Chapter 3

Three days later, I received a court summons.

The moment I pleaded guilty in court, Noah raised an eyebrow, a triumphant smirk on his face.

Only Eleanor's face was chillingly grim.

She had specifically hired the most elite lawyers.

After meticulously picking through legal clauses and over-interpreting my actions, they stretched my sentence directly to eight years.

She came to visit me.

"If you testify for Leo, I have ways to pull some strings and get you out."

I just smiled and looked at her:

"Ms. Kingston, take care of yourself."

I likely wouldn't be leaving this place alive.

Her breath hitched.

A look of pain crossed her face:

"You know perfectly well! That night, it was just that vile woman and the two of you! You saw everything, didn't you?"

I remained silent, an unspoken acknowledgment.

"Back in high school, when you could only afford one meal a day, Leo used his own allowance to eat with you. Have you forgotten all that?"

Tears welled in my eyes, but I shook my head:

"No."

"Then why won't you speak?"

My eyes were red as I looked at her: "Not yet."

"Do I have to die before you'll say anything?"

I still shook my head.

It wasn't her who would die; it was me.

By then, without a word from me, the killer would be brought to justice.

But if I told her that, I feared she would lose her mind.

If all went as planned, the truth of the case would be revealed while I was in prison.

But less than a month later, the court inexplicably overturned my conviction and declared me innocent.

I was released from prison, utterly confused.

Eleanor stood waiting in front of a Rolls-Royce.

On the way home, we didn't exchange a single word.

Only after we entered the house did I say to her:

"Thank you."

She paused, her steps faltering.

Without looking back, she walked upstairs:

"Callum Kingston, you're truly despicable."

I smiled.

But tears streamed down my face.

Eleanor needed to focus on her pregnancy, so she stopped bringing men home to flaunt in front of me.

We lived in the same house but were like strangers.

Even when we met face-to-face, she’d pretend not to see me, walking straight past.

She wouldn't touch the food I cooked anymore.

I showed no reaction, simply continuing to do my own things in silence.

Finally, a month later, she couldn't take it anymore.

She knocked on my door herself, a slight scent of alcohol on her.

"Let's talk properly."

Her eyes were slightly red.

I invited her in. We rarely sat together so calmly, as we did today.

"I'm begging you, please testify for Leo, okay?"

Her tone was utterly subservient:

"If you agree, I can abort the baby. I can even give you my fortune."

I shook my head:

"No need."

"Who exactly is Serena to you?"

Serena, that vile woman who led people to kill Leo.

"I've said it many times, I have no relationship with her."

"How can I believe that?"

Her eyes reddened: "You'd protect Leo's killer for someone you have no relationship with?"

I looked directly into her eyes:

"Eleanor, on the day the baby is born, you will surely know the truth."

"I can't wait another day!"

She suddenly stood up, agitated:

"Callum Kingston, if you don't explain yourself today, I'm cutting all ties with you!"

My heart clenched violently.

Eleanor's expression was no joke.

I pursed my lips, then nodded:

"Alright."

I'd spent long enough by her side.

It was enough.

Her breath hitched.

Her hand gripping my shoulder trembled slightly.

"Say that again."

"Us separating, that's fine too."