The time had come! The time that I had been dreading! It was time for the video of what happened between me and Bobby in the hotel room to come into evidence. In all honesty I didn't know how to feel about this video if I was being honest with myself.

First of all I didn't know how the jury was going to react to the video; yes I knew that they would understand why I did what I had done - both kissing and torturing Bobby. I also knew how Gareth was going to present the case of - I was forced into kissing Bobby and driven to try anything and everything to try and save Ben. However I knew that this opened me up to brutal questioning when I gave my evidence - which is what I knew the defence lawyers wanted. They wanted to try and knock me and my story to show the jury that I had manipulated Bobby somehow; Gareth had warned me about this - but going through it was another thing.

The second thing that was currently on my mind was how people would view me after seeing this video. I know this sounded vain; but I needed to make sure that my reputation didn't hurt Ben in any way. I didn't want people of the kingdom to think that I was an easy slut or very dangerous to have around - as I was neither of those things. I was only trying to protect Ben - I was never going to repeat these actions again! I just hoped that this wasn't going to tarnish how people thought of me; as I knew that some people didn't like the fact that me and Ben had got married in secret. But I put this down to everyone being allowed their own opinion - it wasn't going to change the fact that me and Ben were together and this wasn't going to change.

Thirdly I didn't know how Bobby was going to react to the video; I was expecting an outburst from him - especially during our kiss! But I just hoped that he would be silenced quickly as I didn't want to hear any more from him - he had said and done quite enough! I hated the fact that he had been able to impact me and Ben so much - something that I would never ever forgive him for.

Finally and most of all I didn't know how seeing this video again was going to affect Ben, given his reaction to it during our honeymoon. I knew that both of us didn't want to be thrown into the same circumstance again; but I knew that it still could affect both of our moods. However when the video started to play and Ben froze next to me an idea came to me, and I only hoped that it was going to help us both avoid a very painful situation for us.

"Ben," I said as I sat up properly and looked up at him. "Ben look at me" I advised and I watched as he slowly tore his eyes from the TV screen and looked over to me. "Come here" I added as I nodded towards me with a lovingly smile.

"What?" he questioned as I slid closer to him and I cupped his face in both of my hands.

"I love you" I muttered as our gazes locked. "You know that don't you" I urged.

"Of course I do" he promised lovingly as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"I know this probably isn't the time nor place-" I started.

"Right?" he questioned as he pulled one brow up in confusion at me.

"But rather than watch this-" I answered as I nodded towards the TV.

"Yes?" he prompted.

"Wanna make out?" I asked cheekily and I watched as a large smirk spread across his face.

"Of course wife" he replied eagerly as we both cuddled together on the couch. "I just hope no one walks in" he chuckled.

"Well we are only kissing" I dismissed. "The rest can happen later" I winked at him as I slowly stroked his tie.

"I see," he noted. "It would appear that my wife has everything planned" he teased.

"Of course husband" I giggled as he brought his face closer to mine and he brushed his nose against mine. It then felt like time slowed down for just a few seconds, it even felt like it stood still just before our lips crushed together. This kiss started slowly and was full of passion; and it didn't take us very long to move our heads slowly together to deepen the kiss. I moved my hands into his hair; and I felt his arms tighten around me as we readjusted ourselves on the couch. I then felt his right hand slither up to my side before his hand captured my left breast; which made me groan against his lips. He must have been very satisfied with this; as this caused him to pull away from me and I saw a large smirk spread across his face.

When our lips collided together once more it didn't take very long for us to get lost in each other once more; and I smiled against his lips. I loved how me and Ben were able to share this private moment together; and I loved how it was helping us avoid a bad situation. It was helping us make this a happy occasion rather than me and Ben being upset by something that had already caused so much pain for the pair of us.


Thankfully me and Ben came to a natural stopping point when we heard Chief Justice Williams speak when the video had concluded causing us both to look over at the TV.

"I think it is probably for the best that we take a break here-" he stated as he both sat up straight. "We have already digested a lot of information, with this being said I suggest a longer break than normal" he advised. "So I think an hour recess would be appropriate," he offered. "When we return we will begin the cross examination of the defendants" he explained and I watched as Bobby froze at this. "The time is 1145" he continued as he looked over to the large golden and dark blue French clock on the side of the room. "And will return at 1300, make it an even number" he smiled to the room as he looked over to everyone.

"ALL RISE!" the herald called and I watched as everyone stood up. I then saw Chief Justice Williams stand up before quickly turning and leaving the room by the door behind him. I heard muttering as the jury and the accused party were guided out by two separate groups of police deputies. I then watched as the press and family and friends of everyone involved in the public gallery were then guided out. I took a couple of deep breaths to steady myself; there was no going back now only forward - I just hoped that after going through all of this it was going to be worth it. As I didn't know how it was going to affect my Beast, my perfect handsome husband.


After watching our family leave the public gallery me and Ben quickly slid apart and smoothed our hair and clothing down as we both knew that they would be heading our way. Yes we probably shouldn't have made out in such a public place like this; but I was past caring - Ben's happiness meant a lot more to me and this was the end of it. However before I could fixate on this any further we both heard a knock on the door, which made both me and Ben smile at each other.

"Come in!" Ben called; and we both turned to see the door open and Belle appeared in the doorway.

"Hey!" she smiled as she stepped into the room and I watched as Adam, Evie, Jay and Carlos walked in behind her, with Carlos closing the door behind him. "Are you both ok?" she questioned as they all sat down on the other couches in the room.

"As we are going to be" Ben sighed.

"Mal!" I heard Jay question, which made me look over to him.

"Hmm" I grunted.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

"Yeah" I nodded meekly. "I just hate how I am being portrayed-" I started to explain. "Like an easy slut" I sighed.

"Mal!" Evie exclaimed as she slid closer to me on my left hand side. "That is not true," she insisted.

"Well that is what the kingdom is going to think when this goes over the press" I answered as I pursed my lips together.

"Well I don't want you to fixate on that" Ben interjected as he wrapped his left arm around my shoulders and pulled me to him so my head was now pressed against his shoulder and chest.

"I can't help it!" I exclaimed sadly. This was the truth; I knew that even though the trial was over and no matter the outcome the press was going to have a field day with the evidence. I could just imagine the headlines now! Questioning my intentions on Ben - and Lucifer only knows how they were going to react when they found out that I was pregnant!

"Ben's right Mal" Belle offered. "Stress isn't good for you or the baby" she reminded me smoothly.

"I know you can't help but worry but try not to think about what is being said about you-" Adam started. "What you need to concentrate on is how those who love you think about you" he offered kindly.

"Thanks Adam" I smiled up at my father-in-law. "I needed to hear that" I added and I watched as he winked at me.

"I'm sorry that you all have to go through this" I apologised.

"Hey!" Carlos exclaimed. "That's what family is for Sis" he insisted. The room fell into silence for a few seconds before me and Carlos smiled and winked at each other. The room then fell into a small murmur as we all talked amongst ourselves as the courtroom staff walked in to find out what we all wanted for our lunches. As I sat and listened to everyone make their orders I couldn't help but smile at the conversation that I had just shared with my family. I loved the fact that I not only had Ben's love and support through all of this but we both also had our families love and support - which meant a great deal to the pair of us.