Cheerful Result

Tears welled in Hannah's eyes, though she'd expected it, as she heard the voice of justice. She looked at Oscar, finally free after months of imprisonment. She fought to control her emotions.

The judge declared, "Considering the circumstances surrounding Charles Sawyer's case, the court will retry the case after the Investigation Department gathers new evidence and files an appeal. Dismiss!"

The gavel pounded. Judge, jury, and audience dispersed. Hannah watched the bailiff remove the handcuffs, seemingly too heavy for Oscar's thin wrists.

Their eyes met. He mouthed, "Wait for me." Hannah's vision blurred; she only saw him walking away.

"Hannah, Oscar's gone. Why don't you leave?" Susan asked.

Hannah's lips tightened. A storm of emotion surged through her. She whirled and rushed from the courtroom, disappearing before Susan could react.

Was it true love? Susan wondered, a touch envious. Unlike her friend, hopelessly in love, she knew nothing of such a feeling. Dismissing the thought, she followed.

Outside, Hannah waited at an exit. After a tense wait, she saw Oscar and Josh emerge. Oscar, in clothes far too large for his weight loss, smiled as he always did. He opened his arms, and Hannah ran to him, collapsing against his thin chest. The powerfully built man was now almost skeletal.

Hannah held him tight, the pain palpable. She inhaled his familiar scent, her tears soaking his clothes. Seeing them embrace, Susan smiled and left, unwilling to intrude. Would Oscar be...? she mused, then thought of Manuel, absent from the second hearing. Had he abandoned Oscar, deeming the case hopeless? A realist? She left, pondering.

Outside, Hannah clung to Oscar. Passersby paused, touched by their affection. Sarah, surrounded by guards, witnessed the scene. The biggest winner, she thought bitterly, this bitch who not only got revenge on Charles but saved Oscar. She left, teeth clenched, fuming over her own recent heartbreak.

"Shall we leave?" Josh gently interrupted the couple, feeling awkward.

Hannah blushed, lifting her head. "You can hold me as long as you wish when we get home," Oscar said, his smile tender.

She pouted; he sounded nonchalant, yet he held her tightly. Hand in hand, they descended the stairs.

A throng of journalists awaited. They interviewed others, but their focus remained on Oscar and Hannah.

"Mr. Wells, any comments on the verdict?"

"We heard it was Charles who wronged you, disguised as a good man, exposed by his wife, Sarah. Are you satisfied?"

"Mrs. Wells, your thoughts on Mr. Wells' acquittal?"

The questions overwhelmed them. Hannah longed to escape the media.

"I testified that I believed in justice. His acquittal was expected," she replied simply.

"About Charles' crimes?"

"He deserves justice. I have nothing to add."

"Mrs. Wells…"

"I'm sorry, my husband just left prison. He needs rest. Excuse me."

The man beside her beamed at the "my husband." With Jimmy's assistance, they escaped the press.

In the car, Hannah breathed deeply, vowing never to return to that court. She held Oscar's arm tightly, acutely aware of her love and fear of loss. The car fell silent, until Hannah's phone rang.

"Venus," she said to Oscar.

None of the Wells family had attended the hearing. Venus, resentful and ill after the first trial, was bedridden. Robert cared for her; David and Thomas were away on business. Venus likely called to confirm Oscar's release.

"Answer it," Oscar whispered, though whether it was genuine cheer or not, Hannah couldn't be sure.

"Good afternoon, Mum," Hannah answered.

"Oh, dear, is Oscar free?" Venus exclaimed.