Friday, January 15th, 2021

Bliss' POV

I know I told Shane that I didn't want any part of this, but I need to support him. He is going to be surprised when he sees me dressed.

(Shane and Bliss's outfit)

"Good morning. Where is Shane?"

"Good morning, Bliss. The last time I saw him, Shane was talking with dad in the kitchen."

"Thanks, Carly."

Shane and dad turned around as soon as I walked into the kitchen.

"I know I said I didn't want any part of the lawsuit because I didn't want to go into another courtroom. But regardless of my fear, I am coming to support you with this. Grayson needs to suffer - whether it is jail time or monetarily. And I understand that by going, there is a chance of getting called to testify. I will do it. Today is the final part of the blackmail scheme. We will be done with the past today."

"Sweetheart, I'm proud of you. Adrian and I will sit right next to you. And so will Kalani," Dad Brently says while hugging me.

"Thank you, Darling. And you look beautiful as always."

"You're welcome. And, thank you." I grabbed some of the fixed breakfast and sat down with Kim, Austin, and Braelyn.

"Thank you all for coming. How are mommy, Logan, and Natasha?"

"The baby is noisy at night, Aunt Bliss. Mommy and Logan said hi."

We had to crack up. Out of the mouths of babes.

"Layla said she couldn't make it, but to say she has yours and Shane's back."

"Thanks, Kim. Oh hey, how would you like to travel with me to Barbados? We can look for space for the company. And you can visit your family. Austin can come too."

"I would love to. My family asked me about meeting you, Austin. Will you come with me? They would like to meet Braelyn too, but I wasn't sure if she could come. I don't want to overstep my boundaries."

"I would love to come with you. When are you going to Barbados?"

"We can go when Braelyn has Spring Break from school."

"I'll check with Layla, but I'm sure it will be okay."

"The limos are here. Let's start leaving the house," Shane says as he walks over. We all grabbed our bags and sunglasses. After everyone was out of the house, Shane locked the door. Then, we got in the limos and left the house. There were media vans lined outside our gate. Thank goodness our house is gated.

~~~~

On the way to the courthouse, I saw the sign going up for The Elegant Canvas. Love it. There were more media lined up at the courthouse.

Of course, Grayson came at the same time as we did.

"Do not get out yet. Let Grayson go first," Shane tells everyone. Once Grayson was inside, "Now, we can get out."

Shane and I got out last. I had a tight grip on his hand as we entered the courthouse. I did wave my free hand to the media and, surprisingly, some fans that came.

Once inside, Hermione and Jacob led us to the courtroom where the trial was held. Before Shane went with Hermione and Jacob, I gave him a 'good luck' kiss. He was grinning like a kid as I sat down, and he walked away.

Grayson looked my way. I just rolled my eyes. Shane saw it, and he looked like he was ready to choke Grayson. So, I massaged his shoulders and kissed his cheeks. He calmed down. Grayson was still looking, so I stuck my tongue out at him this time.

The bailiff then announced, "All rise. The Court of Miami, Florida is now in session, the Honorable Judge Ana Sofía López presiding." Everyone remained standing until the judge entered and took her seat.

Then, the bailiff says, "Your Honor, today's case is Mr. Shane Landes v. Mr. Grayson Kendall." The judge then asks the attorneys for each side of the case if they are ready to begin the trial.

Grayson's lawyer said, "Yes, we are, your honor."

Hermione then answers, "Yes, your honor."

And with that, the trial began.

Shane's POV

Hermione Forrest: "Hermione Forrest and Jacob Dolloway, your honor. We are counsel for Mr. Shane Landes in this action. We are here today because Mr. Landes had to cut all ties to his family and friends and his then-fiancée, Ms. Bliss Sanders. They are now happily married. But from August 2019 until July this year, Mr. Landes was forced by Mr. Kendall and three others to break up with Mrs. Landes. If he didn't, they threatened to kill her. We are here because Mr. Landes wants to be compensated for the time lost with Mrs. Landes. Whether it is jail time or monetarily, he wants Mr. Kendall to pay. My client missed out on many important events in his wife's life - her first photoshoot, her grandmother's passing, etc. Mr. Landes did attend her first fashion show, which sadly was a disaster because she was given seafood. Mrs. Landes is highly allergic to shrimp, lobster, and crab. Then, sadly Mrs. Landes lost her sister because Mr. Kendall's cohorts had her killed. No amount of money will ever compensate for the time Mr. Landes missed not being there for his wife. Mr. Landes believes Mr. Kendall should pay for his part in that blackmail scheme he joined."

Judge Ana Sofía López: "Mr. Kendall, your lawyer can proceed."

Benito Armetta: "Benito Armetta, attorney for the defendant. Your honor, my client Mr. Kendall is here to admit guilt. My client understands the consequences of his actions with the blackmailing of Mr. Landes. Whatever compensation the court awards to Mr. Landes, my client is ready to settle the case. Mr. Kendall has caused both Mr. & Mrs. Landes enough pain."

I had a feeling Grayson was going to settle. He wouldn't last one day in jail. I turned around to Bliss, and she mouthed, "Settle, please?"

"Jacob and Hermione, Bliss and I will settle. I don't want her to testify and re-live what happened."

"Okay, Shane."

Jacob Dolloway: "Your honor, Mr. Landes is willing to accept what the court deems as compensation from Mr. Kendall. He does not want his wife to be called as a witness."

Judge Ana Sofía López: "Very well. I will schedule a compensation hearing for Monday, January 18th, at 10:00 am. The court is adjourned."

The judge pounded the gavel. Everyone rose from their seats as the judge exited the courtroom.

"Shane, we will see you Monday morning here in the courtroom."

"Thanks." I walked back to my family. "Let's get out of here." I will address the media, but neither one of us is answering questions.

"Shane, the room at the restaurant is set up and ready. Let's go on over."

"Thanks, Kalani. Let's go, everyone."

I just happened to turn around in Grayson's direction. Of course, he was looking our way. I wished he would try something, so I made sure Bliss was standing in front of me as we walked out of the courtroom.

Once outside, we walked to the podium they had set up.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the media, as well as those watching this broadcast, this beautiful woman standing by my side is now and forever my wife. I am sick and tired of people constantly trying to take her away from me. I had to abandon my family to protect her life. No one knows how hurt I was during that time we were apart. I saw all of the media reports calling me all kinds of names - 'Cold-hearted, coward, evil, etc.' All of that crap hurt! But, I took it to protect my wife. What we went through, nobody should have to endure. We should have already been married with a baby on the way. I am eternally grateful that she took me back. This is the last time I will address this topic. Bliss Nalani Sanders-Landes is mine, plain and simple. I love her, and she loves me. If anyone does anything to upset her, hurt her, or otherwise, YOU WILL SUFFER!! Leave my family alone! I can't be any clearer than that. Just stop it and leave us alone! Thank you."

I grabbed Bliss's hand, and we walked to the limos. After everyone was inside, we pulled off to Kalani's restaurant.

~~~~~~~~~

"I am going to enjoy coming here. Boy, am I stuffed. Loved the food, dad," Bliss says to Kalani while rubbing her belly. Whenever Bliss does that, it reminds me of what it would be like if she were pregnant.

"You're welcome, sweetheart," Kalani replies to Bliss.

I felt Bliss laying her head on my shoulder.

"What's wrong, Shane?"

"The fact that Grayson settled. I don't want any of his money because I have plenty. I want him to go to jail."

"Once Monday is over, we should take a trip away somewhere. And let's put our focus on the wedding in April. With this trial and blackmailing scheme, people really see what kind of person Grayson is and how low he stoops to try and get with someone who is taken. So, he is paying for it. I'm sure he lost several endorsement deals and photoshoots. Who cares about him? It is finally Bliss and Shane's time. We can focus on ourselves."

"I agree. Pick wherever you want to go, and just let me know so I can coordinate with Jimmy."

Bliss' POV

"Speaking of weddings, dress shopping is scheduled for next weekend in New York," Adrian mentions.

"Before I forget, Layla wanted me to tell you that she would love to design your wedding dress," Kim says.

I looked over at Adrian, and her facial expression seemed disappointed. But, to have my best friend design my dress is special.

"Adrian, will you help me in designing my dress? I know you wanted to help with the wedding. I would love for my best friend to create my dress. Your input in the design of my dress would be special to me. You are the only mom I have now. And I love you. We can still dress shop for the bridesmaids."

"I would love to, sweetie. Thank you." I walked over to Adrian and gave her a huge hug.

"You're welcome. And, Shane, after the dress fitting next weekend, I want to go to Santorini, Greece."

"Greece it is. And I know where we can stay. I'll call Niko. He has a place in Santorini that he told me I could use if I ever wanted to travel there."

"Thank you, everybody."

After our delicious lunch, we all traveled back to our house. I can't wait until Monday is over.

~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, January 18th, 2021

Bliss' POV

Everyone flew back home yesterday, so the house is quiet - just me, Shane, Precious, and Raven.

After doing my daily routine, I went to my closet to pick an outfit.

(Shane and Bliss' outfit)

Once this is done, I am flying to New York, and Shane is flying to San Diego. Niko is giving him the keys to his house in Greece. I called him and thanked him for letting us stay at his home. I am so looking forward to it.

After we ate our breakfast, we left for the courthouse. Kalani was going with us. Grayson wouldn't dare try anything now.

~~~~~~~

Shane and Kalani parked next to each other in the courthouse parking lot. Shane came to help me out, locked the door, and we made our way into the courthouse. Hermione told us about a different entrance where the media would not bother us.

"There you are. Good morning. Follow me to the conference room we will be in. Shane, please be on your best behavior. Grayson is already in the room," Hermione said to him.

I looked up at him, and he had a scowl on his face. I smacked his arm. "Remember, Santorini, for two weeks starting this coming Saturday."

When we entered the conference room, Grayson looked up. I squeezed Shane's hand and made sure Grayson saw it. He is an attractive enough man to have any woman he wants except me. My mind, body, and soul belong to one man only - Shane Landes.

Shane's POV

Judge Ana Sofía López: "Good morning, everyone. You may be seated. Mr. Landes, you are right - you and your wife did not deserve to suffer through what you did. No one should go through what you went through. No amount of money will compensate for the time you and your wife lost."

The judge is right about that.

Judge Ana Sofía López: "Mr. Kendall, your actions involved in the scheme may have been minimal, but nonetheless were disgusting. You and your cohorts made Mr. Landes suffer, and why?! Because you wanted his wife, and the others hated her!!! Why you didn't get any jail time is beyond me because I would have put you behind bars if you didn't settle!! But with you agreeing to settle, my job here is to come up with an amount for you to compensate Mr. Landes. Mr. Landes's settlement amount from this lawsuit is 300 million dollars. Mr. Kendall agreed to pay the amount to you today. Do you agree to the terms?"

Bliss started coughing, so the judge summoned someone to get water for her. My gosh, what kind of modeling does he do to have that kind of money to pay out?!

"Yes, I do. I don't want to see his face again. I want it either as a certified check or a bank account set up in my name and Bliss' name."

Judge Ana Sofía López: "Mr. Kendall, which way are you going with?"

"Once we leave the courtroom, I will have an account set up with Shane and Bliss' name," Grayson answered.

Judge Ana Sofía López: "Now that is settled, Mr. Kendall, keep your word with what you just said. And, leave Mr. & Mrs. Landes alone. Do not come into my courtroom or anywhere else! Do you understand?!"

"Yes, your honor," Grayson answered.

Judge Ana Sofía López: "This settlement hearing is adjourned."

The judge and court stenographer exited the room.

"Shane, where should I set up the account?" Grayson asked.

"My bank is in downtown Miami. And I am following you. I don't trust you."

He sighed, "Fine. I am driving a white Range Rover. It is in the court parking lot."

"Let's go. Jacob and Hermione, thank you so much for your help."

"You're welcome, Shane. And thanks for the plane ride back to New York tomorrow. We'll see you tomorrow."

"You're welcome. How about we take you out to dinner this evening?"

"That would be great."

After giving me their hotel name, we walked to the parking lot together. We watched Jacob and Hermione pull off in their rental. Kalani got in his truck, and Grayson got in his. Bliss and I got in ours. Then, we headed to the bank.

~~~~~~~~~~

The bank is on the same block as Bliss's new Miami location, which will open after we return from Greece.

Kalani walked across the street with Bliss. I went to the bank with Grayson.

"Welcome to Elite Trust Corp. My name is Nancy. How can I help you today?"

Grayson's POV

Shane had a firm grip on my shoulder as he said, "My good friend, Grayson Kendall, needs to open an interest-bearing checking account. He will explain why when he gives you the amount, right buddy?" He sarcastically says.

"Follow me, please." We followed Nancy to her office to open the account.

"Just give me a second to open my computer so I can set up that account for you."

Nancy started typing, then said, "Okay, may I ask for the name to be placed on the account?"

I let Shane answer.

"Mrs. Bliss Nalani Landes. This will be my wife's account."

Nancy looked at both of us funny, so I explained but didn't give too much detail.

"This is part of a lawsuit settlement. Shane will give you any additional information you may need, such as the address. I am here to wire money to the account."

Shane gave Nancy everything she needed to set up the account for Bliss. Then, it was my turn.

"Mr. Kendall, how much is to be wired into the account for Mrs. Landes? My daughters, unfortunately, follow you on Instagram. That is how I know who you are. Your private life is none of my business. I'm going to keep this appointment professional because this is a place of business."

Shane had a smug grin on his face after she said that.

"Here is the bank and my account number. The amount to be wired is 350 million dollars."

Nancy and Shane's mouths were wide open. I gave Nancy my info so she could call my bank. "Excuse us, Nancy, while you call the bank."

Shane yanked me out of my chair, and we stood by the door to the office.

"Grayson, I don't know what game you are playing, but why did you add more to the account?! Don't play with me!"

"I make a ton of money through photoshoots and endorsements. And I am not one of those guys who spends money like crazy. I was prepared to settle for more. And, when you said it was for Bliss, I wanted to support her company or what she uses it for. What I did in that scheme was uncalled for. I realized that it was wrong for me to develop feelings for Bliss, knowing she was taken. She is very attractive, and I couldn't resist."

Nancy just finished her phone call. "Mr. Landes, I will be right back. Mr. Kendall, please follow me."

I followed Nancy out of her office and into another office.

"Mr. Kendall, this is the President of the bank, Mr. Powell. I need both of your signatures on this document and application to authorize such a large amount to transfer."

I shook the President's hand. Then, we both signed the authorization form and application.

"Thank you, Mr. Kendall, for your business," Mr. Powell says.

"You're welcome." Nancy and I then left his office. It's not like I had a choice.

Shane's POV

"Mr. Landes, we will need your wife's signature."

"Sure. I'll call her now."

~~~~~~

Shane: "Hey love, can you come into the bank? Your signature is needed."

Bliss: "Me? Why is my signature needed?"

Shane: "Surprise! Now hurry over."

~~~~~~~

I walked out of the office to wait for Bliss.

Five minutes later, I saw Bliss and Kalani entering the bank. When Bliss saw me, she had a confused look on her face.

"Follow me." We walked into Nancy's office, and Bliss instantly became irritated.

"Mrs. Landes, my name is Nancy, and I am setting up your bank account. I just need you to check over the information your husband gave and sign here on the dotted line."

She looked over it, and when Bliss saw what was going in there, she started coughing. Fortunately, there was a water machine in the office. Nancy got Bliss a cup of water.

Bliss' POV

"Thank you. Why does this say an additional 50 million dollars? Shane, what am I going to do with all of this money?"

"Mrs. Landes, would you need debit cards or checks?"

"Uh, yes, please."

"Your checks and debit card will come to you in the mail over the next two weeks. Would there be anything else today?"

"No, thank you." The three of us left the office, and then we exited the bank with Kalani.

"Grayson, I don't want to know or care why you added 50 million dollars. But money is not a problem solver or cure-all for anything! I would have preferred you went to jail! Now, can you now leave us the heck alone?! You and the other three have made our lives miserable. I can't stand you or them. Back in November, I thought I was pregnant. I could have been already pregnant if you buffoons left us alone! Shane and I should be happy about me being pregnant or giving birth to our baby, but we are not! Please, just leave us alone!"

I grabbed Shane's hand and pulled him to my Range Rover. We got in to go home and pack for New York and San Diego.

"Thank goodness this is over."

~~~~~~~~

Thank you for reading chapter 60.

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