Chapter 130

I found myself seated in a rigid chair, my fingers tapping nervously against the polished surface of the smooth wooden table before me. The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense, and I could feel the weight of the judge's gaze as he squinted at me, perhaps attempting to see beyond the facade I now presented.

It struck me that he might not even recognize me, given how much I had transformed from the fragile figure I had once been. My internal musings, however, were abruptly cut short when the prosecuting attorney began to speak.

"The prosecution calls Andrew Brook to the stand."

A wave of discomfort washed over me. I detested not only his name but the very essence of his being. I felt my heart rate quicken as I heard the sound of his footsteps echoing up the central aisle of the courtroom. Each step sent a shiver down my spine, raising the fine hairs on the back of my neck.

As he approached the table, I was grateful that the public defender stood between us,