“They can,” the judge replied evenly. “However, the burden now shifts. This court will order forensic verification if necessary.” He turned to Nick.
“Do you deny making these statements?”
“That isn’t an answer,” the judge said. Nick looked at Daniel. His lawyer didn’t speak.
I felt something I hadn’t felt in months. Hope.
The judge folded his hands. “Based on the preliminary evidence presented, the court finds serious concerns regarding Nick’s credibility and intent.”
Nick’s shoulders stiffened.
“Temporary full custody will be granted to Rachel, effective immediately. Additionally, all financial transfers made in the last 60 days will be reviewed. The division of marital assets will be reconsidered in light of this evidence.”
The words washed over me slowly.
Full custody. Review of assets.
Nick’s plan was unraveling. “Court adjourned,” the bailiff called out.
Chloe walked back toward me, my sister hanging back. I dropped to my knees despite the ache in my side and pulled her into my arms. “You were incredible,” I whispered.
“I became that way because you did first,” she said softly. That nearly broke me more than the betrayal ever had. Outside the courtroom, the hallway buzzed with whispers.
Nick stormed toward us before we reached the exit. I stepped slightly in front of Chloe. “You heard the judge.”
“You think that video wins you everything?
I’ll appeal.”
“You can try,” I said, my voice surprisingly steady. Nick leaned closer. “You don’t have the money to fight me.”
“I married you because I wanted a child!” he shouted.
“You were so willing, so desperate to build a family. I figured you’d make it easy.”
My stomach turned, but I didn’t back away. “I planned on leaving years ago,” Nick continued.
“But I had to wait. I needed control of the finances first. And then I got sick.
When I found out you were a match, I couldn’t risk losing that. So I stuck around longer.”
Every word felt like a blade. “You used me,” I said quietly.
“Of course I did!” he snapped. What Nick hadn’t noticed was that Daniel had wandered over soon after he started his confrontation. He’d heard every word.
Daniel stepped forward slowly. “Nick.”
Nick turned, irritated. “What?”
Daniel’s expression had changed completely.
“I can’t represent you anymore.”
Nick blinked. “What are you talking about?”
“You deliberately misled this court. And you just admitted a lot of things out loud.”
Nick laughed sharply.
“You’re my lawyer!”
“I was,” Daniel corrected. He turned to me. “Ma’am, I can’t undo what’s been done, but you deserve proper representation.” He handed me a business card.
“Call this number. Use my name. They’ll take your case pro bono.”
Nick stared at him.
“You’re choosing her?”
“I’m choosing ethics,” Daniel replied. Nick’s face flushed deep red. “You can’t just walk away!”
Daniel didn’t respond but gave me a slight nod before walking away.
For the first time since the hospital room, Nick looked small. Having nothing further to say, Nick scoffed and walked away. Back at my sister’s place, I crouched carefully in front of Chloe.
“You saved me.”
She smiled, and I couldn’t hold back the tears. For the first time since surgery, I felt stronger than before. Not because I’d given something away, but because I’d stopped letting someone take from me.
Nick had tried to leave me with nothing. But he’d forgotten one thing. I wasn’t alone.
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