Chapter 174
Brendan lifted his head. “Are you done with your work?”
Naomi approached the bed, slipped under the covers, and rested her feet against him.
*For now. I’m currently working on an angle based on Charles‘ mental state. But I still can’t provide a definitive clinical assessment.”
After a deep sigh, Naomi continued, “I’m hoping the judge will show leniency in his judgment tomorrow and offer Charles some hope.”
Naomi, usually jovial, rarely showed her serious side. Witnessing her discuss her work with such gravity. stirred something within Brendan.
Since their marriage, they hadn’t often had such calm, open conversations.
Brendan set his book aside and asked, “Are you considering a verdict of manslaughter?”
Naomi turned to him and responded, “Manslaughter was brought up in the previous trial. The prosecution claimed it was a retaliatory action. I believe that Charles‘ mental well–being may have been compromised due to constant exposure to a stressful and unhealthy environment.
“However, without a definitive diagnosis, it’s challenging to substantiate. Brendan, I’ve never had such at strong desire to help someone. I’ve never seen anyone appear so innocent before.”
Even though Brendan neglected Naomi for over two years after their marriage, she had never felt such self -pity before.
After a pause, Naomi continued, “Michael and Blair mentioned that there’s a high possibility of an
immediate execution.
“I believe Charles‘ crime doesn’t warrant such an extreme punishment. If everyone could understand his
situation, they would see things differently.”
Michael also remarked that it was uncommon for someone to exhibit such passion and expressed his
hope that Naomi would continue to uphold it.
Touched by Naomi’s sincerity, Brendan enveloped her in his arms and planted a tender kiss on her
forehead.
“Your efforts will surely make a difference,” he assured her.
“I hope so.” Naomi rested her head on Brendan’s shoulder.
“You need to attend court tomorrow. Hurry and get some sleep.” With that, Brendan reached out to turn off the lights in the room,
“Okay!” Naomi responded before slipping under the covers.
However, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts. She tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep Her restlessness also kept Brendan awake.
Chapter 174
When Naomi turned her back to Brendan once more, he reached out and pulled her into his embrace Don’t be anxious, Naomi.”
Naomi turned to face Brendan under the dim light. “I didn’t even feel so worried when I was taking my college entrance exams.
If the case didn’t involve Charles and she wasn’t aware of his entire history, she wouldn’t have dwelled on
it so much.
Upon hearing Naomi mention the college entrance exams, Brendan tried to change the topic. “With all the extra tutoring Reuben and I gave you, there was nothing for you to worry about.”
When Naomi was in school, she would often spend her time sleeping. As the exams approached, she would request Brendan and Reuben for last–minute cramming sessions.
Naomi would ace the exams every time. In fact, she was ranked second in the entire city for the college entrance exam. Her intellect left everyone in awe.
As Brendan reminisced about her academic prowess, Naomi couldn’t help but chuckle. Back then, she was indeed quite confident.
After reminiscing about the past and noticing Naomi’s focus had shifted, Brendan suddenly interjected, “I gave something to Chloe. Don’t you have anything to say to me?”
Over the past two years, the more open–minded Naomi was in this marriage, the more uncomfortable
Brendan felt.