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It had been three days since the court’s final ruling, but the pain in Thersa’s heart hadn’t eased , not even a little. It still sat heavy in her chest, like a wound that refused to close. As if losing custody wasn’t enough, the media had only made it worse, swallowing Diego Mondragon’s lies like honey and painting her as the unstable, unfit mother who had lost her grip on reality.Every headline felt like a slap. “Businesswoman’s Outburst Confirms Mental Health Concerns,” “Diego Mondragon Wins Custody Battle-Protects Son from Scandal.”She couldn’t walk down the street without stares. Couldn’t open her phone without another cruel article, another comment questioning her worth as a mother.Thersa sat curled up on the couch in Rafael’s apartment, staring blankly at a muted TV that was flashing images of her face, over and over again.“I don’t even recognize myself anymore,” she whispered, tears welling. “They took everything from me… and the world is cheering them on…..She stood up f
Rafael’s lawyer had gotten his turn and proven his points with calm clarity. He concluded with a steady conviction,“Your Honour, emotional expression is not a sign of instability….it’s a sign of humanity. My client has endured more than any mother should have to, and still, she stands here today fighting for her child. That is strength, not weakness. And we trust the court will see through the tactics being used here.”With a respectful nod, he returned to his seat….The courtroom fell into a heavy silence as the judge gathered a few files on his desk and glanced down at them. When he finally spoke, his voice was serious, enough to hush the room…“After reviewing the psychological evaluations, it is clear to this court that the child has not been manipulated or coached in his statements. The bond he displays is genuine and unforced.” He paused for a while“Additionally,” he continued, lifting another document, “we have now received the confirmed DNA results. And based on those findin
The room was painted in soft pastels. Toys were lined on the shelves and a small table was at the centre with a box of crayons. DJ sat across from the child psychologist... The therapist smiled gently. “DJ, how are you feeling today?” “I’m okay,” he answered with a little shrug. “My dad says it’s good to talk to people when you’re okay and when you’re not.” She nodded, jotting something quickly. “That’s very wise. So… what do you think we’re doing here today?” DJ looked around. “To talk. Maybe about my parents.” “And what do you think about them?” she asked with a light tone. He hesitated, only briefly. “My dad is the best. He always takes care of me. He doesn’t shout or get mad unless I’m really wrong.” The therapist leaned back slightly. “And your mom?” He gave a soft shrug with his eyes down, staring at his shoe. “She left. I don’t know her well. She cries a lot and tries to hug me.” The therapist watched him quietly. “Does that make you uncomfortable?” DJ nodded. “I don’t
The murmurs in the courtroom faded the moment the heavy doors opened. All rose to their feet as the judge stepped in, his black robe flowing as he approached the bench. With a firm yet composed voice, he spoke. “You may be seated.” Everyone sat back down... Judge Castillo adjusted his himself on the chair and scanned the faces before him, Rafael and Thersa on one side, Diego and his legal team on the other. “We’re here to proceed with the final custody hearing concerning the minor, DJ Mondragon.” He looked up again.. “Today, both parties will be allowed to present final arguments and evidence. The court has also received additional materials that have raised significant concerns, including media coverage, emotional evaluations, and behavioral reports from supervised visits.” Thersa’s fingers trembled slightly as she laced them together. Rafael glanced sideways at her, calm but alert. Diego sat smugly, a shadow of confidence playing in his posture. Judge Castillo continued, “T
The room was quiet except for the ticking clock on the wall. Thersa sat on the cushioned bench, her palms slightly damp as she waited. The door opened and she stood up at once. Diego walked in first, holding DJ’s hand. The little boy’s eyes scanned the room and stopped on Thersa. He paused but didn’t say anything. Thersa took a careful step forward, offering a soft smile. “Hi, sweetheart.” DJ looked at her for a moment, then turned his gaze away. “You don’t have to say anything,” Thersa said gently. “I’m just… I’m happy to see you.” Diego gave a soft chuckle and said, “We could have been a great family, Thersa… but you chose to abandon us.” “You don’t have to be here,” Thersa replied quietly to Diego.. “I asked him to be,” DJ cut in sharply. “Do you have a problem with that?” Thersa swallowed hard, caught off guard by his tone. “I don’t feel safe being alone with you,” DJ added. “What if you make me go missing or something?” Thersa’s eyes shifted up to Diego with a hurt lo
Rafael parked outside the small, grey-stoned police station, his jaw tight as he stepped out of the car. He had just left Thersa’s office.Inside, the front desk officer looked up as he entered.“I’m here to speak with the truck driver involved in the missing goods case from Harrison Fashion House,” Rafael said firmly.“Ah, yes. He’s still in the holding room. Detective Nunez is with him,” the officer replied.. "You can wait in the observation room.”The officer led Rafael through a quiet corridor and opened a small door. Inside, the truck driver sat alone at a table, his head low until he looked up and saw Rafael enter.“You… you’re from the company,” the man said nervously.Rafael nodded, closing the door behind him. “I’m Rafael Wood. Partner to Miss Harrison.”“I swear, sir,” the driver blurted out, “I didn’t steal anything. I’ve never even been written up before. This whole thing....... is”Rafael held up a hand. “I’m not here to attack you. I just want the truth.”The man exhaled