Mag-log in“I'll do anything for you.”Andrew's eyebrow lifted.“Anything?”“Yes.”A slow smile appeared on Andrew's face.“You don't even know what I'm going to ask you to do.”“I don't care.”Andrew chuckled.“That's a dangerous thing to say to a man like me.”“I mean it.”Andrew put the cigarette between his fingers and tapped the ash into the tray.“You're angry.”“Yes.”“You're embarrassed.”Ethan's face hardened.“You lost your wife.”“I know.”“And you blame Alex.”“I do.”Andrew leaned forward.“But you still haven't told me why helping you benefits me.”Ethan looked at him.“What do you want?”Andrew smiled.“That's the wrong question.”“Then what should I ask?”“What can you give me?”Ethan hesitated.“I have money.”Andrew laughed.“Do I look like I need your money?”“No.”“Then what else?”“I can work for you.”Andrew's smile widened.“You?”“Yes.”“You don't even know what you're offering yourself for.”“I already told you. I'll do anything.”Andrew stood and walked slowly around th
The judge looked down at the documents in front of her for a long moment. Then she raised her eyes. “After reviewing the evidence presented before this court, including the testimony and supporting materials concerning the circumstances surrounding Leo's kidnapping and rescue, I am not satisfied that the allegations against Mrs. Rayn establish that she is unfit to have custody of her son.” My breath caught. Nichole's hand found mine beneath the table. The judge continued. “Mr. Ethan has expressed legitimate concerns regarding the breakdown of the marriage. However, this court is not being asked to determine which spouse was morally right or wrong in the marriage. The issue before me is the welfare of the child.” I lowered my eyes. My fingers trembled around Nichole's hand. “The evidence before this court does not establish that Mrs. Rayn has abused, neglected, or otherwise endangered Leo.” Nichole squeezed my hand. I could barely breathe. “Therefore, temporary physical cus
Ethan's lawyer had barely finished speaking when Ethan suddenly stood. “That doesn't prove anything!” His voice echoed through the courtroom. Alex's attorney turned toward him. “You abandoned him there!” Ethan pointed at Alex. “You don't get to walk in here and act like some fucking hero!” “Mr. Ethan,” the judge warned. But Ethan wasn't listening. “You were sleeping with my wife!” “Mr. Ethan!” “I lost my family because of him!” “Enough!” The judge struck her gavel. The courtroom fell silent. She looked at both sides. “This court will not become a battleground. The matter is adjourned. Mr. Sterling will return to testify, after which I will review the evidence and issue my ruling.” Nobody spoke. We all looked at one another. Alex remained completely calm. His lawyer gathered the documents, and the two of them quietly left the courtroom. I watched him disappear through the doors. I didn't even think. I followed. Outside, Alex walked toward
Nichole ran out of the room after hearing her name. I was still holding the letter in my hands. I handed it to her. She took it, looking at me. “What's in it?” “Read…” I slowly sat down, resting both hands against my worried cheeks. Nichole looked at me for a moment before opening the letter. She read through it quietly. “Hmmm…” She nodded her head. “Interesting.” I looked at her with pleading eyes. “What?” Her eyes moved back to the letter. Then she looked at me. “Wha… what? No way.” She dropped the letter on the table. “I knew you wanted something.” She turned to leave. “Nichole…” I quickly stood up, stopping her. “You're good at this. You can help me.” She looked at me. “You've won cases even worse than this. I don't want to lose my son.” My voice shook. I was almost in tears. “Please…” Nichole stared at me for a while before letting out a long breath. “Fine.” I breathed out. “This is the last favor you're getting from me.” I nodded quickly. Nichole
I opened the door slowly. Nichole stood outside with her bag beside her. She had flown all the way from London. “Thank you for coming.” I pulled her into a tight hug. “I had no one else.” Nichole rolled her eyes. “I had no choice.” I let out a small laugh and stepped aside to let her in. She placed her bag down and followed me into the living room. We sat down, and I started telling her everything. From the beginning. I told her how I got into a love triangle, cheated on my husband and now we were in the middle of getting a divorce, How i haven't seen my son in months. I moved out and rented an Airbnb because Ethan couldn't stand the sight of me. I haven't been in communication with Alex because I disconnected my number.I wanted to find myself again because I was tearing apart. Nichole listened quietly, taking small sips from her coffee as I talked.She didn't seem to judge me, looking at me you wouldn't judge me because I had become a shadow of myself.
“Wha… what?” My hands flew to my neck, instinctively trying to cover the mark. Ethan let out a bitter laugh and ran a frustrated hand over his face before turning away. I was visibly shaking. “No… baby. It’s just a bite. I had a re—” Before I could finish, Ethan grabbed me by the throat and slammed me against the wall. My back hit it hard. I stared into his eyes, and the rage I saw there made my blood run cold. For the first time, I was genuinely afraid of him. This man standing inches from my face looked like someone capable of killing me. “Where is he?” he demanded. His fingers tightened around my neck.He was breathing heavily. I struggled to breathe. “Alex…” I tried to speak, but my voice barely came out. “Where is he?” I clawed at his hand, trying to break free, but he was much stronger than me. “You’re choking me…” My voice was fading. “WHERE?!” He screamed directly in my face, sending tiny drops of saliva across my cheek. I was choking







