Bey Pov

I stretched out my arms and legs as I let out a loud moan of pleasure. It was the morning after yesterday's incident. I felt refreshed for the morning. I heard light snoring in my left ear and turned to see Shawn sleeping peacefully. His mouth slightly open and his hair tied up in his durag. He looked so handsome. I could watch him sleep all day. I slipped out of bed to get a head start on my morning. I grabbed my towel and looked for my toothbrush that I usually kept over. I brushed my teeth and got in the shower, lightly singing. I looked over my body and examined it as I showered. It healed well, my bruises were basically gone. There were still a few that might be permanent but overall they looked much better. I smiled a little as the constant reminder of what happened was finally leaving its presence. 

I felt my heart start to race as I thought about the trial. I couldn't help but shake the feeling of having to see him again, but I refuse to keep being a victim. Im finally getting back to myself a little bit at a time. I still have my crying spells but I am not going to lay down and take this pain anymore. I sniffled and finished washing up. I washed my hair which hadn't been done in so long. Thankfully, Shawn still had my stuff from way back when. 

20 minutes later, I was stepping out the shower feeling fresh and clean. I looked in the mirror and couldn't help but admire my body. The towel hugged my curves and my brown skin was glistening as the water dripped off of me. I felt happier and more content with my body. Drying my hair with a towel, I hummed this old school song Sunny by Bobby Hebb. It's been stuck in my head for the past week. I sang while I grabbed the curling iron to do my hair. I heard clapping as I finished singing and Shawn was standing in the doorway.

I whipped my head around shocked.

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear you sing and watch you admire your body." Shawn walked towards me with a smile. "You look and sound amazing BB."

"Thank you." I smiled making my dimple pop. "And stop sneaking up on me. You always do that." I lightly hit his arm, smirking.

"We'll have to see about that."

I rolled my eyes and focused back on my hair. I didn't want my curls to be too much, just something to make me look like I'm not some bum on the street. My first couple of curls came out just the way I liked, Shawn sat on the tub and watched me, engaging in small talk to keep me company. I could see him eyeing me down though.

Our eyes caught each others in the mirror and I spoke to him through the glass.

"You know I know you're only in here to gawk at me."

"Whatttt?" He said making his voice extra high. "Im just keeping you company Bey."

"Mhmm is that why every five minutes you have to readjust your self." His face got hot and I couldn't help but laugh at him. 

"Man, I was just trying to keep you company, but since you think I'm just staring , I'll leave." He got up walking out all butt-hurt.

"Wait Shawn."

He turned around like a dog who looked back up at you after he gets in trouble. 

"You can stay, I like your company. Just don't get upset later when nothing happens between us."

"Bey, I wouldn't even try anything with you. It's not time yet. I wanna give you time to heal properly." He spoke with a serious tone and I could tell he meant every word he spoke.

"Thank you Shawn." I put down the curling iron and I hugged him tight. "You really are the best man I've met."

"Not as good of a man as you are a woman." The hug lingered before I pulled away.

"What you wearing today?"

"I just brought a white shirt and black pants. Im just going to keep it simple. I don't want to seem like I was asking for it...You?"

"Bey, no matter what you wear, you never ask for it. It was not your fault. It's his 100 %. I don't want you to ever say that. Understand?

"Yea I got it." I spoke in a hushed tone, not really knowing how to go from there.

"and Imma wear one of my suits that I have." 

"Ok, I should be out of the bathroom soon, give me 10."

"Alright." He kissed my temple and walked out. 

I thought about what Shawn said. I know he's right but its just hard to feel like it wasn't your fault when you're in that position. I pondered for a little while I put the finishing touches on my hair and did a little shake. They dropped and hung lower than I wanted. I put everything back and wiped off the counter, so Shawn could come in and get ready.

"I'm done." I said walking pass him to the bed.

"Bey" He said grabbing my arm with little grip. " I hope I didn't come off too harsh. I just don't like that you feel like that or feel like you have to change what you wear because of this. I know I can't understand what you're going through. I just want you to know that it's really not your fault."

"I know, its just hard. I need time."

He pulled me in for a hug not saying anything and left to get ready.

I got my outfit out and ran the iron over it because I didn't pack it neat enough. It was 8 by the time I finished. We needed to be at the courthouse by 9. I wore my white top and some black pants, By the time I was ready to put on my heels Shawn was coming out of the bathroom. His body was dry and he had on his briefs. 

I glanced at him as I struggled to buckle my heel. I suppose he noticed my dilemma and felt like he needed to help me.

"I got it." He knelt down gently grabbing my ankle lifting my foot onto his knee. He quickly did my left and then my right. 

"Thank you." I said quietly.

He got up and went into his closet to put on one of his many suits. It took him about 10 minutes to get dressed. In no time, we were in the car driving on Interstate 405. The ride was quiet with only the sound of other cars and the air conditioning. I was so nervous. After dealing with all the shit that Keith put me through, Id finally be getting justice. For every beating, every unwarranted attack, and everything else that came with it. I grabbed Shawn's hand while he drove, resting my head on his arm. 

"You're gonna be good Bey. Remember I'm here for you, no matter what."

"You think he'll get life?"

"I hope so, but definitely 6 -8 years minimum." I thought about that and figured that would be enough time for me to move or at least buff up my security. 

We arrived at the courthouse 15 minutes before 9. I texted my lawyer and she said she would meet by the doors. Shawn held my hand as walked up the steps. 

He pushed open the heavy wooden doors to the building and I saw my attorney Lucy (Lu) Liu standing there. She was not only my attorney, but a friend of mine that I knew years back. 

"Hey Bey. How you feeling?" She said opening her arms for a hug, which I gladly took.

"Scared. There's so much going on in my head. I'm just praying he gets the max sentence possible." 

"I'm sure he will. The evidence is there. We have his DNA in you and we have video from near your house." Lu spoke confidently.

"Thanks Lu. I appreciate you doing this." 

"You know I would do anything for you." She said showing off her beautiful smile.

"Oh I'm sorry,  I should introduced you two. This is my friend, Shawn. Shawn this is my friend slash lawyer, Lucy." I said stepping back from Shawn, so they could speak.

"Nice to meet you Shawn." Lu stuck out her small hand.

"Same here." 

"Well we should get inside. We will be starting soon."

Shawn opened the door for us letting us walk in ahead of him.

Lu and I said on the right side at the large wooden table. Shawn sat in the seats behind us. Olivia has walked in, right as we got settled. We exchanged smiles and she gripped my shoulder showing her support. Keith had yet to be brought out. The jurors were already sitting waiting on the case to start.

A few minutes after 9, Keith walked in dressed in bright orange. The cuffs on his sleeves rolled to his elbows, while his pants dragged slightly. His white shoes dingy, offsetting the color of the steel handcuffs that were cuffed to his wrists and ankles. His face as hard as steel.

I felt myself tense up when he looked at me. Tears welded in my eyes before I looked away. I saw him smirk. I felt dirty all over again. Having to go through this was the worst things imaginable. Seeing him again...I can't..

"All Rise." The bailiff shouted as the judge walked in.

We all rose to our feet. Judge Stevens was a older, overweight, white man who was balding and wore thin circled glasses. He wore his black robe and spoke loudly.

"Case number 3435 Richards vs. Knowles. In the case of Sexual Battery and Rape on one count. Is the prosecution ready."

Lucy stepped up and spoke "Yes, your honor."

"Is defense ready?"

"Yes, your honor."

"Prosecution you are up." Judge Stevens said to Lu.

"Good Morning. Members of the jury. I'd like to first start by saying my client, Beyoncé Knowles is a mother to a young son who is eight years old. She has been raising him on her own since the passing of her husband. Mr. Richards not only threatened the safety of her but her son as well. Ms. Knowles please come to the stand."

I stood up from my seat and walked towards the stand and sat.

"Will the witness please stand to be sworn in by the bailiff." The judge spoke strongly. I quickly rose while the bailiff walked over. My hands were shaking and moist. 

"Please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" The bailiff asked staring into me.

"I do."

"You may be seated."

He walked away and Lu looked at me with a small smile.

"How are you today Ms. Knowles?"

"I'm a little scared." I said in a hushed tone

"Why?" Lu pushed me to say more.

"Because I have to see him. After everything that has happened, it just brings up a lot of bad memories." I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I sniffled to keep my composure.

"I know this is going to be hard for you but can you walk us through what happened?"

"yea..I.. um..I was with my son, Erin. We had just came from Legoland and getting ice cream. It was around nine at night. We were tired, so I gave Erin a shower and put him to bed. I..I.. went to my room and it was dark, so I didnt see him immediately. Then, I turned on the light and Keith was there..He was sitting on my bed like he had been waiting for me.."

I couldn't hold it together and I broke down on the stand. I cried like the day I was at the hospital. 

I heard Lu trying to console me. 

"I know this is hard for you Bey, just take your time."

I shook my head and wiped my tears before continuing.

"He smiled at me  and I asked him what he was doing there. He told me he was just in the neighborhood . I told him that Erin was sleep and he needed to go. You know the typical stuff to make him leave. He just sat there still, staring at me with that creepy smile. I tired to run but he grabbed me and pushed me on the bed before I could reach for the handle...."

"Please continue.." I sniffled and wiped my tears.

"He..he..he.. just threw me like a doll and spread my legs...he pushed himself in and...he..he ...co..covered my mouth..I couldn't run or move. I couldnt do anything but take it..." Thats all I could deal with before I left the stand and ran out the room. I ran pass Shawn who followed me out. 

"BEY..BEY.." He shouted after me.

"I can't do this Shawn. I can't." He spun me into his arms and hugged me tight. I cried into his suit. "Please, I can't go back in there. Please don't make me."

"I won't. If you don't want to, we can go right now." He rocked me in his arms. I heard the door to the courtroom open. I lifted my head and saw Detective Olivia Benson come out.

"Bey..." She said with a soft tone. 

"Olivia..I can't."

"Bey. I know it's hard on you, but I am here for you. I will be right there for you. He can't hurt you. This is going to put him away. I know you can do it."

I looked at her still hugging onto Shawn.

"Bey, I will be there for you. It will be ok." Shawn said looking down at me.

I sighed and walked back in with Olivia letting go of Shawn. The courtroom was silent. I walked back to the stand and Lu came up to me.

"You ok Bey?" She said so I only I could hear her.

"Yea I'm ok." I gave her a slight smile.

"Your honor, we may continue." Lu said to the judge.

"Alright, let's get on with it." He said readjusting himself in the seat. "Defense, you're up."

"Good Morning, Ms. Knowles. How are you?" Keiths lawyer, Andrew Webber asked coming up to the stand.

"I'm ok, I guess."

"I'm sorry to hear about your alleged attack." He undid his button and stuck his hand in his left pocket.

"It's not alleged." I said with fierceness. 

"But isn't it? You said that you were attacked around 9ish but you didnt even go to the hospital until 4 the next morning?"

"I didn't wake up until then"

"So you're telling me that after my client allegedly attacked you, you just so happen to fall asleep and then after you got your beauty sleep you went to the hospital. Sounds a little phony to me."

"I was unconscious from the trauma in caused me. I passed out, I wasn't sleep." I felt myself getting angrier by the minute.

"You have security cameras at your home Ms. Knowles?"

"Yes."

"Did you see footage on the camera of my client on camera?"

"Not on my personal cameras but he wa--"

"Just answer the question Ms. Knowles. Did you or did you not see Keith Richards on your home surveillance?"

"So how do you know it was him?"

"BECAUSE HE WAS ON TOP OF ME. IN ME. I KNOW IT WAS HIM."

"You dated him for how long Ms.Knowles."

"A little over a year."

"And who broke up with who?"

"I broke things off with him."

"Really because my client says he broke up with you. Why should I believe you and not him."

"Because I am not a liar."

"But I have no proof of that. You easily could gotten dumped right?"

"Yes, but I d--"

"So would you define that as he said, she said?" He spoke cutting me off.

"Yes." 

"So you saying he raped you and him saying he didn't. Could also be he said, she said, couldn't it? I mean you don't have him on camera, you only really have your word and a piece of evidence that has been removed from the case."

"What?" I said looking at Lu frantically.

Her face full of shock. "Your honor, we were not made aware any evidence has been removed from the case."

"Oh really? I thought you knew." Webber said looking back. "Well let me tell you, the so called evidence you had, the semen and rape kit is not admissible. There was a mix up in evidence and it is no longer able to be used." Webber smirked at her. " I do believe that was your only piece of evidence Ms. Liu." 

Webber gave the paper to the judge. The judge read it through before looking at Liu. "In response to the new information, we will have to find the Keith Richards NOT GUILTY in the case of Richards vs Knowles. 

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That concludes this Chapter. Hopefully you guys aren't too upset with the verdict 😂😂 Or maybe you are? Let me know. 

What will happen now?

You guys peep my girl Lucy?

Will Bey have to look her shoulder from now on?

Dun Dun Dunnnnnnn

For the students out here, hope your school semester is starting off great.