyone that came today to be there. After what happened today, I don't want to wait any longer."

Mum already knew what I was talking about. "YES! Are you saying what I think you are saying? Don't play with me, Shane."

"Would I play with you about something like that? I was going to propose in June, so why wait? I already have Grandpa Marcus's approval, as well as Julian, Ryan, and even Kalani, who treats Bliss like a daughter. Once we find out when Bliss will be released, I will call Jimmy. We will probably be leaving on Sunday."

"Okay. I will ask Andrea to pack some clothes for Bliss. I am sure you will buy her more while visiting London."

"You know me so well." Layla, Braelyn, Ryan, Austin, and everyone entered the waiting room.

Braelyn came over and asked, "Is my auntie going to be okay?" It hurt seeing Braelyn's always happy face now sad. So, I aat Braelyn on my lap.

"Sweetheart, auntie is going to be okay. While everyone is here, I wanted to ask how soon everyone can fly to London. My house there is big enough for everyone. I will have Jimmy fly back to come to get you."

********

Narrator's POV

Shane explained to everyone why he asked that. Julian, Andrea, Jessica, Carly, and Mason will travel with Shane. They asked Shane to update them on Bliss's condition. Then, they left to pack their clothes. Andrea will also pack clothes for Bliss. The rest of the folks are returning to their homes and will fly to London in a week.

************

Shane's POV

"Mr. Landes, I am Doctor Peters. Ms. Sanders has a few bruises from Mr. Mahoney's grip on her neck. She was hysterical when she finally woke up, so we gave her some medicine to calm her down. Bliss is resting right now. Physically, she will be fine. But, emotionally is where Ms. Sanders will really need support. When she woke up, she thought Mr. Mahoney was coming after her. Ms. Sanders is currently on the seventh floor in room 0722. There is also a waiting room for your family. When you visit her, I suggest two at a time."

"When will she be released?"

"We will keep her overnight. I will have her release papers written for tomorrow afternoon. You can stay with her if you would like."

"Thank you, Doctor Peters."

We all headed up to the seventh-floor waiting room. I sent an update text to Jessica, Andrea, Mason, and Julian. Since I was staying here, I let everyone else go first.

Jacob sent me a text that the jury found Alexander guilty of several charges - sexual assault, slander, frivolous lawsuit, etc. He also has a court date of July 8th for the compensation he has to pay Bliss. Also, Alexander was given a court date of July 15th for the incident that happened today. There is no way I will let Bliss come to watch that spectacle. What if he snaps again? I will murder him on the spot.

"Shane, Cris, and I are going back to Florida. We will come over to London in a week. We will use Cris' plane to fly us over. I have never been, so I am super excited to go. And I can't wait until you surprise Bliss. She needs happy times at the moment. See you all in a week."

After hugging everyone, Kam, Cris, Kalani, Marco, and Noeli left.

"Kindergarten for Braelyn ends next Friday, May 24th. So, we can travel next Saturday." Ryan and Austin nodded in agreement with Layla.

"Okay. I will have Jimmy come back to New York for you. Thank you all for spending the day with us today."

"You're welcome, Shane. Bliss is my girl. I would do anything for her. Come on, Lollipop. Goodnight."

Layla, Braelyn, Ryan, and Austin left to head home. My father and I were left in the waiting room.

"So, you really are going to do it?"

"Yes, I am. When we approached Alexander while he was choking Bliss, I saw fear and terror in her eyes. It hurt like heck seeing his hands on her neck, choking her to the point that he could have killed her. I hate him so much. I know we will not be around each other every minute of every day. But I crave for us to live under the same roof and share the same bed. I am ready to share everything with Bliss."

"Your grandmother can't wait to meet her. She also has a surprise for you when you are ready to propose to Bliss. Here comes your mum. Call us when Jimmy is flying to London. We will meet you at the airport. What do you want me to pack for you?"

"Anything casual - jeans, shorts, etc. If I need a suit or anything else, I will buy it in London."

"Okay. Good night, Shane. Give Bliss a hug and kiss for me."

"Okay." Then, my parents left. So, I made my way to Bliss's room. One of the nurses brought her something to drink for dinner. She pushed it to the side.

"You have to eat something, Darling."

"I-I can't eat. My throat hurts."

I sat on the hospital bed and looked at Bliss' neck. My goodness, I hate him. She has red patches on her neck, and I do see swelling. "Try just a little. It looks like a milkshake."

"I don't want it. You can have it." Bliss pushed the tray my way. "What if he put something in it?" Then, Bliss started crying like a heavy rainstorm. "I tell them the truth, and this is what I get? A trip to the hospital?"

I grabbed her hands to help her sit up, so I could hug her. Not too tight because I didn't want to hurt her neck.

"Shane, I-I have never hurt or done anything to him, so why did he try to kill me? Why can't people just respect my decision? I-I am scared to leave this hospital."

When I finish with Alexander, he will be six feet underground!!! I am highly pissed. "He is NEVER going to hurt you anymore. Alexander is going to jail for a long time."

"But, he has done enough damage because I keep thinking about his hands on my throat. I had a nightmare already."

"Sweetheart, I saw fear and terror in your eyes as you fought his grip. No one is ever going to touch you again. Julian, Ryan, Mason, Austin, my father, Kalani, and I will ensure it. Now, please just take a sip?"

Bliss started screaming and punching me in the chest. I know her throat hurt as she said, "I DON'T WANT IT, SHANE! I SAID I DON'T WANT IT!!"

Well, that was a big mistake. "Shssh, it's okay. It is going to be okay. I am sorry. My father didn't get a chance to see you, so he wanted me to hug you and kiss you. Rest your voice." I continued our hug and kissed Bliss on her forehead. She cried so much that she fell asleep in my arms. I gently leaned Bliss back on the bed, placing her head on the pillow.

I just went ahead and drank the milkshake, then laid back on the bed and scooted my fiancée-to-be close to me so I could hold her. Afterward, I joined her to get some rest.

********

Narrator's POV

Saturday Morning

Bliss' POV

I started screaming because I realized I had woken up in someone's arms. At first, I thought it was Alexander, but it was Shane. Surprisingly, he did not wake up. My throat was killing me, especially after screaming at Shane last night.

I tried to get up from Shane's embrace but couldn't. My butt is hurting. I need some paper. That way, I can write down what I want to say instead of talking because this pain is unbearable. So, I had to wake him up. Once I stood up, I rubbed my butt. Shane started laughing at me. I put my hands on my hips and arched my eyebrows at him.

I grabbed my purse because I had kept a small notebook in my bag. After writing down what I wanted, I passed the note to Shane. I apologized for screaming and told him I wanted to get away from New York for a bit. I also told him I was resting my voice.

"You don't have to apologize. I shouldn't have done that. How would you like to spend the next month in London? My grandparents really would like to meet you. We are leaving immediately after you are released from the hospital. Andrea is packing some clothes for you."

I wrote on the note, "Yes. I would love to go and visit your family in London."

Shane nodded and said, "Once you are released, I will call Jimmy. And we will stay at the penthouse."

I nodded to say, "Yes." Then, I made my way to the bathroom.

****

After using the facilities, I washed my hands. There was a mirror in the bathroom, and I wished I did not look in it. I looked at my neck and felt my legs buckle to the point that I just sat on the cold bathroom floor and cried again.

"Bliss, are you?" Shane said as he ran to the bathroom. I looked up at him and pointed to the mirror. He grabbed my hands to help me up, then carried me back to the bed.

I wrote Shane another note asking when I could get out of the hospital. I am ready to go to London. The doctor came into the room as I passed a note to Shane.

"Good morning, Ms. Sanders and Mr. Landes. How are you feeling?"

I wrote a note that my throat was throbbing in pain and asked when I could leave the hospital. Then, I passed the note to the doctor.

"I can have you released today. How about noon? And I will get you a prescription for pain medicine. But, in the meantime, I will have the nurse get you something."

I wrote that noon is great. And thank you for the pain medicine.

The doctor then left the room. "I'll call Jimmy for the soonest flight to London. I'll be right back." Shane left the room, and the nurse entered.

She gave me liquid medicine. It was disgusting, but I did not care. I needed relief from the pain.

Shane came back into the room with mom and dad. "Jimmy will call me back as soon as he can."

I wrote mom and dad, saying, "Hi." And, I wrote Shane saying, "That is fine. I want to get out of here."

Shane's POV

Now it is time for me to call Nana Margie.

****************************

Shane - "Hi, Nana. I have some good news for you. We are coming for a visit tomorrow. And, Bliss and her family are coming."

Grandma - "Well, it is about time, Shane. We can't wait to meet her. How is she? We heard a news report that Bliss was attacked in court."

Shane - "She was choked by the joker that sued her. He was losing the case big time before the judge called for a recess. She is scared he will come after her again. And I was so angry that I wanted to murder him. So, I figured we could spend the next month in London. And, while we are there, I plan on proposing."

Grandma - "Thank goodness. Your mum and I were wondering when you were going to propose. Don't buy an engagement ring. I will give you the ring that your grandfather gave me. It would mean a lot to me if you gave it to Bliss. From the pictures you sent me and how you talk about Bliss, she is very special. I love her already. A special woman deserves a special ring."

Shane - "Thank you, Nana. Bliss will love it. I don't want to keep you on the phone for too long. So we will see you later tomorrow."

Grandma -"See you tomorrow, Shane."

**********

I checked my watch and noticed it was approaching noon. When I walked back into the room, Bliss had changed her clothes. And the doctor brought Bliss' release papers.

"Mr. Landes, will you be the one to sign the papers?"

"Yes, I will." I signed the papers and gave them back to him.

"A word of caution. I heard there is a large crowd of the media out at the front of the hospital."

"Thank you."

"Shane, your mother and I will get the car. Wait until you see us, then come out with Bliss."

"Okay." They left, and 15 minutes later, we left the room.

I grabbed Bliss's hand. "Don't let go of my hand. I want you to walk in front of me."

She nodded to say yes. Thankfully mum brought a scarf Bliss could place around her neck.

As we reached the front door, I saw my father's Cadillac XT5. Then, we walked out of the hospital. After scowling at the media, they didn't say anything as we walked through. Once we were inside the Cadillac, we took off to my penthouse.

******

I had everyone come to the penthouse so that we would be ready as soon as Jimmy called back. Bliss went up to my room to lie down. Everyone else watched television. Thankfully, I did not hear her scream.

My phone rang, and it was Jimmy.

******

Jimmy - "Shane, we can leave as soon as 6:00 pm tonight. We should arrive in London between 4:00 am to 5:00 am their time."

Shane - "We will be there. Thanks, Jimmy."

******

"Jimmy said we will leave New York at 6:00 pm tonight. It is now 4:00 pm, so we should start getting ready. I will go get Bliss."

Once I walked into my room, I saw her tossing and turning. So, I gently tapped Bliss to wake her up. "Darling, wake up. We are going to leave shortly for the airport."

We made our way downstairs to join the others.

Now, here comes the nervousness. I hope Bliss says yes because I am ready to spend the rest of my life with Bliss Sanders.

*******

Thank you all for reading chapter 27.

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘