"We're dropping all the charges!" Everyone on Alden's side turns to their left. Victor was standing tall facing Judge Castañeda. Maine was about to say something when another voice came echoing inside the courtroom.

"You should have dropped all charges to begin with, Victor. It would be a shame if we make Maine or Alden pay for our mistakes, right Serina?" Sarcasm was written all over the man's voice and face. Maine was taken aback and stunned to see who barged in.

"Mom?" Maine unintentionally uttered.

"Dad?" Aleck whispered behind Maine.

Everyone in the court room went quiet for a moment. Even Judge Castañeda lost his words for a bit, then the murmur started to escalate into somewhat loud whispers. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"I don't like my courtroom turning into a comedy bar." Judge Castañeda stated as he plunged the gavel onto the base a few times.

"Excuse me, your honor. We apologize for our intrusion. I just wanted to say, in my opinion, these charges are a joke. And it shouldn't be on your table." One the newcomer said.

"And you are?" The judge asked. The jury and the people started murmuring.

"I am Atty. Calvin Jacobs, an additional council for the plaintiff, Engr. Richards, your honor." Maine looked at Alden. Alden was quietly staring at the newcomers specifically at the gentleman behind Maine's mother.

"Approach the bench, please." Judge Castañeda motioned the three lawyers.

"I am not dropping the charge, Victor! He shot my daughter!" Serina was angry but is trying to hush it down.

"You have seen the video, Serina. She was hurting a child, a minor, and my daughter which is his fiancée. He did not shoot her for fun, he shot her to protect my daughter and my granddaughter." Victor's voice was louder for Maine to hear it.

She flinched her fist seeing Serina acting like a loving immaculate mother to Laney.

"I don't care what the video shows, Victor. I will use all connections on my disposal to put him behind bars!" Serina was angry. Victor looks like he was done. He was tired and exhausted.

"Okay then, suit yourself. I'm choosing my daughter this time, Serina. You are right to choose Laney." He firmly declared. "Expect the divorce paper on your desk first thing Monday morning." Maine was shocked at what she heard from her father. There was that flabbergasted look on Serina's face hearing Victor's decision.

"How dare you, Victor. I chose you over my daughter and this is what you'll do to me?!" Serina was livid.

"Yes, you did, but you did not make sure she's being guarded. I, on the other hand, may not be the perfect father, but I made sure someone's always watching my daughter and keeping her safe at all time, whatever the cost may be." Serina's demeanor dimmed because she knows that Victor did that against her will.

Maine heard everything that her father had said. She doesn't have any idea, not a clue, that her father may not be present in her life growing up, but he did something only a father could, protect her.

All these years, she thought she made it through without a hitch, without a problem. She thought she was clever enough to avoid conflicts, mischance and misfortune. She didn't know her father was always behind her even when he wasn't there physically.

"Silence!" The judge's voice boomed out and slammed his gavel right away a few times on the base to silence the people.

One of the bailiffs and two guards at the door came closer to Serina and Victor. Everyone went quiet and sat down. Victor turned his back from his wife and moves behind Maine's pew. Laida and Wilfred were behind him, too.

"Engr. Richards, do you accept Atty. Jacobs to be your added council?" The judge turns to Alden.

"I appreciate the generous offer but no, you honor." Laida and Wilfred gasp in the back. "Atty. Carasco is enough for me, your honor." Maine just smiled at Alden.

She understood why. She simply nodded her head towards Alden when they caught each other's gaze.

"Okay. Let's proceed then." He stated. "Members of the jury, do we accept this case for further trial?" He added. The chairman of the jury stood up.

"No, your honor." The gentleman said. "We have read all the evidence and seen the video before entering your courtroom, your honor. Engr. Richards did what he could do to protect his daughter and his fiancée. I apologize, your honor for making my statement longer than it should, I would like to point out something, Engr. Alden Richards is only guilty of loving his daughter and that he is willing to exchange his freedom for her safety. If shooting a person pointing a gun at your child's head is crime and not considered as self defense then we are all guilty as charged." The judge smiled. "And with that, we found the plaintiff not guilty, your honor." The chairman of the jury sat down after he delivered his reply.

"The Case #PR33-2020, Engr. Alden Richards vs Lucilaine Ortiz is discharged and dismissed." Judge Castañeda closed it with the sound of the gavel against the wooden base.

Everyone celebrated, cheering and talking happily. Maine remained seated with her tears rolling down, staring at Alden. She's waiting till he gets done with whatever they are telling him in the front.

After a few moments, Alden's handcuff was taken off. Maine's heart is thumping fast, pounding hard, it's beating wild. She can't wait to hug him.

Then finally, the conversation was over, Alden faced her with a happy smile. Oh God, he's more handsome now.

Alden fast walked towards her with a smile, that's when she stood up and ran to the front past the bar, she jumped and hugged him. She doesn't care if she's wearing a dress and straddling Alden. All she cares for now is she got her man back. Alden is free.

"I missed you." She whispered in his ears, crying.

"I missed you, too." Alden whispered as he kissed her on the cheek near her ear.

Alden's actions gave her shivers down her spine, a mixture of hot and cold stream in her veins to the tips of her nerves.

The warmth of his hugs sent electricity all over her body, sqhe hugged him tighter, then stopped for a while, as she felt his hardness. Good thing Alden was wearing somewhat loose slacks. They both took a deep breath and sniggered.

Everyone can't do anything but watch and smile at a wonderful sight in front of them. They both hear gasping when Alden kisses her fully on the lips and she accepts it with all her heart, mind and soul. Everyone clapped, even the ones that didn't know what was going on.

It was way late in the afternoon already and the next court session starts in an hour. Conrad was so quick to stand up since everyone else left the room but them.

"Tito Wackz, would it be wrong to ask you to officiate a quick wedding today?" Judge Castaneda turned around to see his grinning nephew. Maine and Alden looked at each other hearing Conrad called Judge Castañeda, uncle.

"Why, are you marrying that young lady next to you?" He asked. Conrad laughed heartily.

"I married her once, and it's not a bad idea to marry her again... and again." Conrad gazed at Tess lovingly. Tess blushed and smiled shyly. Maine thought it was the cutest and sweetest gesture ever.

"I know you would." Judge Castañeda commented quickly. "Well, if not you, then who's the lucky couple?" He asked, looking around. His eyes landed on Allan.

"Oh, I would love to but not yet, your honor. I'm still wooing her." Allan glanced at Tracy lovingly and winked at her.

She looked down but everyone caught her blushing. And since her hair is up on a ponytail, everyone saw her ears reddened, too. Then the judge's eyes land on Leon and Big Mike.

"Nope, not us. We still have few steps to take." Leon said. Aimee nodded, smiling widely.

"I wanted to but my lady over here is not yet ready." Big Mike said, staring straight at Luisa. She was caught off-guard.

"I didn't know you wanted to!" She exclaimed putting both her hands on her chest. Excitement can be seen in her eyes. Big Mike chuckled and pulled her closer.

"If it is not any of you, then who?" Judge Castaneda asked in bewilderment. The judge look each and everyone of his nephew's friends personally including their partners, except for Alden and Maine, whom he just met during the custody hearing and today's arraignment. So, he wasn't sure about the two or whoever, although they have both declared that they are engaged.

"We didn't have proper documentation, such as a marriage application or marriage license. But we were hoping you can help us with that. We do not want to leave this place not marrying them both." Bernie spoke up. Everyone nodded.

Maine's parents were both quiet at what is taking place. They are not sure as to what is going on, they remain still and their lips are sealed. Serina can't do anything anymore. A lot has happened. It was caused by her negligence, so she kept her silence, or she'll lose her husband.

"We know that you are a busy man, but we do hope you can help them." It was Jona who spoke up next.

"Yes, please." Tracy put her hand together like she is praying. The judge smiled at them. Alden and Maine glanced at each silently asking each other of what is going on.

"Your honor!" A man's voice was heard from the crowd. Everybody stopped. Alden and Maine stopped, too. They looked for that person who spoke up.

"Yes?" Judge Castañeda asked.

"Would it be too much to ask if we marry these people here before we all leave your honorable courtroom?" It was Maine's Dad, Victor that spoke. Judge Castañeda smiled.

"I thought you would never ask." He replied, breathing a sigh of relief, gazing at Maine and Alden. Maine and Alden looked at each, no word, just eyes. They smiled and faced the judge.

"If it is not too much to ask, we would love to." Alden spoke up for both of them. Glancing at Maine with a loving gaze.

"Do you agree, Ms. Mendoza?" He tenderly asked Maine. She gave him her sweetest smile and nod.

"With all my heart, your honor." Looking at Alden responding to the judge, she can not control her happiness. She can't stop smiling.

"Alright. Let's do it then." Conrad echoed from the back. They laughed. "Who's the best man?" He added.

"Big Mike, will you do the honors?" Alden without glancing at Big mike. He was too busy staring at Maine, looking deeply in her eyes.

"Lui, will you be my maid of honor?" Maine asked. Same as Alden, she was busy staring at Alden deeply in the eyes.

"Did you plan this?" Maine asked him. He nodded and smiled the sweetest, his lone dimple showing.

"I was going to do it later after all this is over but since we are here and you are already dressed for the occasion, I would love you to be my wife, today. If you may, please." Alden confesses with a smile that could make a girl's knees weak.

"But did you actually plan for this?" Maine asked again, whispering. He nodded again and smiled.

"Oh, not this way. I thought to go to the next building to the city clerk and apply for a license." Alden said, still hugging her, she's not straddling him anymore. "I was going to ask the firehouse boys to help get all the documents needed and signed by you so you can't say no anymore since I know Atty. Carasco will get all the charges dropped today. But I guess our friends are more excited than I am." Alden smiled again. Maine's chest tightened in so much joy and excitement.

"Wait, Atty. Carasco had me signed a three page document earlier." Maine voiced out. Alden's brow's furrowed. He was about to say something when Judge Castañeda spoke up.

"Really? What for?" But before Maine could answer Alden's question, Judge Castañeda spoke up.

"Alright. I will help with that. I will have my court clerk submit everything and after today's ceremony. I need you all to be the witness and go to the city clerk's office to pick the application and sign the marriage license there." He said smiling at Alden and Maine.

"Excuse me, your honor." Atty. Jacobs interrupted. Judge Castaneda looked up. "I have a marriage application here that is not filled out yet. It was supposed to be for my other client. I think we can use this. I can just get a new one." He waved the sheet of paper. Judge Castaneda smiled.

"Very well then. I am famished, so we better move on. I still have one case to take care of." Judge Castaneda declared and everyone agreed.

Judge Castaneda started by calling Maine and Alden to the front. Everyone just took their cue to stay where they sat and listened except for Luisa and Big Mike. Then they heard the judge speak.

"If anyone here is against this union, may now speak now or forever hold your peace." The judge stated. He held up a few seconds of silence to give way to those who wanted to oppose Maine and Alden's union.

After a few moments he courtroom is still in silence, then he proceeds. He went on till he gets to the parts of stating each other's vows.

"Maine, you may not remember it, you had saved my life once long time ago. You left a mark on my mind and my heart. You kissed me like I was Snow White and you are my Princess Charming. You kissed me like I am the Beauty and you are the Beast... well it was the other way around since you are the beauty and I am the beast." Some gasped and some laughed at what he said, even Maine did. She is feeling so hot in the face, she knows she's red with embarrassment.

"I can't promise that you will not cry again but I will make sure it will never be because of pain and hurt. It will only be for joy and happiness. I will try my best to show you how much I love you every waking day of my life till I pull my last breath, or till death do us part. I love you, Maine" Alden finally said what he really felt for her and it was the sweetest ever.

Maine's chest tightened with so much joy that she's too afraid that tomorrow it will all be pain. But she had decided the day she wore the ring that if she was able to endure all her death defying stunts during her races, she will endure every challenge she will be facing with Alden.

Maine took a deep breath before speaking.

"Alden, the first time I saw you, I thought you were the creepiest, the most arrogant and the most handsome man I have laid my eyes on. The handsome part is very true, though." Everyone laughed at it. She took another deep breath. "But the arrogant and the creepy part is now gone. I prove the saying, first impression lasts wrong. Because that wasn't the first time I laid my eyes on you. The first time was during that rainy night after I did what I did." She can't say the kissing part.

"I heard you said, Wait when I wake up, if not, I will find you in the future. I don't know if it has anything to do with my choices after then but it made me remain still in one place and make something of myself. I stop running away and trying to kill myself. I accepted the reality that one days soon I will have someone to share my love to. Things happen in between that made us all regret something but I thank God in heaven that he made sure our paths crossed again." Maine wasn't sure if she's making sense with her vows but that was what her heart was telling her to say.

"You told me the last time we were together in my room, you said, you are so thankful that God gave me you, but you are wrong, because it was me who's very thankful to God that he gave not only you but Periwinkle, too. I love you, Alden." She said. Her tears are rolling down her cheeks but she is smiling. She can not contain her happiness.

"I know this is too sudden and we do not have the rings..." Judge Castaneda said but was cut off by Laida, Maine's Mom.

"Your honor, it may have not worked for me and her father but I kept with me the ring his parents gave us." Laida quickly said trying to compose herself, not only for the people around but mostly, for her daughter, who not once glanced at her. "Victor, I know you still have yours, too." Laida turns to face Victor and look him in the eye for the very first time in almost eleven years.

Victor smiled at Laida and Maine saw the love her father has for her mother and what surprised her the most is, she saw her mother teared up and smiled at her father. It was her sweetest smile. She last saw that smile almost eleven years ago. Twas the night before she went to bed, then woke up to a broken home.

"Yes, I do." Victor's short response. He dug in his back pocket and opened his wallet to fish out an antique wedding ring.

Laida and Victor walked up to them, with tears running their eyes looking at Maine with so much love, regrets and sadness. They both hand the rings to Big Mike and Luisa.

"Maine, my love. I am so sorry for all the things that I had done to you, for hurting you, neglecting you and just thinking of myself, my pain and hurt, the betrayal and I did not see the love that I turned my back from. Please forgive, Mommy." Laida can not find any other words to show Maine the regret that she had been holding on for almost eleven years. All she could say is I'm sorry. And that is enough for Maine. She heard it and she's happy.

"Thanks, Mom." Her voice almost did come out. Maine felt Alden's hand squeezed hers. She looked up to him and he smiled. He did not motion anything nor say a word but Maine heard it very loud.

"Be happy, my Princess." The only words came out of Victor, but Maine was happy hearing it.

"Thanks' Dad." Maine smiled at Victor. He just nodded and smiled.

"Thank you." Alden said to both of Maine's parents with a sweet smile.

Luisa handed Maine the ring that Victor gave her. Maine's hands were shaking as she was trying to put the ring on Alden's finger. Victor smiled when he saw it fit Alden's finger perfectly.

Big Mike handed Alden the ring that Laida gave. He then put the ring on Maine's finger, it fit. Laida smiled when she saw it fit perfectly on her daughter's finger.

"By the authority vested in me by the City of Manila, I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Richards. You may now kiss the bride!" Judge Castaneda proclaimed.

Alden carefully pulled Maine towards him. He pushed a few hair strands back behind her ears and lovingly smiled at her. She giggled. Then he brought his lips on hers and they shared their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Richards.

Everyone clapped loudly. Some whistled, some howled and some hooted but all of them have a genuine smile on their faces.

"I love you, Nurse Maine." Alden said and quickly kissed her again.

"I love you, Eng. Richards." Maine said. She looks so happy.

Her lips can stop smiling so as her eyes. The eyes that Alden loves so much because they tell him who she really is inside.

This will be the first day of the rest of their lives. Alden hugged Maine and lifted her up. Maine felt so lucky. After all that she had gone through, she finally is happy being with him and...

"Mommy! Daddy!" Screamed the joy of their lives.

Alden picked up the ball of fire named Periwinkle Jasmin Mendoza Richards. They are a picture of a very happy family ready to face the world without fear so long as they have each other.

There is no better affair that The Periwinkle Affair.

~ THE END ~

__________

End of TPA 32: The Periwinkle Affair

Thank you for reading the chapter. Please leave your thoughts, comments or just say Hi. Don't forget to tap the 🌟 to vote, and let's share the story to your friends for some good vibes. CTTO Media used.

💖 ~ Ms J ~ 💖
05.21.20

The Periwinkle Affair
©All Rights Reserved
August 26, 2019

My loving and loyal readers,

Thank you so much for enjoying the story of Alden, Maine and Periwinkle. Hope to see you again in Makai and Anton's story in A Home In Your Heart.

Add AHIYH in your library and tune in for future updates.

Love,

Ms. J

A Home In Your Hear
©️All Rights Reserved
July 25, 2018

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