Chapter 1

The gavel struck heavily in the solemn courtroom.

Following the sound was a man's deep, cold voice. "After a thorough trial, the defendant, Gloria Russell, is found guilty of inciting others to assault the victim, Amara Jones, resulting in severe injury. The evidence is conclusive. According to the law, she is sentenced to three years in prison. Defendant Gloria, do you have anything to say?"

Sebastian Windsor's gaze cut across the room like a sharp knife.

In that moment of eye contact, Gloria felt as if her heart was being torn apart.

The man she had loved for seven years was personally condemning her.

Even though Sebastian knew the evidence against her was questionable, he still chose to punish her based on Amara's words alone, the woman he adored!

Gloria gripped the edge of the table in front of her, her knuckles turning white. When she spoke, her voice was hoarse and strained. "It wasn't me. I didn't do those things! Sebastian, you have to believe me..."

Her voice echoed, and the gavel struck again.

Sebastian's voice was even more filled with disdain than before. "Don't call my name. You say you didn't do it—do you have any evidence? Or are you questioning the fairness of this court?"

As his words fell, nearly everyone in the courtroom turned to look at Gloria.

Sebastian, the youngest chief judge in Majestic City, had never made a mistake in his cases.

Fairness? Sebastian sitting there was the embodiment of fairness.

This case was over the moment Sebastian delivered the verdict. No matter what Gloria said, it was futile.

Without needing another word from Sebastian, the guards stepped forward to escort Gloria out.

Gloria hadn't spoken a word on the way, but just as the prison doors were about to close, she rasped out a sentence. "I need to see Sebastian."

The guard responded with a sneer. "Are you scared now? Too late. Ms. Russell, you must have heard about how rapists are treated in prison. And you're the mastermind."

A cold laugh signaled the grim future awaiting Gloria in prison.

Gloria just pressed her lips together. "I need to see Sebastian, or I'll make sure the whole world knows he made a mistake."

She couldn't understand why Sebastian was doing this to her, risking his career to send her to prison.

Did he love Amara that much?

And what about her? What did she mean to him?

Three hours later, Gloria got her wish and saw Sebastian.

Sebastian had changed out of his judicial robes, now wearing a finely tailored suit that accentuated his tall, imposing figure. "You wanted to see me. This better be important."

Gloria felt a pang in her heart. "Why are you doing this to me? You know those accusations are baseless..."

Before she could finish, Sebastian cut her off coldly. "Are you saying I wronged you? Amara said, when she was conscious, that those men called your name while attacking her. How do you explain that?"

Gloria's eyes widened in shock. "I didn't! I don't even know them! And besides..."

She had been orbiting around Sebastian for years. Everyone in Majestic City knew she was infatuated with him. It wasn't surprising those men knew her name, but that wasn't enough to be used as evidence!

"You're still denying it!" Sebastian had moved closer without her noticing, gripping her chin forcefully.

Gloria was forced to look up, meeting his furious gaze.

"All these years, you've been clinging to me, jealous of how I care for Amara, scheming behind my back. Amara pleaded for you, so I didn't hold it against you. But I never imagined you could be so malicious!" With that, Sebastian released her with disgust. "The thing I hate most is people who will stop at nothing for their own gain."

Gloria, shackled, fell to the ground, the physical pain nothing compared to the agony in her heart. "Sebastian, so this is how you've always seen me. Then why did you agree to our engagement?"

She thought that by agreeing to the engagement, Sebastian might feel something for her.

But now, he wouldn't even give her a chance to explain!

"It was just a marriage of convenience. I didn't expect my fiancée to be so troublesome." Sebastian's tone was full of irritation. "After this incident, this farce is over. I won't marry a criminal. In a few days, the rest of the Russell family will join you in prison."

Gloria was still reeling from the earlier blows when she heard this, and she froze. "What did you say?"

Sebastian looked down at her. "The Russell family is involved in economic crimes. The evidence is solid. I'll personally handle the case in three days."

"Sebastian!" Gloria struggled to stand, her anger turning into fury. "Take it out on me! Don't drag my family into this! The Russell family has been diligently doing charity work every year. How could they be involved in economic crimes? You just want me to confess and pay the price, but do you have to use such methods?"

Sebastian's face remained impassive, her questions seemingly directed at thin air.

Gloria gritted her teeth, grabbing his collar in desperation. "Why are you doing this to me! What did I do wrong? Just because I love you, I deserve to be punished? Sebastian, you pride yourself on being fair, but why are you so unfair to me!"

All she did was loving someone. What was wrong about that?

"Stop! Don't move!" The door burst open, and two guards rushed in, alerted by the commotion.

"Judge Windsor, are you alright? We'll take her back now." With that, they each grabbed one of Gloria's arms and dragged her out.

The room quickly fell silent.

Sebastian stood alone, Gloria's resentful gaze lingering in his mind.

A strange emotion welled up inside him.

Suddenly, someone entered.

It was Oliver Jones, Amara's father and one of Sebastian's trusted aides.

Oliver said, "Thank you, Mr. Windsor, for standing up for Amara. But I heard Gloria was only sentenced to three years..."

Oliver was clearly dissatisfied with Gloria's sentence.

Sebastian lowered his gaze, suppressing his emotions, and glanced at him. "Is there a problem?"

Oliver's eyes were red. "This case has been so publicized. What will Amara do in the future?"

Sebastian's brow furrowed slightly, his tone still calm. "This matter started because of me. I'll marry Amara. Whatever she wants, I'll give her."

Oliver's expression finally eased.

Back in prison.

Gloria had just returned to her cell when a group of inmates surrounded her. "Isn't this the new one? I heard she's in for inciting rape, and the victim is Judge Windsor's lover. You've got some nerve!"

After everything that had happened, Gloria's heart was numb. She pretended not to hear and walked towards her bed.

"Acting all high and mighty? You dared to mess with Judge Windsor's woman! Let's teach her a lesson!" At the leader's command, the inmates pounced on Gloria.

Gloria, filled with pent-up anger, fought back even though she was outnumbered.

But she was quickly overpowered and pinned to the ground by several strong women.

The sound of slaps echoed in the cell.

Gloria's consciousness began to fade.

Before she passed out, she had only one thought.

No matter what, she had to survive. Her parents and brother were waiting for her to come home!