Time slowly ticked away, as I paced up and down the grand halls of the court. There was a sense of fear fluttering around my stomach. My legs were not allowing me to sit patiently in one place.

"Louisa." Rebecca grabbed my attention. "You need to relax-"

"How can I? They didn't allow me to speak. I had so much to say and I was dismissed like they didn't even care," I exclaimed with a worried tone to my voice.

"Keep a positive mind. The jury have a lot of factors to consider. They have my questioning on Charles. Alexander's statement, your statement. The fact that Viv is still nowhere to be seen, she was the only one who could have vouched for Charles," Rebecca calmly responded to my slight erratic behaviour.

I stopped pacing and faced Rebecca. She looked hopeful. I faced Alexander, his brows were furrowed showcasing a concerned look to his face. I etched a small smile as it was all that I could do, with the bundle of nerves building up like a ball.

He extended his hand towards me, without much thought I entwined my hand into his. His arm is looped over my shoulders, bringing me close to him.

I'm not able to fully relax, as the court usher called for everyone to return. A sudden shiver attacked me, my body went cold with dread.

I came out of Alexander's hold, he lovingly squeezed my hand. Rebecca also comforted me, placing her hand onto my shoulder. This was now or never. The decision was made and I had to face whatever the jury decided.

Back in the dreaded courtroom, we take our places. It felt like déjà vu, the repeated act of a dull Charles entering, taking his place. The jury filtering in. The usher calling for us to rise as the judge takes his seat.

The silence in the court room was quite deafening. My heart slammed and thudded into my chest like a banging drum. Long slow breaths escaped my mouth, as I wait for the judgement to be given.

One person out of the twelve jury members, stood up. A woman with no expression, stared far into the distance whilst she waited for the judge to ask her of the outcome.

"Charles Moore please stand," The judge said in a strict and monotone voice.

I made sure not to face Charles, I didn't want him in my line of vision. I felt his presence as he slowly stood up. I grabbed hold of Alexander's hand, his other hand placed on top of mine, soothingly caressing the back of my hand.

"Can I ask you, madam foreman, have you reached a verdict in which you all agreed upon?" The judge asked the head of the jury.

"Yes, we have your honour," The stern lady blandly replied, she straightened her posture, with her hands linked together in front of her.

"On the count of fraud and money laundering, do you find the defendant, guilty or not guilty?" The judge questioned.

The next few seconds felt like a lifetime, as I waited for the answer to come out. It felt like everything around me had stopped. I sank into Alexander's chest, tightly closing my eyes, waiting for my ears to pick up the dreaded words.

The lady cleared her throat and loudly stated her answer.

"Guilty."

Just one word was able to shift the mood. It took one word to shoot my head up. My eyes widened, to the point where I thought they'd pop out. The terror I held on to within Alexander's hand was evaporated, it was gone, replaced by peace and happiness.

There was a sense of hope blooming inside me. Although he was already found guilty, I needed the next verdict to follow through and give me reassurance.

"On the count of kidnapping and endangerment, do you find the defendant, guilty or not guilty?" The judge proceeded to ask for the second verdict.

The same word is all I needed. I held onto my breath, waiting for the woman to respond.

"Guilty."

A quick breath escaped my mouth. I yelped in happiness, grabbing Alexander into a hug, I could barely conceal my delight. It was over. I had got my redemption.

"Mr Moore, upon the jury finding you guilty on both counts, I sentence you to a maximum of five years in prison, on the charge of committing serious fraud. A maximum of two and a half years on the charge of kidnapping and endangerment. That takes you to seven and a half years in prison, alongside a fine of £50,000 and a five-year ban partaking in any business. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Not a peep came out of Charles. He looked like his soul had been rinsed from him. He eerily just stood there, waiting to be taken away.

"Take him away. Court is dismissed." The judge waved his hand to get rid of Charles, he then got up from his seat and disappeared. My eyes follow the rattle of the handcuffs going onto Charles wrists. He's dragged away from the dock and through the doors, out of our lives.

I was engulfed with joy. The atmosphere of the court room changed. At first, it felt like the room kept hold of me, trying to strangle every breath away from me. Now the burden had been lifted. The room flooded with brightness.

We all leave the building and as we reach outside, the fresh crisp air welcomed me. Alexander brought me into to a hug, I could only return the hug and shake with joy.

"We did it," Alexander exclaimed.

I couldn't find the words to respond. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. Soon after Rebecca joined us.

"How are you guys?" She asked with a wide grin on her face. Rebecca had a clear proud look to her. Not only did she help me, but she won the court case.

"I feel... I feel at ease." I finally let out. "Rebecca thank you so much. If it wasn't for you, we don't know how we would have won this case."

"I was just doing my job. You can put all this behind you. Focus on your wedding now," Rebecca said raising her brows at us.

I couldn't help but showcase a wide smile. She was right, all this could finally be left behind us. I felt like I could turn all my attention to the wedding. Alexander pulled me close to him and placed a soft peck on the side of my head.

After talking to Rebecca for little longer, we part our ways and go home. On the way home we called everyone near and dear to us, telling them the great news.

We arrived home and Maggie greeted us. She beamed with happiness when we told her the news. She ecstatically grabbed us both and hugged us.

Alexander and I made our way upstairs to our bedroom. As soon as I saw the bed, I flopped down onto it. Spreading my arms and letting a great sigh out.

"I'll turn the shower on for you," Alexander chuckled.

"Good idea. A long hot shower is exactly what I need," I replied whilst staying in my starfish position in the bed.

I had so much dread built up inside me. I didn't know how I would have handled it, if the verdict was not guilty. It would have clawed away at me. I would have been looking over my shoulders for the rest of my life.

But now, I had no fear or worry. Only peace and happiness. Although he wasn't going to be in prison forever, it was the fact that he was locked away for a while, which was enough for me.

Alexander called me from the bathroom, letting me know the shower was ready. I leaped at the sound of his voice. When I entered the bathroom, steam ploughed into me. The room was warm and steamy from the hotness of the pouring water.

A naive Alexander headed towards the door to exit from the bathroom. Before he could leave, I quickly grabbed onto his arm, pulling him to me.

He towered over me, craning my neck upwards to deeply gaze into his dreamy eyes. Wrapping my arms around the back of his neck, I pulled him to my lips. After one small kiss, I backed my head to admire him, counting myself lucky having him by my side.

After pulling away for a few seconds, I couldn't take the small distance any longer. Our lips slammed against each other, devouring each other. Our lips mould together as if it was second nature.

Alexander's hands explored my body. The heat from his touch ignited my entire body. As he pressed himself against me, I found myself edging back till I couldn't go any further, being stopped by the bathroom countertop.

In one swift move, I was scooped up and placed on the countertop. My legs wrapped around Alexander, squeezing him tightly. I threw my head back as his lips traveled to my neck, I laced my fingers in his hair. The electricity of his lips on my neck, awakened my whole body.

Getting lost within Alexander's touch, I suddenly remembered the running shower, which was continuously pouring water. The bathroom was getting hotter and steamier from the combination of heated water and passion from Alexander.

Placing my hands on his chest I pushed him back so I could get off the countertop. Confused at my movement, his eyes dark with desire, watched me as I proceed to take my clothes off. Etching a seductive smirk, he followed by doing the same.

I charged towards him, pushing him into the shower, now it was his turn to be pushed against something. The mix of the water falling on our body, with my hands dancing around his body, and with my lips on his, was electrifying.

Our lips fell into a rhythm. Our tongues hungrily danced around each other. We stopped to catch our breath. My eyes locked into his entrancing orbs. Slowly his hands travelled from my shoulders, down to my hips.

My heart leapt as he picked me, with my legs once again around him. He then pressed me against the hard marble wall. Every aspect of my body was touching his, making all nerve endings ignite with passion and desire.

"I love you," He seductively whispered into my ear.

His voice was like a drug, I want him to whisper in my ear all day. Sending me to another world with his enticing voice.

"I love you too," I whispered back.

We continue our electrifying passion in the shower. I felt like I was on a high. Today was an emotional rollercoaster. It started with uncertainty and now it was finishing with the feeling of ease with everything around me.

It was like everything was falling in place. We were able to look forward to the future. Surely there was nothing in this world that could hurt me...

Right?

LA/N

Celebration!! Charles was found guilty! Chuck him in prison and throw away the key!

And there's nothing like a steamy session to end the day!

Let me know your thoughts! Don't forget to share and vote!

Love _xxAMxx