At this moment, at the police station, Ethan was escorted into the criminal interrogation room. The police asked him questions about the case and demanded that he answer truthfully, but he remained solemn and resolute, asserting his right to remain silent. Ethan believed that there was no one here he could trust, and therefore, staying silent was the best way to protect himself.
"We will provide you with a lawyer," the police said, hoping that Ethan would cooperate so they could clarify the case.
"No need," Ethan calmly declined.
"Are you sure?" The police reminded him, "That's not a wise choice."
"I want my own lawyer to come here," Ethan insisted without explaining anything.
...
As soon as Liam, Ethan's private lawyer and close friend, received the news of Ethan's arrest, he quickly flew from New York to Toronto and went straight to the police station to find out about the situation. After working with the police and the victim's lawyer, Liam also got to meet and talk privately with Ethan.
Currently, the two friends are sitting across from each other in a private room. There are policemen standing outside.
"Ethan, you are accused of raping a minor." Liam began with a shocking announcement.
Ethan was stunned by the news his lawyer had just revealed. How could this happen? Ethan was not the type of person who had an interest in children, let alone had any sexual desire for them. In short, Ethan couldn't believe he was being accused of rape.
"Do not play games with me. You should know this is not the time for jokes," Ethan said angrily.
"That girl is not yet eighteen years old. She will be in a few more days," Liam calmly reiterated the seriousness of the matter, disregarding Ethan's disbelief. "Furthermore, she is still a virgin."
"It's impossible!" Ethan exclaimed, facing Liam's indifferent expression. "This is insane. Utterly ridiculous."
"I'm really sorry, but you're caught up in a very serious case," Liam warned firmly. "That girl and her family have filed a complaint against you for rape."
"I'm innocent," Ethan asserted angrily. "I absolutely did not do that. I can swear."
"Then tell me what happened to you," Liam ordered.
Ethan hugged his head, trying to recall his memories.
"I'm not quite sure." Ethan helplessly sighed. He looked at Liam with a pitiful gaze. "When I woke up, I found myself in this miserable situation."
"Take a deep breath. Stay calm and try to remember slowly. Before the incident happened, where were you, what were you doing, and who were you with?" Liam instructed Ethan, empathetically guiding him. And by following Liam's guidance, Ethan managed to unlock his suppressed memories.
"I received an invitation to a bar with my business partner that evening. It was all to finalize a successful contract. During the conversation, some girls joined us. At some point, when there were more people around, I started feeling unwell. So, I asked for permission to leave and went back to the hotel. Ethan paused as he tried to arrange the images appearing in his mind in the correct chronological order and location.
"What happened next? Do you remember how you ended up in bed with that girl? Did she approach you in any particular way?" Liam continued to shed light on the situation for Ethan.
"I was asked by Director Lee to escort one of the girls, who happened to be his niece, back to the hotel. She seemed quite drunk at that time." Ethan mentioned a detail that briefly crossed his mind.
"Let me guess what happened next." Liam offered his analysis based on his deduction. "Did the two of you have sex in an unconscious state?"
"I don't have any recollection of the possibility you just mentioned," Ethan asserted. "But if it's true, as you speculate, then it was merely a fleeting moment of pleasure, as both of us were under the influence of alcohol or some other stimulant. However, I truly don't remember anything about the time after I returned to the room. I swear, everything I say is the truth. I don't know for sure if I slept with her or not, let alone the fact that she was underage. Liam, please believe me. You know what kind of person I am."
"I believe you. But the evidence that the police have gathered is against you," Liam calmly announced.
"What do you mean? What's the situation exactly? Can I get out of here? I want to leave as quickly as possible," Ethan asked a series of questions, making Liam sigh in frustration.
"I'm afraid it won't be easy for you to get out of here," Liam replied with a worried expression.
"Why not? I'm innocent. For God's sake, please help me prove my innocence." Ethan slammed the table, his emotions running high with anger and indignation.
"The police have gathered substantial evidence of your criminal behavior," Liam recalled with a troubled look. "I have reviewed them, and based on what you just disclosed, all the details in the evidence are compelling, with no loopholes whatsoever."
"Really?" Ethan scoffed, disbelief evident in his tone. "Where did this so-called evidence come from? I haven't done anything wrong!"
"The bar's surveillance cameras recorded your presence that night. And the hotel hallway camera shows you walking with an unconscious girl. Additionally, there are several witnesses from the bar. They said you were harassing the girl and revealed your intention to sleep with her."
"It's all lies!" Ethan slammed the table again, expressing his objection. "That prostitute must have wandered into my room herself."
Liam knew that the situation was dire. The evidence seemed to stack against Ethan, and they would need to work tirelessly to find any inconsistencies or alternate explanations to support his innocence. The truth remained elusive, but Liam was determined to stand by his friend's side and fight for justice.
"Don't be impulsive; I know you're upset, but please control yourself." Ethan's agitation caught the attention of the police, prompting Liam to sternly demand
"Who framed me like this?" Ethan asked with an irritated tone. "If you don't believe me, ask Director Lee."
"He's the one who came forward to accuse you."
"What? How could that be?"
"Why not?"
"What did he say?"
"You were interested in his niece, and maybe that's why you acted inappropriately with the girl."
"That's a lie. Someone must be trying to set me up."
"Yes, everything has been arranged," Liam concluded. "The noteworthy point here is that the fabricated evidence unintentionally coincides with the actions you took—going to the bar, being with the girl, and taking her to the hotel. And the crucial fact is that the girl is a minor. Sleeping with a person under 18 is already a criminal offense, not to mention the accusation of rape."
"Are you exaggerating too much, Liam?" Ethan remarked playfully. He wanted to ease the tension that was building up.
"I'm being serious," Liam firmly affirmed, leaving Ethan feeling desperate.
"For heaven's sake!" Ethan couldn't hold back and cursed, "Those despicable bastards."
"You made the mistake of being caught off guard." Liam continued to assert. "Someone knew that you were drunk, took advantage of it, and meticulously fabricated evidence to slander you."
"That's awful." Ethan sighed bitterly. "And I'm extremely unlucky."
"Now, the evidence and witnesses are against you," Liam warned with emphasis. "It seems that this time, the person who has a grudge against you really wants you dead."
"Is there no other way to change the situation?" Ethan asked calmly.
"I'm afraid not," Liam honestly revealed. "This isn't the US. It is possible that the police here have been bribed."
"What will happen to me if I'm convicted?" Realizing the gravity of the situation, Ethan showed high concentration. He wanted to find a way to clear his name.
"If you're convicted of sexually assaulting a minor, you will face at least ten years in prison, according to the law here."
Ethan grimaced in discomfort. He swore to find the despicable person behind this and make them feel the suffering.
"Even worse, you might be chemically castrated," Liam added, shocking Ethan. "This is at the request of the victim."
Ethan couldn't believe what he just heard. If he were chemically castrated, it would be even more terrifying than death. As a man, he absolutely didn't want to be injected with anti-androgen hormones, reducing the testosterone levels in the male body to the lowest point. This would decrease a man's sexual desire to the minimum, even eliminating any sexual thoughts.
"And that's not all; if news of your case is exposed, it will cause a massive scandal that will destroy your reputation in no time. You'll lose everything. Dear Ethan, you are pitiful when the enemy wants to completely destroy you."
"I can't go to prison. Please save me, Liam," Ethan urged impatiently.
"I'm thinking," Liam said helplessly.
"Just give that girl money; any amount will do," Ethan suddenly proposed. "All those fake witnesses can be silenced with money."
"If it's about money, the person who wants you dead will also pay the girl and their accomplices," Liam said with certainty.
"So, what do I do now?" Ethan exclaimed in frustration. "Oh my God, why do I have to go through this horrifying ordeal? It's so unfair."
"Stay calm, Ethan," Liam advised softly. "For now, endure a few days here. Meanwhile, I'll try to find a way to prove your innocence."
"Isn't there any better solution?" Ethan expressed boredom and helplessness. "I don't want to be here at all."
Unfortunately, there isn't." Liam sternly said, "You'd better cooperate."
"I got it." Ethan expressed his helplessness: "I'll follow whatever you say; just please don't let me down."
"I will do my best to find a satisfactory solution before your first trial takes place."
The conversation ended, and Ethan returned to the holding cell, patiently waiting. Meanwhile, Liam explored every possible avenue to save Ethan from the injustice he was facing.
There was no time to delay saving Ethan from the clutches of the legal system. Liam was quick to act. First, he decided to keep a close eye on the girl who accused Ethan of raping her to uncover the mastermind behind it.During the surveillance and investigation, Liam learned that the girl's family owed money to the mafia. It seemed likely that she had collaborated with Ethan's enemy to orchestrate this scheme to harm him. If the case is successful, the girl will have some money to pay off the debt.After three days of following the girl, Liam speculates that the girl may be very worried and frustrated that she still hasn't received the amount she should have received after completing the task.Trusting his sharp instincts, Liam devised a highly feasible plan. He decisively put it into action. When he saw the girl sitting alone in a café, seemingly waiting for someone, Liam approached her with an attractive enticement."Hello, I wish you a good day," Liam greeted politely."Who are yo
Everything went according to plan afterward. Liam successfully convinced the judge to believe in his direction. After two weeks of being detained in the police station's temporary cell, Ethan was finally released when Mila changed her testimony and withdrew the lawsuit as per the mutual agreement between her and Liam. That's great for Ethan, but it's something his enemies hate and despise. Although pronounced innocent, everything wasn't entirely back to normal for both Ethan and Mila. Both of them were fined a significant amount for disturbing the peace with the law. Additionally, Ethan had to be under the supervision of Toronto city authorities for six months, meaning he couldn't return to the US or travel anywhere else during that period. Though somewhat disgruntled, Ethan accepted it, knowing that being free was already a positive outcome.Today, three days after Ethan's release, the fake marriage agreement between Ethan and Mila is supposed to take place. The ceremony is simple, d
"I don't want to," Ula firmly replied, immediately receiving a hostile look from her mother."Ula..." her mother scolded. "Listen to me.""Why do I have to marry someone I know nothing about?" Ula asked angrily. "This is Mila's wedding. Why don't we postpone it and go look for her? If Mila is taken away, isn't Mila's life in danger?""This..." Unable to answer Ula's question, her mother looked at Liam as if expecting him to explain."The wedding cannot be postponed. It must proceed today, no matter what," Liam asserted in a loud voice. "Besides, we can't let anyone know about Mila's disappearance. If you want to find Mila, you have to wait until this wedding is over.""Why?" Ula stared at Liam, demanding a plausible explanation: "Is Mila's disappearance more important than the wedding?"The reason Ula asked that was because she did not know about the deal between Mila and Ethan. According to Ula, finding Mila is more important; even though she doesn't like Mila, she doesn't want Mila
Ethan's tension was finally relieved as the wedding ceremony and the celebratory reception unfolded smoothly, and it was time to wrap up.Throughout the reception, Ethan and Ula continuously moved from table to table, receiving congratulations and expressing their gratitude to the guests in attendance. It's worth noting that neither Ethan nor Ula knew most of the guests. This wedding was merely a play directed by Liam and scripted with the purpose of deceiving the judge. Therefore, it held no significance for Ethan and Ula. Despite meeting for the first time, their acting was remarkably professional. Their seamless coordination, rhythmic movements, and intimate gestures towards each other successfully convinced onlookers that everything was genuine, and any doubts about a staged marriage were not given a chance to arise.Now, at the exit of a simple, unassuming restaurant, Ethan was engaged in a conversation with a special and honorary guest at his fake wedding—the judge of the city o
It didn't take Liam long to find Ethan near the entrance to the men's restroom. Ethan just walked out of there. "Ethan, there you are. Let's have a talk," Liam immediately suggested. "Liam, I also wanted to talk to you," Ethan impatiently revealed. "Did you..." "Let's go somewhere more private to talk. Liam interrupted with a proposal and led the way for Ethan to follow. When they both stopped in a secluded area outside the restaurant, Ethan immediately voiced his frustration to Liam. "Where have you been? I didn't see you at the party until now. Did you know I had to deal with all the chaos at the party myself? Ethan complained. "I had some things to take care of," Liam calmly explained. "Why didn't you say anything to me? Ethan continued to blame "I can see that you're busy, so I don't want to bother you. Ethan, remember, this is your wedding, not mine. You have to take charge of your own big day." "Don't say those ridiculous and insensitive things," Ethan angrily retorted,
After ceasing her tears, ending her complaints, and ceasing to blame the heavens for her unfortunate fate, Ula believed that tonight she could endure and overcome the first challenge in this marriage. However, everything was not determined by Ula and seemed to go against what Ula had hoped for. With Ula's determination and hope, everything collapsed with a sudden rainstorm. Rain poured down from the sky, and in an instant, the scenery around Ula looked cold and bleak. Since the doorstep had no shelter, the heavy rain mercilessly drenched Ula, making her both cold and wet. Ula thought about knocking on the door and begging Ethan to let her in, but her pride wouldn't allow her to humble herself too much in front of Ethan. Furthermore, there was no guarantee that Ethan would hear Ula's plea, or if he did, he might choose to ignore her. From the beginning, Ethan had intended to leave Ula outside the house in the middle of the night. Ula also considered other options, like leaving or seek
In the evening, Lisa had to return to her own home to take care of her husband and child. At this time, Ethan was in his room reading a book when Lisa came and knocked on the door. "Mr. Thomas, it's Lisa. I have something to tell you." "Please come in," Ethan said, his eyes still fixed on the book in his hand. With permission granted, Lisa entered the room. "What's the matter?" Ethan asked calmly, but in his heart, he was somewhat concerned about Ula. "How is that girl doing?" "She still hasn't regained consciousness," Lisa explained with worry. "Her fever hasn't subsided despite the medication I gave her. I think we should take her to the hospital." Hearing Lisa's words, Ethan clicked his tongue in annoyance. Ula's condition was so bad that she needed to be hospitalized. If Liam found out about this, Ethan was sure to be scolded for ignoring Liam's warning. Plus, if it came to the judge's attention, Ethan was certain he would face a big problem. Seeing that Ethan remained sile
"I won't allow you to leave here," Ethan asserted firmly."It's quite puzzling." Ula sternly expressed her curiosity. "From the beginning, it was you who didn't allow me to enter this house. Now you won't let me leave. What do you want, exactly?"In response to Ula's rightful curiosity, Ethan remained silent for a moment and then said, "In short, you must stay here, and you're not allowed to go anywhere.""You have no right to command or restrain me," Ula affirmed, asserting her democratic rights. "You certainly have no right to detain me. Who do you think you are? Don't behave so arrogantly and grivoisly. It's disgusting."Ignoring Ula's defiant attitude and without providing a clear, reasonable explanation to persuade her, Ethan resorted to threats."Listen carefully; if you dare to disobey my orders, you and your family will undoubtedly suffer dire consequences. Be wise and obedient." Ethan's tone sounded chilling, and his demeanor, especially his gaze when looking at Ula, was trul