Page 19 of Blake University HBCU Chronicles: Nuri & Silas

“ A ll rise,” the bailiff’s voice boomed across the courtroom, echoing like a judgment day sermon.

Nuri’s heart skipped a beat as she stood, her palms sweaty, but her head held high.

It had been two weeks of restless nights, strategy meetings, and waiting.

Two weeks of holding her breath, praying that the evidence her lawyer Mr. Wilson had put together would be enough to bury Boyd once and for all.

Judge Scott entered with a presence that shut down all the side chatter. His robe—crisp, and his expression—cold. He took his seat behind the bench and shuffled a few papers before looking up.

“Please be seated.”

Nuri sat slowly, feeling the weight of every eye in that courtroom.

Bre was at her side, sending up silent prayers, and holding Nuri’s hand.

Silas sat on the other side, his hand resting on her thigh protectively; his jaw clenched, eyes cold and steady.

Memphis posted up like a statue behind them, arms folded across his chest, a silent force of support.

Ali was seated behind Nuri, a presence she could feel even without turning around.

She’d silently yearned her whole life for this feeling…

this moment to be seen. It felt damn good and was well deserved.

Across the aisle, Boyd sat with that same smugness he always carried. But this time… His eyes darted nervously, and his fingers fidgeted on the table. Tree sat beside him, the color drained from his face, his head bowed like a man who already knew what time it was.

Mr. Wilson stood, adjusting his tie before addressing the judge.

“Your Honor, in the matter of Nuri Sinclair versus the United States Of America, we have submitted irrefutable evidence that not only did Mr. Boyd engage in fraudulent financial activities, but he also intentionally used his alleged daughter’s name and identity to commit these crimes.

” He paused, glancing at Nuri. “We also have recordings—courtesy of Ms. Sinclair herself—that prove Mr. Boyd’s intent to destroy her reputation, her freedom, and ultimately, her life. ”

Judge Scott’s face was stone cold, his eyes cutting like knives.

“I have reviewed the evidence, including the financial documents, the wire transfers, the forged signatures, and the recorded confession.” He glanced at Boyd, his face hard.

“Mr. Boyd, do you have anything to say before I render my judgment?”

Boyd shifted in his seat, his voice low and bitter.

“Man, I did what I had to do. Life ain’t fair, and sometimes you gotta make moves to get what you want.

She—” He gestured at Nuri like she was a piece of trash.

“—she don’t deserve nothin’ good in life, and her father’s nothin’ but a useless crime boss.

Look at them, they look just alike. My only mistake in all of this was loving my wife.

She just couldn’t let go, so I had to help her.

So, if love is a crime… that’s the only one I’m guilty of today. ”

Nuri felt Silas’ hand intertwined with hers, reassuring her of his presence with her.

The hatred spewing from Boyds mouth was demonic, and Silas didn’t want any of his venomous words to attach to Nuri.

The Devil would forever be a liar, and Boyd would soon be able to rest safely in hell with his brothers and sisters.

Everyone in Atlanta had heard the horror stories about the Penitentiary in Georgia.

Silas smiled inside knowing Boyds fate was sealed.

Judge Scott’s voice dropped to a dangerous calm.

“Mr. Boyd, the court finds you guilty on all counts of fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and identity theft. I am also finding you guilty of obstruction of justice, fabrication of evidence, and conspiracy to commit perjury. Given the severity of your crimes, and the utter lack of remorse you’ve displayed here today, I am sentencing you to sixty years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Boyd’s mouth fell open, his eyes bulging. “Sixty?! What the fuck you mean?” He quizzed, looking at his lawyer for immediate answers.

“I’m giving you a break with sixty! But, if you interrupt me again, you will be held in contempt,” Judge Scott spazzed, his tone final.

“Tree Williams, for your role in aiding and abetting, and conspiring with Mr. Boyd, as well as hacking into financial systems, you are hereby sentenced to twenty-five years in prison.”

Tree’s head dropped, his shoulders slumping like the weight of the world had just hit him.

Judge Scott turned his gaze to Nuri, and for the first time, the steel in his eyes softened.

“Ms. Sinclair, I want to personally apologize for the pain and suffering this ordeal has caused you. No daughter should have to face what you’ve faced.

The strength you’ve shown in the face of such adversity is remarkable.

” He paused, nodding to Nova. “And to you, Mrs. Nova Sinclair, I’m sorry for the betrayal you endured.

I hope this ruling brings you both the justice and peace you deserve. ”

Nuri felt tears sting her eyes, but she held them back.

She wasn’t crying for Boyd. She wasn’t even crying for herself and her mother.

She was crying for every girl who’d been lied to, and deprived of the real family and love she was supposed to have.

She stood, her voice steady as she faced the judge.

“Thank you, Your Honor. Today means more than you know,” Nuri replied.

Silas stood beside her, his hand on her back, pride shining in his eyes. “It’s over now, baby,” he whispered, low and fierce. “It’s time for us to live our life now.”

Nuri turned her head just enough to meet his eyes, a small smile breaking through the tears. “I’m so ready.”

Ali rose from his seat, his eyes glistening with a mix of pride and pain. He’d missed so much, but he was here now. “Justice was served today for all of us,” he said, his voice steady. “Your name has been cleared.”

Nuri stood tall as the bailiff led Boyd and Tree out of the courtroom, their heads bowed, chains clinking like the final note in a song of defeat. The air felt lighter, and Nuri was experiencing a freedom she’d waited her whole life to feel. More than physical, it was emotional and spiritual.

Silas slid his hand around her waist and pulled her close, everything in her world stood still. “You good?” he murmured, his lips brushing her temple.

“Never been better,” Nuri replied with a smile so infectious it reached her eyes, and Silas’ heart.

Meanwhile, when Ali and Nova's eyes locked, the spark of unfinished business flickered behind their gaze.

Though years had passed between them, the love they shared was still very much alive and blazing.

So much about their story was untold. So much had been swept into the crevices of their soul.

Whoever came up with the quote that said, when one door closes another one opens , they told the unadulterated truth.

Nova didn't feel like she lost a husband, to her, it was moreso like a weight had lifted off her shoulders.

She'd never been to prison, but emotionally, mentally, and sexually that's how it felt being with Boyd. Nova had poured herself fully into Nuri because she was the only glimpse of hope she had to keep her sane. The only piece of connection she had left to the love of her life, Ali Marciano. He stood in the middle of the courthouse parking lot, his eyes scanning the horizon while he quietly searched his soul for the right words. His chest rose and fell slow, like a man who’d finally found the peace he’d been searching for.

Nova stood a few feet away, still the show-stopper she was when Ali first laid eyes on her.

She’d always known deep down he’d find his way back to her, but never thought it’d be at a time in her life when everything was falling apart.

The sun had started its slow descent, casting everything in that burnt orange glow that made even the ugliest corners of Atlanta look beautiful.

When Ali snatched his eyes from the sky, his focus locked on the only real love he’d ever known like she was the only thing that mattered.

“Nova Marciano,” he called out, his voice low but thick with that old fire that had always pulled her in. He’d always addressed her with his last name because there was never a doubt that one day she’d be his wife.

She looked up slowly, like she was afraid of what she’d see, and damn if he didn’t hit her with that same crooked smile that used to melt her heart back when life was simpler.

Ali couldn’t help but smirk, eyes drinking her in like he hadn’t done time, like they hadn’t been robbed of decades. “Damn, Nova. You always did know how to steal the show,” Ali said, his tone that smooth, street-bred melody that always seemed to know the right note to hit.

Nova rolled her eyes playfully, a small smile breaking through despite the mess her heart felt like. “Boy, hush,” she shot back. “You still the same, huh?”

Ali stepped closer, closing the space between them. “Everything’s changed, Nova. Everything except the way I feel ‘bout cha.”

“Well, there’s nothing stopping us from having the life we’ve always wanted now,” Nova said, embracing Ali for the first time in over a decade.

Ali pressed his lips against her so fast, her breath hitched and her girl dripped.

There was only one man in the world that could do the shit Ali did to her body so effortlessly.

He reached out, grabbing her hand like he’d been waiting a lifetime to feel her again.

“First we need to go draw these papers up. I don’t want nothin’ connected to me to be connected to him any longer.

” Truth was that even after all this time, Ali still loved Nova. He never stopped.

Nova’s eyes filled with tears, and she tried to look away, but Ali’s grip was strong. “Ali…” she whispered, her voice breakin’.