Chapter 16%
As we stood outside the courtroom, Russo’s lawyer, Mr. Hopper, approached us. He was a middle–aged man with a kind face and a
confident air about him.
“Good morning, Darcy. Russo,” he said, nodding at us. “I’ve reviewed the case, and I think we have a good chance of winning.”
I felt a surge of hope at his words, but Russo’s expression remained skeptical.
“What makes you think that, Jenkins?” I couldn’t help asking.”
Mr. Hopper smiled before saying, “Well, for one thing, Harris’s past behavior will work in our favor. His abandonment of You and Ethan will show that he’s not a responsible parent. And with your support, Russo, we can demonstrate that Darcy has a stable and loving environment to provide for Ethan.“/
Russo nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he considered Mr. Hopper’s words. “I see. And what about the court’s bias towards the father?“%
Mr. Hopper’s expression turned serious as he replied, “That’s a challenge, I won’t deny it. But we can work around it. We’ll focus on Darcy’s capabilities as a mother and highlight Harris’s shortcomings as a father. With the right strategy, I’m confident we can win the case.“%
“Besides, you said you have a master stroke for the end, didn’t you?” Mr. Hopper added.
“A master stroke?” I asked, turning to Russo. He nodded his head in agreement before saying, “Just wait for a right moment. I’ll let you know everything.”
I was puzzled with his words but I felt a glimmer of hope as well. Maybe, just maybe, we could win this case and secure Ethan’s future.
Russo’s eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of determination there. “We’ll do everything it takes to win this case, Darcy,” he said, his voice low and resolute. “Ethan deserves to be with you, and I’ll make sure that happens.””
I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Russo. With him by my side, I felt like I could face anything.
Russo held my hand and led me to our seats. The judge, a stern–looking woman with a kind face, greeted us from behind the bench. Harris and his lawyer, a smug–looking man with a condescending smile, sat across from us.
The hearing began, and Harris’s lawyer launched into a scathing attack on my character, questioning my ability to provide for Ethan. I felt my face grow hot with anger, but Russo’s grip on my hand kept me grounded.”
Mr. Hopper countered with a calm, measured tone, highlighting Harris’s abandonment and lack of involvement in Ethan’s life. The judge listened intently, her expression unreadable.
When it was my turn to speak, I took a deep breath and poured my heart out to the judge. I spoke of my love for Ethan, of the sacrifices I’d made to provide for him, and of the fear that gripped me at the thought of losing him.
Harris’s face twisted in a scowl, but I didn’t back down. I looked the judge straight in the eye, my voice steady and clear.
“I’m not perfect, Your Honor. But I’m Ethan’s mother, and I’ll do everything in my power to give him the best life possible. I’m begging you, please don’t take my child away from me.”
The courtroom fell silent, the only sound the soft rustling of papers. The judge’s expression softened, and she looked at me with a glimmer of understanding.”
“I appreciate your honesty, Ms. Darcy,” she said. “I’ll take all of this into consideration. Mr. Harris, do you have anything to add?“} Harris’s lawyer stood up, a smirk on his face. “Yes, Your Honor. My client would like to request joint custody of Ethan, with the option to revise the arrangement in the future.“}
I felt a surge of panic, but Russo’s grip on my hand kept me steady. The judge listened attentively to Harris’s lawyer and he made stronger points than Mr. Hopper. After a moment, the judge spoke.
“I’ve heard enough. According to the evidence submitted, I see that Mr. Salvador broke up with his rumored girlfriend for the sake of his son and Miss Darcy has met her boyfriend just a few days ago.” She paused for a while before continuing, “As a mother myself, I suggest you two talk to each other and reconcile to give your child a better environment and if it is not possible, then I suggest you two have joint custody.”
I couldn’t be angrier than I already was. The case was definitely not in my favour. My head was aching in anxiety but suddenly Russo stood up and said in a deep magnetic voice, “Can I say something, your honor?“}
“Yes, you may.” She added,
“You are definitely a good judge to think about the child before thinking of his parents who want to have him. And, I also believe that the child should stay with his biological parents.” He said, and the judge nodded in agreement, saying, “Please conclude yourself, Mr. Russo”
“Your honor, since you said Ethan should stay with his biological parents. So, he should stay with me and Darcy,” he said. His words caused havoc in the courtroom as he declared, “Ethan is my son, your honor. I’m his biological father, not Harris. You can check our DNA if you want.”%
