hapter 164
Gideon’s POV
50%
Coming into this courtroom, I already knew that I was going to win, but I had no idea that the hearing itself was going to feel
brutal.
Claire had a good lawyer. I recognized him, though I never hired him myself. He was well–known throughout the entire kingdom as the man who could talk his way out of anything. He also had a steep price tag.
Unfortunately, he was up against a brick wall and there was nothing he could say or do to change that.
He tried his best, which was convincing in a way. He spoke clearly and concisely, and in a compelling way.
“Children should not be taken away from their mother,” he said. This would be detrimental to their growth and well–being.”
He made points, had scientific peer–reviewed evidence to back it up. He did the very best that any lawyer could do for Claire.
But then it was my lawyers‘ turn. All they had to do was stand up and repeat the basic facts of the case.
“Gideon is an Alpha,” my lawyer said. “Claire allowed everyone to believe she was dead for six years, only to reappear with a secret child that Gideon knew nothing about. Where had Claire been? Why keep the child a secret from her father? Everyone must admit these actions are suspicious.”
My lawyer faced the judge. “The choice is clear, your Honor. The kids should go to a strong Alpha, who has already proven himself a good father, and not to a liar who will likely just run off with them again.”
Across the courtroom, Claire sunk down in her chair. He gaze fell to the table in front of her and she entirely spaced out, even when her lawyer tried to whisper to her.
My gut churned, watching her. She wasn’t just hurt, she was devastated.
She’d always wanted kids. Being an orphan, she had longed for a family of her own. Two was likely not as many as she wanted. If she had choices, she’d probably have a full house of kids with more on the way.
Instead, here I was, taking away what little she had.
And for what? If it was true she had broken up with Ivan, then what were we even doing here?
After my lawyer gave the statement, they returned to the table on my side of the courtroom and sat down.
The judge cleared his throat. “It is not time for me to make my judgement. Typically, I would take time to reflect on the matter, to evaluate all sides and make the best possible decision for the child. In this case, I don’t feel that is necessary. The best decision could not be clearer.”
My chest felt tight. I couldn’t breathe. I knew he was about to decide in my favor. Soon the kids would be mine, and Claire would be left with nothing.
“I hereby declare that –”
“Stop.” I was on my feet before he could finish.
The judge stopped midsentence and looked at me. “Alpha Gideon? You are going to want to sit down. I believe you will appreciate what I have decided.”
“No,” I said. I wouldn’t sit. I wouldn’t let this happen. “I withdraw my complaint. I don’t want this decision. None of this should have gotten this far.”
1/3
20:37 Fri Feb a
Chapter 104
The judge looked at me increduloudy, so did everyone else, especially my own lawyers.
Claire‘ were the only pair of eyes 1 cared about though. She was watching ine in shock.
The children need their mother more than anyone else,” I said, looking at her. “Maybe even more than me.”
Don’t make cruel jokes,” Claire said.
50%
“I’s not a joke.” I told her. I took a shaky breath. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, and I was the one who had put myself there “I never meant to hurt you, Claire, but I realize I’ve been doing that by accident even from the start. You’d think, after all these years, that I would have learned better. I’m sorry that I haven’t.”
Under his breath, the judge grumbled, “What a waste of my time
The lawyers wouldn’t care. They were getting paid either way.
Honestly, I didn’t care about the judge at all.
Claire was my full focus.
“Case dismissed,” the judge said then, ending the proceedings. The lawyers started gathering their things. Claire stood.
Like we were both in a trance, we walked toward each other, meeting in the middle of the aisle, right in front of the judge’s box.
“You….” she said, but didn’t finish. She seemed to be at a total loss of words. I waited, giving her the time she needed. “I can’t believe you did this.”
#
“I meant what I said,” I told her. “I’m sorry that I started all this. I think… my anger got the better of me.”
A small line formed between her brows. “You were right about Ivan,” she said. “He had a full room of pictures dedicated to… well. It doesn’t matter now. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you to want to look out for me.”
This new thing between us was a shaky truce. It was fragile and frail, likely to snap under the weight any minute. But it was also precious. I would protect it the best I could, and I believed she felt the same way.
If only for the sake of the children, we would try.
But, for me at least, there was bit more behind my motivation. I hurt Claire too much.
Despite everything, I wanted to protect her. I should have been doing that from the
“Nova hates me,” I told her.
“I’ll speak to her,” Claire said. “I’m sure she just didn’t understand.”
start.
I supposed, with things going back to the way they were before, that we would each take one of our children and go our separate ways.
That didn’t feel like enough.
“Claire,” I said. “Why don’t you take Leo with you for the week, and we can restart our previous visitation agreement. As an apology. And because I know he’s been worried he won’t see you again.”
Tears filled her eyes. “You mean it?”
“Yes,” I said. The hollow within my chest suddenly filled up as I saw joy enter her face. Funny. I hadn’t even realized there was a hole there until just now, when it no longer existed.
9/2
20:37 Fri, Feb 6
Chapter 164
Thank you,” she said, and I knew she meant it from the depths of her soul.
50%
Together, we walked toward the room where the children were being kept. With each step, she seemed to come back to life, adding color and cheer.
By the time we reached the door, she turned to look at me. And he smiled so big her teeth showed.
In a flash. I felt like I was time traveling, and we were young again, without the weight of our regrets between us.
And Gods, she was so beautiful, she took my breath away.
“Claire…”
Turning from me, she faced the door. She placed her hand on the handle and pushed it open. Laughing a little, she stepped inside.
“Mommy!” the children called, bright and happy.
And I knew I had made the right choice.
AD
