Chapter 184 Serene's Court Case

• After a week, Serene was discharged from the JHB General hospital. The police moved her to Pretoria Correctional Centre. Since the prosecutor had enough evidence, the matter was brought to court. The matter was set to be on Wednesday at 9 am. Sandra decided to be a State witness. When Serene heard that, she couldn’t believe her ears. She was planning to pin everything on Sandra. Unfortunately, Sandra was able to produce the recording. As a consolation, she was glad that she had gotten something that the Johnson family loved the most, their grandchild. Even though she lost everything, she didn’t care. Her hatred towards the Johnson family was deep. The state would take care of her in prison. She wouldn’t starve. She vowed that when she came out of prison she would destroy the Johnson family. Unbeknownst to her, it was just her wishful thinking.
• On Wednesday morning, James went home for the first time after his son’s funeral to fetch his parents to attend Serene’s trial. His parents were in the living room waiting for him. He greeted them and sat on the sofa. He had lost a lot of weight. His father looked at him and said, “I tried calling you this morning, but you didn’t pick up your phone.” James replied, “sorry Dad, I switched off my phone. I went to the cemetery to see my son. If I hadn’t given my son company shares, he would still be alive today. I feel so guilty Daddy.” Then he cried sorrowfully. His father hugged him and patted his back. His father was so sad because he gave his grandchild company shares as well. Her mother was so surprised when she heard James talking about the cemetery. No one told her about the funeral. Her heart became bitter. She looked at her husband and asked, “Hubby, I’m still a member of this family?” Her husband looked at her puzzled, “I don’t understand your question.” She looked at him and asked, “why didn’t you tell me about my grandchild’s funeral?” His husband replied, “because I felt you never loved your grandchild, you used him for your own benefit. You don’t deserve to know his grave. You have destroyed your son and this family. You are not the girl I fell in love with, you have changed. I asked you a question. Even today you haven’t answered me. Let’s try again. Why did you allow Serene to attend Michael’s birthday banquet?” She looked down at her nails and didn’t utter a word. Her husband looked at her and said, “I thought as much.” James told his parents that they should go now because the traffic was heavy.
• When they arrived, the reporters were waiting with their cameras. Serene’s lawyer had summoned Mrs Johnson to be a witness. She was told to sit in another room. The courtroom was fully packed. Mr Lewis and Mr Anthony were present to support the Johnson family. Linda and her friends were present to support Sandra. Linda was fuming. She hated Serene so much. Sandra was so innocent and naïve. The Hall family was present as well to support their only daughter. Mr Johnson sat next to Mr Cole since he was the Plaintiff. Serene was with her lawyer looking at Mr Johnson with a smug on her face. She was sure that the judge would sentence her not to more than ten years in prison. When she saw the judge her heart sank, and she started to panic. The presiding judge was none other than Judge Harris. She was reminded of Mrs Anthony’s case when she was sentenced to twenty years for attempted murder.