Chapter 3 Impossible Justice

Vello's increasingly depressed state was driving Maya to the brink of losing her sanity, especially since there was no encouraging news about the progress of their case.

Maya sent videos and photos of Vello looking disheveled and messy, with a blank stare, and in a condition far from okay.

"We should take Vello to a psychiatrist, Maya. I'm worried that if we let this continue, the consequences could be serious," Max said when he came to Maya's house to see Vello's deteriorating condition firsthand.

"I think so, too, Max. But I'm hesitant. Vello goes hysterical just seeing his father, let alone a stranger! And I... I have nothing left now, Max. I feel completely stuck."

"Hey, don't give up like that. You still have me, Maya. I'll do anything for you-for both of you, even if it means facing my own family. I won't back down if they're on the wrong side!" Max said firmly.

"But I'm afraid Vello will get even more hysterical when we take him to the psychiatrist, Max. I'm afraid he'll do something worse."

"That's a normal reaction. But I'm sure the doctor will know what to do once we get there. You don't need to worry too much, okay? Now, we should take him there right away. I also need his medical records to strengthen our case," Max said, trying to reassure Maya.

"Alright, I'll do whatever you think is best, Max. I don't know what else to do," Maya said softly.

Max understood Maya's situation very well and pulled her into his arms. He tried to give her the peace and strength she needed.

He had sworn to do whatever it took to bring Maya's happiness back-and save Vello.

Max gathered all the evidence to strengthen Vello's case after meeting with the psychiatrist and obtaining the necessary medical records.

It was not without reason that Max-or Maxim Lewis, to give him his full name-was fighting so hard to handle this case. If his opponent were someone else, victory might have been easier.

As a law graduate and the best lawyer in his city, Maxim Lewis' name carried considerable weight in the legal world. The chances of winning were very high.

However, because his opponent was his own family-the Lewis family-this battle was far more complicated and painful.

After spending a long and exhausting time taking care of everything, Max's efforts finally paid off. The case was successfully brought to trial. Upon learning that the case involving her younger brother, Vello, had finally received a legal response and would be brought to court, Maya felt a glimmer of hope.

She repeatedly expressed her gratitude to Max, as it was thanks to his hard work that the case was finally pursued.

Fernand, the father, also felt happy upon hearing the news. However, behind his smile lay deep concerns.

Nevertheless, to avoid dampening Maya's spirits, Fernand could only surrender and support every step his eldest daughter took.

He knew precisely who they were up against-Steven Edward Lewis was no ordinary man, and the law did not easily touch people like them, especially when they had no power.

"Dad, stay calm. Maya is sure we can get justice for Vello!"

"I always pray for that. May you succeed, my child!"

Though his heart was still doubtful, Max's presence by Maya's side gave Fernand peace.

Two weeks later, the day of the trial that would determine Vello's fate finally arrived.

Maya was already in front of the courthouse. Vello, who was beginning to improve, sat in a wheelchair accompanied by Fernand.

Maya's eyes darted around nervously. She was looking for Max, who hadn't shown up yet.

"Has Max not arrived yet? He can't be late, can he?" she thought, glancing repeatedly at her watch and phone screen.

She tried to contact Max, but his phone was turned off.

"Where are you, Max? Why hasn't your phone been on since yesterday? How am I supposed to face this alone?"

Maya was overcome with anxiety. Max was the only person who could help her seek justice. Since Max said he would bring a copy of the evidence to her house, he had disappeared without a trace.

The trial began. Max still hadn't arrived, and no witnesses from Maya's side showed up. Even the lawyer who was supposed to represent her was absent.

Meanwhile, Bryan's side began calling witnesses individually, testifying that Bryan was elsewhere when the alleged incident occurred. They even brought evidence to support their claims.

"Miss Maya, I hope you are not playing games with this legal process. Where would the witnesses you mentioned be here today?" asked the judge.

"We are still waiting for them, Your Honor. Even Max, my legal counsel, has not arrived yet," Maya replied nervously.

"Then, what about the evidence you promised? It should already be on the table now."

"The evidence is in the hands of my legal counsel, Your Honor. He might just be running late," Maya explained, her voice trembling.

Suddenly, someone from the visitors' seats stood up and spoke.

"How could he come if everything you said was a lie, Maya!"

"Nyla? You're here? Thank goodness... Will you help us with this case?"

"Who said I'll help you? I did trust you before, but not this time!"

Nyla stood up straight and looked at the judge.

"Your Honor, I am Nyla, one of the witnesses previously included in Vello's witness list. May I be allowed to testify and present evidence?"

"You are permitted."

Nyla stepped forward to the witness stand. After being sworn in, she began her testimony:

"What do you know about Miss Vellona?" asked the judge.

"I used to consider Vello a good friend and someone I could rely on. But after I found out who they were, I realized... they were capable of anything to achieve their goals."

"Your Honor, I previously testified about the indecent acts alleged against Bryan and his friends. Even Mr. Max recorded my testimony. But that's not true! I said all that because Maya forced me to do it! They made me read a text defaming Bryan, and Max paid me to do it!"

"LIAR!!" Maya stood up and slammed the table.

"Nyla, why are you twisting all your statements? Your Honor, she's lying!"

"Please calm down, Sister Maya. Please sit down and let the witness continue."

"I cannot allow false testimony to frame an innocent person, Your Honor. Vello is not the victim; he is the one who first tries to approach Bryan. But Bryan refused because he deeply respects women. Perhaps feeling rejected, Vello fabricated a false story about the incident."

Nyla's demeaning statement about Vello nearly caused Maya to lose control.

"How dare you! You're slandering my brother in front of everyone! Weren't you the one who claimed to be the victim before?!"

Security guards restrained Maya to prevent her from venting her emotions.

"You forced me to say that! But now I don't want to lie anymore!"

After Nyla, other witnesses from Bryan's side began to give their testimonies, some of whom were people who had previously supported Maya but had now changed their stance.

"Where are you, Max? Why did you disappear at a time like this..." Maya thought desperately.

Finally, the judge read the verdict:

"After hearing the testimonies and reviewing the evidence, the court finds Bryan Lewis and his three friends not guilty and acquits them without conditions." The gavel struck three times. The final decision.

"NOOO! This isn't fair! My sister nearly lost her mind because of their actions!"

"I'm sorry, Miss Maya. We cannot issue a verdict without valid evidence. There is medical evidence stating that your brother's psychological condition was not caused by abuse but rather by the effects of consuming illegal substances that can trigger depression and hallucinations. This verdict is final and cannot be appealed."

The judge left the room, followed by the attendees.

Maya collapsed to the ground, exhausted. She hated the situation and herself for failing to fight for justice for Vello.

Fernand approached, helping Maya stand and hugging her.

"It's okay, dear... Let's go home. We were wrong to get involved with a devil in human form."

"But this isn't fair, Dad. They've ruined Vello's future. I was sure I could fight for justice, but I failed... I failed!"

Maya's tears broke free.

"It's okay, dear... Let's go home."

With heavy steps, Maya exits the courtroom, accompanied by her father and Vello, sitting in a wheelchair.

In the parking lot, Maya sees the Lewis family laughing and shaking hands with the judge.

Maya clenches her fists tightly.

She is certain today's trial did not go as it should have. All the evidence and testimonies... have been manipulated.