Chapter 3 - The Custody War
I tried to sit up, but a blinding flash of agony radiated through my shattered pelvis.
Daniel rushed forward and gently pushed my shoulders back down onto the pillows.
"You have to stay completely still, Mara," he warned firmly.
Tears of absolute fury blurred my vision as I processed my family's ultimate betrayal.
They did not want to babysit my children, but they wanted to steal them to regain access to my fortune.
"On what grounds can they possibly claim custody?" I asked, struggling to breathe through the panic.
Daniel pulled out his tablet and rapidly scanned the legal filing that had just been emailed to him.
"They are claiming that your physical injuries make you entirely unfit to care for two infants."
"They also attached a statement from your sister Claire, alleging that you are mentally unstable."
I let out a bitter, humorless laugh that caused my broken ribs to ache terribly.
Claire had stolen my money to pay off a dangerous man, and now she was calling me insane.
"We are going to fight this with everything we have," I declared fiercely.
Daniel nodded in agreement and began typing a rapid response on his device.
"I am requesting an emergency hearing for tomorrow morning right here in your hospital room."
"I will also present the financial audit to prove they are only after the child support trust fund."
Elena stepped forward and offered me a warm, comforting cup of herbal tea.
"If you need someone to testify about your maternal bond, I will gladly speak for you," she offered.
I thanked her sincerely, feeling incredibly grateful for this stranger's unexpected kindness.
The rest of the night dragged on as I watched the clock, terrified of losing my babies.
When the sun finally rose, the hospital door opened to reveal the assigned family court judge.
My stomach completely dropped when I recognized the tall, gray-haired woman walking into my room.
May you like
It was Judge Patricia Rollins.
She was my mother's long-time doubles partner at the country club.
