Trapped in the Love of Stepchildren
Chapter 23

Laura sat on the visitor bench in the courtroom, her heart full of uneasiness. He was wearing clothes that almost covered his entire body, trying to show a calm and uninteresting attitude. The room was full of curious people, awaiting trial of Daniel's investigation into his relationship. They described the relationship as a scandal involving a stepmother and stepdaughter who were forbidden.

Daniel, with a tense face, sat at the defense attorney's desk. He noticed the visitor like looking for someone, he looked worried yet still exuded firmness in his gaze. His heart was pounding as he waited for the trial to begin.

The judge entered the room and ordered everyone to sit down. "This case involves allegations of an illicit relationship between stepmother and stepson" the judge said in a loud voice. "Prospecting side, please start with your testimony.”

The prosecution lawyer, a bald-headed man with a serious face, was standing before the lawyer's desk. "Thank you, judge,” he said, turning toward Daniel. "I'll take you on a journey that reveals the illicit, inappropriate relationship between Laura and Daniel."

Laura felt her heart breaking hearing those words. He felt sadness again. However, he remained steadfast and ready to face everything.

"At first, Laura and Daniel were stepmothers and stepchildren bound by tragedy" the prosecution's lawyers said. "However, over time, they become entangled in illicit feelings that violate our ethical and moral norms."

Laura was angry. He wanted to shout that his love for Daniel was pure love, no matter how inappropriate it seemed to others. However, he knew that he had to exercise restraint and let the law work.

The judge gave the green light to the defense attorney to provide his defense. Lawyer Daniel, a stern and experienced woman, got up from her chair and walked to the front of the room.

"Honor the love and relationship decisions that are made between two adults" the defense attorney said. "Laura has experienced a deep loss with the death of her husband, and Daniel has also grown up without his father's presence. They find support and serenity in each other, albeit in difficult contexts."

Defense attorneys view the prosecution lawyer with confidence. "Is it possible that this relationship is off limits in view of the law? Yeah, possibly. However, the love that exists between them, though complex, is something real and meaningful to both."

Laura felt compelled to listen to her defense. He thanked the lawyer for understanding his feelings. Daniel also felt relief hearing the defense, hoping it would help convince the judge and everyone of the love they shared.

“Is there a defense for Daniel?” Ask judge.

Daniel looked at the judge with a sincere look, trying to convey the truth that was in his heart.

"Dear judge, I cannot argue that I have special feelings for Laura,” Daniel said in a trembling voice. "However, I would like to stress that our relationship is the result of the support and understanding we give each other. The loss we experienced had bound us together in a way that was elusive to others."

Laura recalls the early moments of their relationship when she heard Daniel's defense. When she felt guilty and confused about her feelings, she also felt a long-lost happiness in her life. He felt that Daniel was someone he needed and vice versa.

A silence filled the room after Daniel finished speaking. The judge seemed to be in deep thought. Some of the visitors' faces looked sympathetic, while others still looked skeptical.

—

A few weeks after the trial was adjourned, Daniel sat in an office meeting room, faced with a situation he never expected. A letter of dismissal lay before him, announcing that he was dismissed from his job. His mind raged as he tried to understand the reason behind this decision.

The door opened, and the human resources manager, Mother Lisa, entered the room with a serious expression on her face. "Daniel, I'm sorry to have to tell you like this" Lisa's mother said in a sluggish voice. "However, the company has taken the decision to dismiss you."

Daniel felt like his world was collapsing. He worked hard for many years at the company, giving high dedication and commitment. "Why? What have I done?" ask her in a confused voice.

Lisa's mother took a deep breath before answering, trying to explain the situation clearly. "There are some issues that have arisen related to the trial and your personal relationship with Laura," Lisa's mother said carefully. "The Company feels that this may affect our image and reputation. We must take steps deemed necessary to protect the interests of the company."

Daniel was angry and hurt hearing that. For her, this was a punishment for her love decisions, which should not be related to her work. "It's not fair!" he snapped with a trembling voice. "I'm working well, I'm making a meaningful contribution to this company. How could they treat me like this?"

Lisa's mother nodded in understanding, trying to calm Daniel down. "I understand how you feel, Daniel. However, this is a decision made by higher management, and I am simply running my duty to get this news out. We'll give you a fair disconnection package and try to help you find a new job."

Daniel was frustrated and disappointed. He felt that this decision was unfair and destroyed his future. However, he also realizes that he must face reality and find a way out.

—

Daniel sat alone in his quiet room. She felt emotionally and physically exhausted after facing a series of problems in her life. Job loss, a grueling trial, and especially the ever-increasing distance between herself and Laura, all kept creeping in her mind.

She muses about her relationship with Laura, the love they share, and the strength that kept them going so far. However, with all the pressure and obstacles he faced, he felt questions enter his mind. Was their relationship worth all the sacrifices and hardships she faced? Is he strong enough to continue this fight?

His mind came to a halt as he heard the door of his room open slowly. Emilia walked in with a gentle smile on her face. He saw Daniel sitting alone in his room.

"I'm sorry I went in without your permission first, your mother let me into your room out of concern for you not being out of the room for the last few days. Daniel, what's going on?" emilia asked worriedly, approaching Daniel attentively. "You seem so burdened. Tell me, please."