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.
"You were incredible."
***
Outside the courtroom, the hallway buzzed with whispers.
Nick stormed toward us before we reached the exit.
"This isn't over."
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.
"You heard the judge."
Nick leaned closer. "You don't have the money to fight me."
"Maybe I don't. But I have the truth."
"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."
"I married you because I wanted a child!"
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?"
"You used me."
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."
"I can't represent you anymore."
