Phoenix shouldn't have been surprised at what he found.
Word had finally gotten out vastly about the Cheif Prosecuter's realtionship. Soon, it was the talk of everybody, in and out of the workplace. Phoenix had thought it was getting extreme, but then the press had gotten involved... and, you can guess where that went. Somehow, everyone else wanted to hear the great news of Miles Edgeworth's girlfriend too.
Phoenix could only imagine how Miles would deal with that. He knew his friend wasn't fond of publicity, or the amount social interaction he was getting. So when Phoenix put a hand on his shoulder to try to get his attention, he noted how Edgeworth practically jumped.
"Wright. Don't scare me like that."
'Geez, that scared you?' Phoenix thought, but refrained from saying it. There must have been many people bothering him, and Phoenix felt a little guilty for doing the same thing. But he did need to talk.
"Can I get a momen-"
"Wright, is this is about the trial? Because if it is, I suggest you prepare your case properly instead of wasting my time."
"It's not about the trial," Phoenix said. "It's about Mrs Fae."
Miles stiffened at her name, his brief pause betraying his unease as he finally turned to face Phoenix, eyes narrowed. "What about her?"
"I spoke with her parents," Phoenix began carefully. "They seem thrilled about your... engagement."
"I fail to see how that concerns you."
"It concerns me because it doesn't make sense," Phoenix pressed. "You, of all people, suddenly deciding to get married? You're not the type to make such a life-changing decision on a whim."
Edgeworth's lips pressed into a thin line. "Wright, I don't owe you an explanation about my personal life."
"You don't," Phoenix admitted. "But Fae does. She's scared, Miles. It's obvious something isn't right. Her parents are controlling, and she's clearly under a lot of pressure. If you're involved, you're not helping her by playing along, you know."
"I am helping her," Miles snapped, his voice sharper than Phoenix had anticipated. "Do you think I'd enter into such an arrangement lightly? I agreed to this because it was the best option for her—and for myself."
Phoenix blinked, startlled by the admission. "For yourself? Miles, what are you talking about?"
Miles hesitated, a rare flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. He quickly schooled his features into neutrality, but Phoenix had already seen the crack in his armor.
"It's... complicated," Edgeworth said finally, his tone low. "And as I said, it's none of your business."
"Complicated? Try me," Phoenix challenged. "Miles, I know you. You don't do things without a reason. If you're going through all this trouble to fake a relationship, then there has to be something bigger going on."
Miles looked away, his jaw tightening. For a moment, Phoenix thought he might storm off, but then he spoke, his voice quieter but no less resolute.
""You've done it again, Phoenix Wright. You've pried me open." Miles said, "Fae needed someone to stand by her,. Her parents were on the verge of disowning her. She has no one else, Wright. And—" He paused, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening before leaning in, saying the words quietly yet sharply. "If associating with me keeps her safe and respected, then so be it."
"And what about you? What are you getting out of this?"
"It's none of your concern," Miles responded, finally. "Now I"d suggest you leave. And forget these words. But before you do, promise me one thing,"
"... Alright, what is it?"
"Don't allow her to have a guilty verdict."
Outside the courthouse, the press was in a frenzy. Cameras flashed, and microphones were thrust forward as reporters bombarded Fae and Milwes with questions about their relationship.
Phoenix watched from a distance with his team. Trucy tugged on his sleeve, whispering, "They really look like a couple, huh, Daddy?"
"Y-Yeah," Phoenix muttered, frowning slightly without realizing it. His eyes lingered on Miles, who stood stiffly, clearly trying to keep his composure.
"Mr. Edgeworth! Over here!" one reporter called. "How did you and Miss Kurfand meet?"
"That is a personal matter. Miss Kurfand and I would prefer to keep such details private." Miles responded.
"But surely you can tell us something!" another reporter pressed. "Was it love at first sight?"
"Do you plan to get married soon?" another shouted.
Fae's face turned pale, and she glanced nervously at Miles, who placed a reassuring hand on her back. "Please respect our privacy," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the chaos.
Phoenix rolled his eyes at Miles. Something about the way Miles touched her made him feel uneasy. What is his problem? his thought. Why is he so... so—
Before Phoenix could finish his thought, another reporter yelled, "Mr. Edgeworth! Miss Kurfand! Just one question—can we get a kiss? Show us it's real!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and demands, the cameras clicking faster than ever. Fae looked up at Milesin sheer panic, her hands trembling slightly. Edgeworth stiffened, his calm veneer cracking for just a moment before he gave her the smallest of nods, silently reassuring her that they would get through this.
Edgeworth leaned down and pressed a quick, chaste kiss to her cheek. The reporters went wild, snapping pictures and shouting over one another. Fae blushed furiously, playing the part of the shy but smitten girlfriend. Phoenix's mouth gaped open.
"Daddy, are you okay?" Trucy said, cutting through the tension.
"Haha, of course I'm okay! Never been better!" Phoenix said quickly. No, he had to figure on the case. They were going to go in court soom. Phoenix could only speculate what would happen next.