Where Darkness Learned Breath by Rylor Dusk 153

153 Chapter 153: Monroe Family Final Act 

153 Chapter 153: Monroe Family Final Act 

Aria’s POV – Weeks Later 

I was reviewing wedding venue options with Damien when my lawyer called. 

“Ms. Monroe, we have a problem.” Jessica’s voice was tight. “Your parents have filed a lawsuit against you.” 

The room went cold. “What kind of lawsuit?” 

“Grandparents‘ rights.” She sighed. “They’re claiming you’re denying them access to their grandson and that it’s detrimental to Noah’s wellbeing. They want court–ordered visitation.” 

“You’re joking.” But I knew she wasn’t. This was exactly the kind of vindictive move my parents would make. “Jessica, they’ve never shown any interest in Noah. Never sent a gift, never asked to see him, never.” 

“I know.” Her voice was firm. “Which is why we’re going to destroy this lawsuit. But Aria, you need to prepare yourself. This is going to get ugly.” 

After I hung up, Damien was already on his feet. “What did they file for?” His voice was deadly calm, which was somehow more terrifying than anger. 

“Grandparents‘ rights to Noah.” I felt rage building in my chest. “They want 

court–ordered visitation. Damien, they’ve never even met him. Never cared about him. This is just” 

“About money.” He finished, jaw clenched. “They saw the merger announcement, saw us together, and decided to cash in on access to the Blackwood fortune through Noah.” 

“Exactly.” I stood, pacing. “This is pure greed. They don’t want a relationship with their grandson, they want a meal ticket.” 

“Then we bury them.” Damien’s eyes were cold. “Completely. We get every piece of evidence about their neglect, their abuse, their utter lack of interest in Noah’s existence. And we make sure they never get anywhere near our son.” 

“Our son.” I stopped pacing, looking at him. “You said our son.” 

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“He is.” Damien came to me, taking my hands. “Aria, Noah is my son in every way that matters. And I’ll be damned if I let those toxic people anywhere near him.” 

“They’re going to drag me through the mud.” I felt old fears rising. “Bring up the divorce, the pregnancy, paint me as the villain who kept a child from his family.” “Let them try.” His voice was fierce. “We have documentation. Hospital records showing you were alone when Noah was born. Financial records proving they never contributed a dime to his care. Testimony from everyone who watched you build a life for him while they did nothing. Aria, we’re going to win this.” 

“You’re sure?” I hated how small my voice sounded. 

“Positive.” He pulled me close. “And Aria? After we win, we’re going to make sure they can never do this again. Restraining order, no contact clause, whatever it takes. 

They’ve hurt you for the last time.” 

Few Weeks Later – Courthouse 

The courtroom was smaller than I expected, more intimate. On one side sat Damien and me with Jessica and her team. On the other–my parents and their lawyer, a shark–faced man in an expensive suit. 

I hadn’t seen my parents in person since that disastrous meeting months ago. They looked older, more brittle. My mother’s face was tight with what might have been nerves or Botox. My father sat rigid, his expression cold and entitled. 

They didn’t look at me. Didn’t acknowledge Noah’s name when it was mentioned. Just sat there like this was any other business transaction. 

“All rise for the Honorable Judge Patricia Morrison.” 

We stood as the judge entered–a woman in her sixties with sharp eyes and an expression that suggested she’d seen everything twice. 

“Please be seated.” She settled into her chair, reviewing documents. “This is a petition for grandparents‘ visitation rights filed by Charles and Eleanor Monroe regarding the minor child Noah Blackwood. Ms. Monroe, Mr. Blackwood–I’ve reviewed the initial filings. Do you have representation?” 

“Yes, Your Honor.” Jessica stood. “Jessica representing Aria Monroe and Damien 

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Blackwood.” 

“And for the petitioners?” 

“Richard Sterling, Your Honor, representing Charles and Eleanor Monroe.” 

The judge nodded, making notes. “Mr. Sterling, your clients are seeking court–ordered visitation with their grandson. On what grounds?” 

Sterling stood, all practiced charm. “Your Honor, my clients are loving grandparents who have been unjustly denied access to their only grandchild. Ms. Monroe has systematically prevented them from establishing a relationship with Noah, causing emotional distress to all parties involved. We believe regular visitation is in the child’s best interests.” 

“Objection.” Jessica’s voice cut through. “Your Honor, the petitioners have never attempted to establish a relationship with Noah. They have no grounds to claim they’ve been ‘denied access‘ when they’ve never sought it.” 

“I’ll allow testimony on this matter.” Judge Morrison looked at Sterling. “Do your clients have evidence of attempts to contact the child or his mother?” 

“We have” Sterling shuffled papers. “Several instances where my clients attempted to reach out” 

“Define ‘several‘ and ‘attempted,‘ counselor.” The judge’s tone was dry. “Do you have documentation? Phone records? Letters? Emails?” 

Sterling’s pause told me everything. “Your Honor, my clients made verbal requests” “Which were denied by Ms. Monroe without cause,” my father spoke up, ignoring his lawyer’s warning look. “She kept my grandson from me out of spite.” 

“Mr. Monroe, you’ll speak when addressed.” Judge Morrison’s voice was sharp. “And I’ll remind you that this is my courtroom. Ms. Jessica, does your client have a response to these allegations?” 

“Yes, Your Honor.” Jessica pulled out a thick folder. “We have hospital records showing that Ms. Monroe was alone during Noah’s birth. No family present, no visitors from the Monroe family in the days following. We have financial records proving the Monroes provided zero support–financial or otherwise–during Noah’s infancy and early 

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childhood. We have testimony from Noah’s pediatrician, his preschool teacher, and multiple witnesses confirming that the Monroes have shown no interest in their grandson until” She paused significantly. “Until Ms. Monroe’s recent engagement to Damien Blackwood and the subsequent merger of their companies.” 

“Suggesting?” The judge leaned forward. 

“Suggesting that this lawsuit has nothing to do with their grandson’s wellbeing and everything to do with access to the Blackwood fortune.” Jessica’s voice was firm. “Your Honor, if I may call Ms. Monroe to testify?” 

“Proceed.” 

I stood, legs shaking slightly, and took the witness stand. After being sworn in, I sat, very aware of my parents‘ eyes on me. 

“Ms. Monroe, Jessica began gently. “Can you describe your relationship with your parents prior to Noah’s birth?” 

I took a breath. “Toxic. Controlling. They had specific expectations for my life–who I would marry, what career I would have, how I would behave. When I married Damien the first time, it was because my father arranged it for business purposes. I was a commodity to be traded.” 

“And when your marriage ended?” 

“They blamed me entirely. Told me I’d embarrassed the family, that I was worthless, that I’d failed my one job.” My voice was steady despite the old hurt. “When I found out I was pregnant, they never supported me. Instead they threw me out of the house with nothing, I was even asked to drop off my phone.” 

“So you left.” Jessica stated it as fact.