Defending Mr. Billionaire (Sandoval Trilogy #1) | COMPLETED

Chapter 17

Atty. Christine Villeza

The situation was a bit awkward, but I managed to compose myself and looked professional. I don't want to ruin our relationship, if there's any, just because Charisse Villaluna was alive. Sandoval and I are still okay. "Gustong-gusto nila na mamatay ka na, Sandoval." I frankly said.

We are now in Manila Regional Trial Court, inside the courtroom, still waiting for the judge to come. Nasa kanan kami samantalang ang prosecution ay nasa kabila. Original position, Sandoval is in between me and Jelsey. Naghahanda na rin sa waiting area ang mga witness namin para mamaya.

"Sino?" sagot ni Sandoval sa tanong ko. "Sabi ko nga, maraming gustong pumatay sa'kin. I can't help it."

I rolled my eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. "Ang mga nagsampa ng kaso sayo. Ang mga magulang ni Charisse at ang kasosyo nilang si Jhon. Konektado pala ang dalawang 'yon." natatawang sambit ko.

Napaisip din kasi ako dati, bakit naman iisa lang ang nagsampa ng kaso kung dalawa ang biktima? 'Yon pala, magkaka-konekta sila. Wala naman akong pakialam, sayang. "They can't kill me."

"You sure, eh?" I mocked. "How can you say that in the middle of your court trial?"

"I have my billion, my assets, my everything. Hanggang hindi nila nakukuha 'yon bukod sa kalayaan ko, hindi nila ako mapapatay." He seemed very confident.

"Whatever. At the end of the day, just pray that you won't get killed."

"Bakit? Papakasalan mo pa ako?" he jested. Bahagya akong nanginig sa pagka-corny ng sinabi niya samantalang si Jelsey ay bahagyang natawa.

"Yuck, Sandoval, fvck off."

As if on cue, the honorable judge Natasha Magnaye is now here. Tumayo kaming lahat at nagbigay galang sa kaniya. Kompleto na ang bawat partido, nasa kabila sina Prosecutors Bright at Dark samantalang nandito kami ni Public Defender Jelsey. Nandito na rin ang mga nagsampa ng kaso na sadyang pinagkakaguluhan ng mga midya sa likod.

Speaking of media, I looked at the back and found Jeffrey Skyler reporting. I smiled even if he couldn't see me. "I hope that your career is doing well." I uttered in the void.

"You all may be seated."

Sabay-sabay kaming umupo. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Jelsey at napangiti. "Is this the start, Attorney Christine?" she asked and giggled. She must be very excited about this.

"Yes, Public Defender. . . it is the start."

WE REQUESTED TO go first so the defense, it's us, presented our witnesses. Jelsey and I planned that we need to have character witnesses first so we can reserve more intimidating evidence and witnesses on the next court trial.

"I swear by Almighty God that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." the first witness said the oath.

It was Sandoval's family maid. Ako ang naunang mag-direct examine sa kaniya kaya nginitian ko ito't bahagyang tumango. She seemed very tense, but she calmed down after I asked her a question. "What is your name?"

"Uhm. . . Rose Marie Yuheño po."

"What was your relationship with the accused?"

Walang nakakagulat sa tanong ko pero parang nagulat siya. May nasabi ba akong iba? Ang alam ko, na-brief ko na ang mga witness ko ng mga itatanong ko. "Relationship po?"

Tumango ako't ngumiti. "Yes, relationship."

"Ay, nako, Attorney, wala ho kaming relasyon ni Sir Anthony!" naguguluhang sagot ni Rose. Napakunot ang noo ko at napatingin kay Sandoval at Jelsey.