^{Designed in Canva}

---

Mr. Armando Romero is being accused of fraud, however, in the development of the trial, the prosecutor presents a quantity of evidence that not only shows the defendant's guilt, but also incriminates him in a series of crimes such as extortion, kidnapping and even murder. If found guilty, he would face between 25 and 30 years in prison.

The defense attorneys, Carolai Álvarez and Cristian Gómez, have trouble proving their client's innocence, since the evidence points to him as guilty of all these charges. Mr. Armando insists on his complete innocence, his lawyers ask him if he knows something that could save him from all this, it was time to say it, however, he remains silent and lowers his head, obviously hiding information, suddenly, he enters the room...

My Side of the Story

Mr. Romero’s eyes widen as a man in a sleek suit walks up to the defense table and whispers in his ear.

“Don’t worry bro, I got this. Just stay calm.”

Mr. Romero nods hesitantly. The man takes the stand and introduces himself as Eduardo, Armando’s brother.

“Look, I know this seems bad,” Eduardo says smoothly. “But my brother is innocent. The night of the alleged murder, we were at a charity event together.”

Eduardo shows photos and videos of him and his brother at the event. Friends and associates also testify confirming the brothers’ attendance that night.

“Isn’t it strange that you suddenly have an alibi after the trial is underway?” The prosecutor looks at Eduardo doubtfully.

“I didn’t know the specifics or dates until now,” Eduardo explains sincerely. “As soon as I realized I could help, I came forward.”

The prosecution remains skeptical. “Why should we trust you? This smells like someone making up an alibi to free a guilty man.”

“I’m telling the truth,” Eduardo insists. “Check everything, call every witness. It all checks out.”

After tense deliberations, the jury ultimately acquits Mr. Romero. As the brothers exit the courthouse, Eduardo leans in close.

“I just saved your ass big time bro. You owe me, let’s just leave it at that.”

Mr. Romero nods, wondering what kind of favor he now owes for his freedom.

Over the next few weeks, Eduardo starts making strange requests. He asks Armando to pick up mysterious packages, make large cash deposits, and meet shady characters in dark alleys.

At first, Armando complies, feeling indebted to his brother. But the tasks make him increasingly uncomfortable, and he starts to suspect illegal activity.

One day, Eduardo demands Armando deliver a duffel bag full of cash to a motel on the edge of town. Armando’s conscience finally gets the best of him.

“I can’t do this anymore,” he tells his brother. “This has gone too far.”

Eduardo’s friendly demeanor vanishes. “You don’t have a choice!” he snaps. “You owe me, remember? And if you don’t pay up, I’ll make sure you end up right back in court.”

Armando stands firm. “I’ll take my chances. I won’t be part of this.”

Eduardo seethes but doesn’t press the issue. “Fine. But you’ll regret this,” he warns ominously.

Over the next few days, Armando notices he’s being followed by strange men in suits. Eduardo said he would make Armando regret his decision, and it seems he’s making good on that promise.

One night, as Armando enters his apartment, he’s grabbed from behind and a bag is thrown over his head.

When the bag is removed, he finds himself tied to a chair in a dingy warehouse, Eduardo and his men surrounding him.

“You should have just done what I said,” Eduardo growls. “But now you give me no choice.”

A menacing thug holds a baseball bat ready to strike. Armando’s eyes go wide with fear, but before the man can swing, a gunshot rings out.

The thug drops the bat and collapses. Eduardo and his men whirl around to see a newcomer holding a smoking pistol. It’s Carolai, Armando’s lawyer!

“It’s over, Eduardo,” Carolai says. “The police are on their way. Release Armando.”

Realizing he’s trapped, Eduardo reluctantly unties his brother. Carolai had been keeping an eye on Armando and followed them here, determined not to let an innocent man suffer under his brother’s corruption.

As the police arrive and arrest Eduardo and his gang, Armando thanks Carolai profusely for coming to his rescue. He vows to immediately cut all ties with his criminal brother and start living an honest life.

---

I trust that you enjoyed reading my side of story. 😊

---

^{I would like to invite @paholags, @senehasa, @leonciocast, @ty-ty, @weisser-rabe, @enrisanti, @cruzamilcar63, @patjewell and @dove11 to join this contest through this link, if they have not already taken part in it.}

---

^{Author: @waqarahmadshah | Date: 18-Aug-2023 | Achievement 1}