A Year Later...

Rhyme sat in the courtroom next to his lawyer. He clenched and ground his teeth in anger at the sight of his brother, Romeo on the stand singing like an opera singer. Romeo was telling every damn thing. It was the final trial and soon Rhyme would know if he's going to jail or not. Rhyme knew he was going to jail. Yeah, Rhyme did it and he knew he did. He would never admit to it out loud though.

Yes, he had a prostitution ring. Yes, he had about 50 pimps working for him all over Las Vegas. Yes, he had about a hundred something prostitutes. Yes, some of them were kidnapped. Yes, some of them were held against their will. Yes, some were underage. Yes, some were drugged and beaten. Yes, he forged Lola's signature to get houses, cars and businesses for his pimps. And yes, he was okay with all of it. As long as he was making money he didn't care. As cruel as it sounds he didn't even care about the innocent girls...at least when he was doing it.

The reality of him going to jail was making his careless heart grow. He knew what he did was wrong, but it was too late now. He should've realized that before he did it.

But his own blood snitching on him? It's true that money can tear apart anyone, even family. All Rhyme had to do was give Romeo his little ass $100,000 that was once chump change to him. The two would've been better as allies instead of enemies. It was too late for that now.

Not being able to control his anger anymore Rhyme yelled, "Fuck you!"

The judge banged her gavel, but Rhyme kept yelling the slurs over him. Romeo sat there with a smirk on his face saying, "Do that all you want, but I still got mine. You still had to pay me my money one way or another." By pay he meant take. When Rhyme kept yelling the judge banged her gavel harder saying, "Enough of the outbursts. Take him out!" The guards came and got him guiding him out of the court room.

Meanwhile in California...

Javonne sat at the long table with about 10 other people. The executive of the label sat at the head of the table staring at Royalty with an expressionless face. Javonne just stared at Royalty with pride as she sang her ass off. They had already played multiple songs for the people at the label, but they wanted to hear her voice live in person.

It had been a long year. A year of developing Royalty as an artist from her image to her sound and building a fan base. After all, she had to start from scratch as a new artist. After putting out two mixtapes written and produced by Javonne she was finally where she needed to be when it came to getting recognition. Some may say a year is seemingly fast when it takes some artists multiple years, but it was a long road to Royalty.

From dropping out of high school to trying to run away and ending up getting sold to the owner of a brothel. From working as a sex worker and living in a strangers home only to find out they were her sisters. To getting pregnant, forced to get an abortion then abandoned after growing close to these people she looked at as family. To falling back into sex work and being on drugs then running away from her pimp. Royalty literally ran into her future and she didn't plan on slowing down or looking back. She thanked God everyday for Javonne who never gave up on her.

"Stop," the label exec said making Royalty look at him. It was quiet for a moment then he spoke saying, "I think we have our next signee." Royalty lit up in a smile trying to contain her excitement. "You have the whole package. The voice and the looks to match. And with Jay's guidance I think you'll be shelling out hits like it's nobodies business. I would like to sign you."

If Royalty smiled any wider her cheeks would be permanently stuck. She let out a squeal making everybody laugh. "Thank you so much!" Royalty said cupping her hands together. "Here's the contract," he said sliding it towards Royalty. Javonne already knew they were going to offer her a deal, so he already looked over it with a lawyer. He had already negotiated with the label to make sure Royalty got the money and deal she needed. "Do I sign it now?" Royalty asks. "Go ahead. Someone hand her a pen."

One of the women at the table handed Royalty a pen and without hesitation she signed. She hugged everyone in the room and like that Royalty was now a signed artist. Her dream had come true at just 19 years old.

Once the meeting was over Javonne and Royalty got a tour of her new label home building and were introduced to the important people.

As they were shown around Tyree sat in a meeting with about 5 other people. It had seemed overnight Tyree had become the most requested producer and writer in the game if you wanted a hit R&B or Pop record. He worked his ass off to get where he was at. He refused to be broke again just because Rhyme might be going to jail. He was finally independent and it felt good not to depend on someone. Especially, when that someone tried to control you.

Lola called it financial abuse. Well, Tyree now had financial freedom. And after signing this contract sitting in front of him, he would have millions to his name. This time it wasn't to the Jackson name, but solely his. He felt good. He was now in a partnership with a label that would allow him to work with some of the best artists out. Tyree was finally living his dream and didn't have to worry about one day being in the business Rhyme so desperately wanted to pass onto him. He was doing what he loved..music.

Tyree signed on the line and it was official. As one of the label execs gave a speech Tyree looked out of the wall made of glass. He watched as a young girl and young man passed by. He furrowed his brows realizing it was Royalty. Tyree just stared at her until she disappeared onto the elevator.

Tyree would look crazy if he just shot up and left his meeting to chase after her, so he just sat there. His attention was brought back when someone touched his shoulder. Everyone was cheering and congratulating him as a champagne bottle was popped. For some reason Tyree wasn't upset that he didn't get to talk to her. He couldn't help but feel like he would see her again...

Royalty stood against the wall of the elevator looking up at the mirrored ceiling. People got off and on then finally her and Javonne were alone. Royalty looked over at him just staring as he looked ahead. Yeah, Royalty grew feelings for him over the year and she knew he had feelings for her, but she didn't want to go there. Not yet at least. 

"So, now that you have your own money are you going to move out? Once you get your advance.." Javonne asks getting Royalty's attention. "I mean, that makes sense, right? You can get your space back to do what you want and bring whoever you want over. Of course we'll still be cool and work together considering you're apart of my deal." Not only did Javonne get a finder's fee for essentially discovering Royalty, but he also got a percent of the rights to her music.

"I'm pretty sure you're excited to get me out of your hair so you can go back to having a bachelor pad where you bring lots of hoes in and out," Royalty says jokingly. Javonne shakes his head saying, "You just don't get it. Do you?" Royalty looks over at him in confusion as he says, "In the past year if I wanted to have all these chicks like you say I do, I would've. I'm with you everyday and if I have to go somewhere I take you with me. When's the last time you've even heard me mention a chick?"

Royalty thought for a second then said, "You went on that date with the model chick. She was pretty. What happened with her?" "And that's my point. Nothing happened. Nothing has happened with any of the girls I've met since I met you." That made Royalty's heart beat speed up a little bit. "But I'm not going to be pushy on you because I see you're focused and I respect it. I can wait unless you tell me otherwise because I know you feel the same way." Javonne glances over at Royalty as she says nothing.

When the elevator doors open Javonne motions for Royalty to go first, so she walks out and Javonne follows. She took in what he said as they walked to the car. She didn't say anything, but she thought.

After hours upon hours they finally brought Rhyme back into the court room. To his surprise the jury had already came to a decision. Rhyme didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe it was so fast because it wasn't like he had murdered someone. Then on top of that all the witnesses they claimed to have had fell through and didn't show up. The pimps they had arrested wouldn't give up any information and the prostitutes were too scared to talk. They knew nobody tied to this case would be in jail for life, so they weren't taking any chances. Romeo was pretty much the only one running his mouth. Not even Lola came even if that meant saving herself.

Rhyme sat next to his lawyer, just waiting to here the charges he was found guilty of. A woman stood up then read them off. "Pandering - not guilty, conspiracy - not guilty, fraud - guilty, money laundering - guilty, sex trafficking-" Rhyme held his breath for the more serious charges. There wasn't enough evidence to charge him, but the court system could always find a way. "-Not guilty. Trafficking of minors - not guilty and kidnapping of minors - not guilty."

Rhyme let out a breath as the judge thanked the woman who read the charges. "So, to review... in the case of Rico Jackson, he was found guilty for fraud and money laundering. I set your sentencing for a week from today." She banged the gavel and it was a wrap. Rhyme turned to his lawyer asking, "What are we looking at?" His lawyer leaned into him saying, "Anything from probation to ten even twenty years. The amount of time is based on the amount of money involved. You'll definitely have to pay a fine."

Rhyme nods his head then gets up buttoning his suit jacket back up. As he turns to the people sitting behind him he connects eyes with his brother, Romeo. They hold an intense stare then Romeo turns and leaves. As Rhyme walks out he spots Sarita sitting on the back row. He was surprised she came, but knew it was probably only to see what Lola could be facing. They lock eyes, but say nothing to each other.

It was going to be a long week to know his fate. His life would now be based on freedom or behind bars. Was money really worth it?

A week later.

Jolting up from the bed Royalty breathed in and out heavily. She looked around the dark bedroom realizing it was just another nightmare. Ever since she's left the Jackson household and even Sweet she has had nightmares even over a year later. Royalty flicked the lamp on then took a sip of water from the glass on her nightstand.

Royalty had dreamt that she was back living with Rhyme and Lola. Not only that, but Sarita was alive. In the end Lola had ended up dead. Somebody had shot her. She never saw who was holding the gun, but Royalty had been in the back of a police car. This was the weirdest nightmare of all. Even Tyree was in the dream. Was Royalty the one who shot Lola? Why would she dream that? Royalty would never bring harm to the one person she thought cared about her at one point. Royalty always wondered if Lola tried to find her.

Shaking her head Royalty got up from the bed. She ran her hands through her straightened hair then trudged from her bedroom down the hall. When she got to Javonne's bedroom door she knocked then waited. When he finally opened the door wearing a white tank top and boxers he said, "Do you know what time it is?" Royalty had no idea so she shrugged then said, "You weren't even asleep."

"So? That's not the point. What? You had another nightmare." Royalty nodded her head as he sighed and scratched his head. "Come on," he said leaving the door open and walking away. Royalty walked into his bedroom closing the door behind her following him to the bed. This was a regular occurrence, so they were used to it by now. Javonne sat up on one side of the bed on his laptop while Royalty was on the other watching the tv.

Royalty kept shifting her eyes from the tv to Javonne looking at him out of the corner of her eye. "Quit looking at me," he finally said. "I wasn't," Royalty mumbled sinking into the King size bed in slight embarrassment. Javonne huffed then shut his laptop saying, "Do you wanna talk or what is it?" "I don't know...I was just thinking. I'm signed now, but what if I never pop? What if I never get a song on the radio or put an album out? Or if I do put an album out, what if it flops?"

"I mean, it's all about your personal goals. People always try to make fun of artists because of this and that not knowing that maybe they don't care about all that. Some artists want to stay underground. Some artists don't want to go mainstream. Some artists don't care about sells or winning any awards. It's about what you want to do with your music. If you wanna be on the radio and selling out shows you have to work that hard. You for damn sure can't be relaxing, taking a backseat. You have to get in the drivers seat and ride that bitch 'til the wheels fall off."

Royalty laughed and took in his words of encouragement. "You'll be aiight," Javonne says quickly stroking her chin then getting out of the bed. He grabs his laptop to put it on the charger then asks, "You ready to go to sleep?" Royalty looks at the back of Javonne saying, "Not really." He looks over his shoulder saying, "And why not? Well, I am, so you're gonna have to turn that tv off. You know I can't sleep with the tv on."

Javonne pulled the covers back then got back into the bed. He grabbed the remote turning the tv off then sitting it on the nightstand as Royalty says, "I thought about what you said that one day." Javonne arches his brow asking, "What did I say? I say a lot of things." Royalty played with the covers saying, "Ya know? About you waiting on me and blah, blah." "What about it?" Javonne asks expecting her to say something he didn't want to hear.

"It's never been that I didn't like you. I just wanted to get signed first. I just didn't want to seem obligated to date or have sex with you just because you were helping me out. Ya know? Obviously it wasn't all about that to you or I wouldn't still be here. You would've kicked me out once I didn't give you what you wanted. You're a really good guy and I'm thankful for you. And-"

"And?" Javonne asks raising an eyebrow. "And I was thinking we could give dating a try." Javonne lit up in a smile as Royalty looked over at him. "Are you serious right now?" She just nodded her head. "You know how long I've been waiting to here that?" He asks making Royalty chuckle.

Javonne pulls her into a hug and Roualty wraps her arms around his neck. It was genuine happiness. Royalty just wanted to finally move on from Tyree. She just wanted to move on with her life in general. Not even thinking twice, Royalty kissed Javonne. All it did was confirm that she was making the right decision. It made Royalty laugh how a year ago she heismaned the fuck out of his kiss.

For more than a year Royalty hadn't had physical contact with anyone. She didn't want to after having sex with random people she didn't even know for money. Royalty was just glad she didn't catch a disease from sex or even sharing needles. She was surprised someone who knew her past would even want to be with her in that capacity.

When they parted lips Javonne said, "I love you." That wasn't a surprise that he said those words because they said it everyday as friends. Royalty could tell he meant it and that's what made her even happier. Royalty smiled then kissed him again.

"For how long though?" Royalty asks looking in his eyes. "For forever. Life."

Life..Imagine if Rhyme had been found guilty for those trafficking and kidnapping charges. He could be serving anywhere from 25 years to life, but he's not. That was the only thing Rhyme could think to make himself feel better. It could be worse, is all he thought as he sat in the court room waiting for the judge to show up. Rhyme was hoping she would be lenient with an open heart and mind, like she had when she finally gave him a bail.

With no witnesses to prove that underage girls were indeed kidnapped and held against their will, they really had no case against Rhyme and that's why he got off. Prostitution is legal in Nevada, so there's nothing they can do about it. They could get him on the fact he was putting things in someone elses name without their permission though and they did.

"Would the defendant like to make a statement before I issue his sentence?" The judge asked making Rhyme look up. Rhyme looked over at his lawyer then back at the judge nodding his head. "Approach the podium." Rhyme did as he was told getting a glance of who was in the seats behind him. From what he could see he saw Dareon and Tyree on his side while Romeo was on the other. Rhyme wasn't expecting anyone else considering those were the only two people he slightly had left.

"Your Honor, I recognize that I did wrong..That I broke the law and I apologize. A need for greed and power led me to do the unthinkable including hurting my loved ones. Especially, someone I was supposed to be in a partnership with and someone I share a child with. I ask that you show some mercy because I have two small children whose lives I would like to be in."

"I'm trying to be lenient, but I also have to think about the victim. You lied to a woman about being married and not only stole money from her, but took illegal actions under her name. I sentence you to 5 years incarcerated with time served, a fine of $50,000 and $500,000 in restitution to Samrawit Mikael. You are to start this sentence immediately."

Rhyme furrowed his eyebrows as the judge banged her gavel and stood up. It almost felt like everything was in slow motion as a cop came over to him and put cuffs on his wrist. All Rhyme could think was that 5 years was less than what he could've gotten. He couldn't believe he would have to pay Lola money as if she didn't lie just as much to him. They say it's cheaper to keep her and they might be right. It would've been much easier if Rhyme would've just married Lola instead of faking it.

Meanwhile, in a completely different courthouse Lola was waiting to know her own fate. She would be finding out if she would be found guilty or not guilty.

Sarita had a good feeling when it came to her sister. They had a reason for everything and they weren't lying when they said Lola knew nothing about Rhyme's illegal activities. When they asked why she changed her name she said it was for safety reasons after leaving an abusive pimp. Also, to make sure her controlling and just as abusive father couldn't find her and her sisters after leaving Ethiopia. They had no proof that Lola knew about all of the houses, cars and businesses put in her name or what they were used for.

Lola was getting impatient and just wanted to know already. When the judge walked into the courtroom late, Lola sat up a little. Lola held her head down holding Sarita's hand tightly under the table. "Sorry, I'm late," the judge said as she took her seat in front of everyone. "I was on a very important call with the judge involved in Rico Jackson's case." Hearing that name made Lola raise her head.

"I really wish someone would've informed me of the information I just got, last week, but whatever. It would've saved us all time and aggravation. Rico Jackson was the main reason for a lot of Ms. Mikael's charges. Most of her