THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE

Judith’s POV

The astonishment on his face as I kissed him was unparalled. He, along with everyone else in the office, were left speechless. As my eyes drifted to where Felix was seated, I could see anger deposited on his face.

“Who are you?” The chief asked, his tone laced with curiosity.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

“Oh, apologies, sir. I’m Judith Summers, Nathan’s fiance, and the supposed victim of the alleged assault.

“Oh, Mrs. Summers. I was under the impression, according to Mr. Felix’s statements, that you were out of town, hence the reason we did not summon you for questioning,” he said, directing a scrutinising glare at Felix. By this time, Felix’s expression exhibited utter disappointment.

“Oh, I found it peculiar that I wasn’t called in. The fact that he told you I was out of town should tell you that he’s a despicable liar,” I spat, wondering how I managed to keep my act together.

“I wanted to wait for your return, but these were serious allegations that necessitated urgent attention. That was why I called Mr. Nathan first,” he explained.

I took the seat beside Nathan, previously occupied by one of the lawyers, who vacated it for me. I sat with my legs crossed, ready to confront the situation.

The chief requested that I speak first, as I was an important witness and the alleged victim. I fabricated a story, claiming that I had been unfaithful to Felix with Nathan and that whatever had transpired between Nathan and me was consensual, resulting in our beautiful and intelligent twins. Felix had discovered my infidelity, and that was why he abandoned me on the altar.

“I’m so sorry, Felix, for breaking your trust,” I said, and I faced him while feigning to be sobbing as I used a handkerchief to dab my face. “But you don’t have to stoop so low by saying he raped me when he never did. You even called him a thief-was that because you thought he stole me away from you?” I asked with a straight face.

The office was silent as everyone concentrated on the drama unfolding before their eyes. I could see the chief throwing an annoying glance at Felix. I was seemingly confused that Felix was the liar that I had painted him to be.

“It’s all a lie, sir,” he said, standing up angrily. There was a robbery and an assault,” he added. You discovered that he was the assailant, and that was why you broke your engagement,” he said shockingly, bewildered by the unexpected turn of events.

“Who told you that we broke off our engagement? We had a little couple’s fight and just decided to give each other space to clear off our minds,” I said, holding Nathan’s hands dotingly.

Unfazed by his outburst, the chief sat calmly and stared on. “Say something, you quack,” he demanded from the timid lawyer seated beside him, yanking him by the collar. However, the lawyer just glanced at him weakly.

The other lawyers gripped him to prevent him from further attacking the lawyer. He struggled to let himself go, but he was overpowered.

“Will you stop this nonsense?” The chief roared, slamming the table. Everything became calm again. I stole a glance at Nathan, who remained stunned.

At that moment, I felt pity for him, but I needed to protect my kids and their father, or perhaps the man I love. It seemed absurd to think of defending the very person responsible for my misfortune. But love often emerges in the most unexpected places and with the most unexpected people.

“I always knew the allegations could never be true. A man of such calibre can’t do such despicable things, but we needed to confirm before rumours of police negligence start spreading over the media,” the chief explained, facing Nathan.

“He is a manipulative bastard, and he is manipulating you too, chief. Why can’t you just believe me?” Felix lamented in annoyance.

“Silence. The alleged victim has already denied all charges. So why should I believe you?” The chief snapped back.

“Judith, Judith,” he called and approached me. “Why are you still defending him, Judit? Tell them the truth, please,” he pleaded, shaking my hands desperately.

At that moment, I became really emotional, and I couldn’t help but feel sympathetic towards him again.

“Anyone outside?” The chief enquired, and immediately two police officers, who were already stationed by the door, came in and saluted him.

“Escort this man out,” he commanded, and instantly Felix was led out of the room.

Once he left, the chief spoke to Nathan. I thanked him for his cooperation and also apologised for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused. They shook hands, and we all left the office together.

Outside, Nathan spoke with the lawyers while I waited for him in the car. After a while, he came running towards my car and gestured for me to get out.

I alighted and leaned against the car. He looked at me pitifully and gratefully. He moved closer to me and pulled me into a warm embrace. I was shocked by his actions, but I didn’t resist him.

“I don’t know what I have done to deserve you. Even when I had hurt you so much, you defended me in there like your life depended on it. Thank you. Thank you so much, Judith,” he kept muttering as he sobbed, gently burying his face in my hair.

After staying in the position for a while, I realised how much I missed and yearned for him.