AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Clover
Six Weeks Later
Tick. Tick. Tick.
The minutes count down as I wait for the hourglass to run out.
It’s a pivotal moment, a culmination of months of anticipation and dread. As I glance at the time, a wave of nervousness washes over me. Only one hour before we have to leave for court.
Joar swoops into the living room dressed to the nines in a black suit, white shirt, and lavender tie. I’m still in my bathrobe, reclining on the lounger. Trying to find the motivation to get dressed.
He knows the significance of this day, and his mere presence bolsters my spirit.
“Sweetness, we don’t have much time.” He kneels at my side. “I believe in you. You’re a warrior and can face Harrison with truth on your side.”
I nod, appreciating his words. “Thank you for standing by me. I can’t wait to put this behind us.”
Joar takes my hand. “Remember that you’re not defined by Harrison’s actions. Today, you’ll have an opportunity to speak your truth and expose his lies. Let the strength within you shine through.”
After the debacle in New York, I flew back to LA and stayed in a villa at the Sunset Marquis for a couple of weeks while Joar finished his business meetings. Although he wanted me to stay here at his place on Wilshire, at the time it was important to me to have a neutral zone for myself. For clarity. Perspective.
We talked for hours every night, but nothing was sexual. Instead, we spent the time getting very granular about our childhoods. Our adulthood. My family. His experience in foster care. Old relationships. Friends. Travels.
Everything.
Neither of us held back and I think it helped us both learn what made the other tick.
We did not discuss our future. He wanted to, but I wasn’t ready.
I’m still not fully ready. Not when so much looms over my head.
It didn’t occur to me when my insurance provider found out about the voicemails they would delay processing my settlement. It sucks, but makes logical sense. What had been deemed an electrical fire is now a criminal matter.
Seth, who’d been on my shit list in New York for nearly ruining my relationship with Joar, came through with critical and damning evidence which has been turned over to the authorities and my insurance company. Apparently, Harrison found out about my relationship with Joar and lost the last semblance of his self-control.
As horrific as it was to learn he’d deep-faked my voice. It was bone-chilling to find out he’d paid someone to tamper with the AC unit. I could have died.
And now criminal charges relating to attempted murder, arson and the AI voicemails have been added to his long list of legal woes. Harrison has years of complicated litigation looming. He’s lost everything but Solange, I guess. I suppose she’s sticking close in the hopes of not being dragged down into his legal woes. Joar thinks she’ll eventually testify against him, write a tell-all after he’s convicted and parlay the notoriety into finding her next sugar daddy.
I could care less because right now I have bigger issues. I’m homeless. With the insurance payout in limbo, I can’t afford to rebuild or buy something new in Los Angeles. Joar insisted I move in with him because everything I own is at his place anyway. So we’re living together. For the time being.
Or so I keep telling myself.
His support and patience mean everything. Yet, unease still lingers. It scares me to lean so heavily on Joar when I want to rely on myself. Memories of isolation, pain and manipulation inflicted on me by Harrison consume my thoughts. It sucks to find myself in such a horrific predicament not of my making.
If that weren’t enough, two weeks ago I was subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury assembled to determine what, if any, charges Harrison will face on his white-collar crimes. I’m terrified to face my ex-husband, but I have no choice. Especially after what he did to me.
I take a deep breath and put on a brave face for JJ. “Okay. It’s time for me to get the show on the road.”
Forty-five minutes later, I emerge from the bedroom, stopping to check my appearance in the floor-length mirror that lines the hallway. I’m wearing a dark-teal suit with black piping. White blouse. Black pumps. My hair is tied back in a slick ponytail. My accessories are simple—a pair of pearl earrings and matching necklace. I look good. Professional.
Then I close my eyes. Breathe. Try to find my well of inner resilience.
As Seth explained, the hour before court is crucial. Once we get to the courthouse, he’ll help me gather my thoughts, go over the evidence, and give some time to mentally prepare myself to testify against my ex.
Still, as Joar and I head out, I can’t help but feel the weight of my past pressing down on me, when all I want to do is focus on the future.
“I’m scared, JJ.” I tug on his hand to stop him before we walk through the doors. “This proceeding. Facing Harrison—it’s bringing back memories I’d rather forget. I know that staying silent is not an option. I have to speak up, for myself and for all those he’s hurt.”
