#Chapter 77-The Final Verdict

Annie and Lily sit on either side of me in the gallery behind where my lawyers and Derek wait. “You’re doing great, babe,” Lily assures me. “I can’t believe you’ve kept us much from us,” Annie adds. I let a pfft exhale from my lips. “How do I possibly tell you everything? I’ve been spiraling.” “That’s on us to figure out, not you.” Annie wraps her arm around mine. “We’re your best friends, Esme. We want to be here for you when you’re going through a rough time.” Lily nods, wiping a stray tear from my cheek. “You can’t think we’ll abandon you at the first sign of trouble.” “Well, Lily won’t, but it might depend on the mood that day.” Annie winks. “There’s still so much more,” I say, defeated. “And we’ll get through it together like we always do.” Lily takes my other free hand into hers. “There’s no way in all hell that Ryan will walk away today without a scratch on him. You’re not someone to be messed with, Esme.” Annie agrees. “Yeah, you’re just the one to ma