Dual Rebirth: Jailing the Cheater

To Court

"You know he's unstable. His sickness…"

I looked away dispassionately and made a beeline for the bedroom. Once again, the stench of cologne assailed my nose and took over my world.

Underpants lay haphazardly on the tousled bed. Underpants that were not mine. The bedside cabinet had intimate photos of Yvonne and Christopher.

I swiveled around. The air around me was sharp and biting. "You slept in my bed?"

Panicked, Yvonne said, "It's not permanent! I'll make him move once he's bet—"

"Spare me," I interrupted. "I'm just here to get my stuff." I hurried to the wardrobe, but it was filled with designer clothes for Christopher. My clothes were stuffed in a suitcase and tossed into a random corner.

"Shawn, please." Yvonne held my hand. "I know you hate this, but…"

I flung her hand away and grabbed my suitcase. But before I could leave, I was hit with a push notification.

"Shocking news! Erstwhile heir of Pearson Group signed confession papers, admitting his crime of stealing Leidermann Group's top secrets."

The comment section was filled with nothing but shock.

"The Locke heir stole business secrets?"

"I can't believe he did that! And I thought he was taking the fall for Christopher!"

"He should go to prison!"

My eyes trembled, and I stared at Yvonne in disbelief. I signed the papers as she wanted me to, but she couldn't even bother to keep one simple promise. And she made that promise herself!

She noticed the news on the screen and gave me an awkward look. "I can explain. I mean, I wanted to keep it a secret, but you know how sick Christopher is. He's also a suspect, and I couldn't let this hurt him, so…"

My disappointment could go no further. All I had was calm indifference. "It's fine." I hid my emotions and tucked my phone away. "The trial is in three days."

Yvonne heaved a sigh of relief and held my hand in false solidarity. "I'm glad you can stand in my shoes. I'll take care of your parents while you're in prison."

It took me everything not to throw up. I pulled my hand away and moved to another room.

…

Night came. I called someone I'd not called in a long, long time. It went through, and I took a deep breath.

"Ms. Leidermann? I'm Shawn Pearson. We need to talk. In person."

…

The next morning, I woke up early and dressed myself, but I ran into Yvonne before I could leave.

She noticed that I was well dressed, and her forehead creased. "It's early. Where are you going?"

"Business." I changed my shoes and avoided meeting her eyes.

She held the doorknob and said darkly, "You shouldn't be running around. It's not the time. You're awaiting trial. If someone recognizes you…"

I refused to talk to her. Coldly, I said, "Move away."

Her face fell. She grabbed my wrist. "You'd better know your place, Shawn!"

She let go of me unceremoniously and clapped her hands. A pair of men in black showed up. I thrashed and struggled, but they held on to me tightly.

Yvonne said coldly, "I think I've been too kind to you."

Then she ordered, "Tie him up and lock him in the underground chamber. He's not to be released until court is in session!"

The men in black tied me up. I wanted to get away, but there was nothing I could do.

Defiantly, I shot Yvonne a glare and raised my voice.