Zayn's POV
All the color drains from my face. I heard her question, but my brain won't let me formulate a response. I quickly look at Charlie, who seems to perk up at the mention of her name along with Genevieve's.
My lawyer tries for an objection- once again- but is overruled. I'm sure the judge is more curious about the relationship between Charlie and Genevieve than anyone else in this courtroom...aside from Charlie. Because one look at Genevieve and I realize she's still smirking. But this time, her eyes hold something a little like vengeance.
And then I realize...this is what she wanted. This is exactly what she wanted this whole time...for Charlie to be confused, humiliated and hurt by a secret, that of which Genevieve was the only one to know. Though I don't know if she banked on me finding out. But as I look back at her, she knows I know. And she knows I haven't told Charlie.
"Mr. Malik. Answer the question." Hell, I've been quiet for far too long. My eyes meet the judge's, but I'm stuck. My eyes find Charlie's once more, catching Dunlevy's in the process; Genevieve has the lawyer wrapped right around her finger.
"I..." I whisper. Though I'm sure my lack of eloquence gives me away.
"Today, Mr. Malik," Ms. Dunlevy probes.
"I...yes." I wince as I say the words. Charlie's confused- I can see it all over her face, since I can't seem to break my eyes from her. I know she wants to ask what all of this is about. But she knows she can't.
"So you admit, Mr. Malik, that you knew that your fiance, Charlotte Dunn, and Genevieve Sello, are sisters?"
I close my eyes, unable to look at Charlie now.
"And yet, you didn't tell her. Why is that?"
"I..." I see Charlie stand up.
The lawyer raises her eyebrows. "You...you what?" God, I wanna slap her so hard.
"Because I was fucking protecting her!" I shout, standing up on my feet, just as Charlie stands up and brushes past my lawyer, damn near running out of the courtroom. I notice that Harry, the color drained from his face as well, stands up, probably to go after Charlie. "Everything I do is to protect her, God damn it! How would you feel if you found out one day that you had a sibling that no one bothered to tell you about?" The judge tries to maintain order, but I'm on a roll. "Maybe you would have been okay with it, but I know Charlie; she would have been far from accepting. Especially after all of the shit she put us through? And not to mention she," I point to Genevieve. "Is fucking crazy-as crazy as they come. Who the fuck would want to be related to that?" I spit.
"Mr. Malik, that's enough!"
"No, fuck that. She's done nothing but fucking destroy our lives. For what...to get back at her sister?" I couldn't stop now even if I tried. "Why...why go through all of this trouble?" The question that still remains...what my investigator couldn't find out.
"Mr. Malik, I said that's enough. Now you will obey me in my courtroom or your case is dismissed!" The judge is glaring at me and that, along with thoughts of why I'm actually here today, pretty much get me back in the right frame of mind. Though, may I be the first one to say that my case is well and truly fucked, regardless. I sit back in my seat, but I'm fuming, nonetheless.
"Now," the judge continues. "Court is in recess. I think we all need some time to cool off. We'll meet back here tomorrow, at nine a.m. sharp."
I don't know if I should be relieved by this or not. On one hand, I wanted this whole thing to be over today. But on the other hand, I know I'm going to need the time to smooth things over with Charlie...if at all possible.
