Chapter 16 - THE VOICE FROM THE PAST
The trial began three months later. The courtroom was packed. Reporters from everywhere. Julian and his father sat at the defense table, surrounded by lawyers, faces grim.
I testified. Lily testified—calm, clear, answering every question with quiet courage. The jury leaned forward, moved by the small girl who had protected her baby sister alone for months. Vivian’s evidence. Clara’s journal. Marta’s testimony. Every piece fit together perfectly.
Midway through the trial, a surprise witness took the stand. A woman no one expected. Celeste.
She stood tall, voice trembling but steady. She spoke of lies told. Threats made. Orders given by her father and brother. She admitted she had known something was wrong—but had been too afraid to speak. Until now.
“I saw what happened to those children,” she said, glancing toward Lily. “And I realized protecting my family meant protecting monsters. That is no family at all. I am sorry. To Clara. To Lily. To Rose. And to Adrian.”
The defense erupted. The judge pounded for order. But Celeste’s testimony sealed what we already knew. The truth had come from their own blood.
Outside afterward, I found Celeste standing alone.
“Why?” I asked. “After everything, why ruin your name too?”
May you like
She looked tired. “Because Lily looked at me that day at the wedding. And I saw fear in her eyes. Fear I had helped put there. I cannot undo the past. But I can try to build a different future.” She hesitated. “Tell Lily… I am sorry. Truly.”
“I will,” I said. “Thank you.”
