Chapter 7 My Little Girl Custody

Stacey's POV:

"Are you ready?" Chloe asked as she prepared the papers.

We were still in her car, the courthouse building looming over us.

"I'm not sure, girl. I mean, I could lose my baby girl after this." I have been paranoid all through. I really didn't want to lose Tessa; she was the only thing that mattered to me now, and losing her to that witch and my so-called soon-to-be ex-husband will be the last thing I do.

"You won't lose her, my love; I've got you. Have I ever lost a case before?" Chloe tried reassuring me.

"Yeah, a few," I answered bluntly.

"Jeez, girl, I was hoping for a no. That was savage." She carried her briefcase, and we stepped out of the car.

"You're right. I'm sorry, it's just a lot."

"It's okay, I got you, Cece." With a deep breath, we stepped into the court. To my side, I saw Liam and Agatha. She wrapped her arms around him, and I just knew she did that out of spite. We took our seats as the trial began.

The judge entered, and everyone stood up on cue. My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. I didn't dare glance at Liam again; I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me shaken.

"Case number 3928: Stacey Smith vs. Liam Liam Jackson custody hearing for minor child, Tessa Jackson ," the bailiff announced.

I swallowed hard. Chloe leaned over and gave my hand a quick squeeze.

"Deep breaths, Cece. We got this."

The judge looked over his glasses at us, expression unreadable. "Let's proceed."

It felt like I was already being judged.

Liam's attorney went first. A polished man with slicked-back hair and a smug voice, like he had already won.

Suck up!

"Your Honor, my client seeks primary custody of Tessa Jackson. He is a stable parent, financially secure, and has built a consistent environment for their daughter. Unfortunately, Miss Smith has demonstrated emotional instability and erratic behavior over the last few months."

Erratic behavior! What the fuck does that even mean?

Objection!" Chloe snapped, standing. "There is no evidence to support that claim. In fact, we will prove quite the opposite, so please stick to what you have and don't insult my client."

The judge nodded. "Sustained. Counsel, stick to the facts."

I bit my lip so hard I could taste blood. "Emotional instability"? Seriously? Just because I cried the night Liam walked out and shacked up with Agatha, it's called having freaking emotions, Liam ?

My fists clenched in my lap. I kept my gaze forward, pretending not to notice Agatha smirking like this was some soap opera she'd scored the lead role in. For some reason, I felt like she had something up her sleeve .

Chloe stood, calm but commanding. "Your Honor, my client, Miss Smith , has been the primary caregiver since birth. She's the one who wakes up with Tessa in the middle of the night. The one who packs her lunch, walks her to school, and helps her with her nightmares. Mr. James has only recently shown interest in parenting. Agreed that Agatha was the one who birthed Tessa, but she signed a legal document giving my client full claim over the child."

Liam's attorney stood up, fixing his suit.

Your Honor, I would like to call Miss Stacey to the stand ."

Liam's lawyer's voice echoed through the quiet courtroom .

My heart instantly dropped.

What?! Me?

I turned to Chloe, panicking. "Can he do that?" I whispered.

She leaned in, jaw tight. "Unfortunately,...... yes."

"But don't let him get to you. Just tell the truth, and we'll be fine ." I could see she was a bit scared too.

The bailiff called my name again. And my legs felt like jelly as I stood and walked to the witness stand.

My tummy was churning in the most unsettling way.

Every step felt heavier than the last. I avoided Liam's gaze, but I could feel it.

That son of a bitch!

I took the oath, hands trembling slightly, as I sat.

Liam's lawyer wasted no time.

"Miss Stacey, how long have you been in Tessa's life?"

"Since the day she was born." My voice came out stronger than I expected.

He gave a polite nod, pacing slowly. "And during that time, you've referred to yourself as her mother. Is that correct?"

"Yes. I am her mother."

Huh, maybe this won't be so bad.

"Biologically?" he asked, tilting his head. "Are you Tessa's biological mother?"

Spoke too soon!

I froze.

The judge leaned forward slightly, awaiting my answer, as did everyone else.

I felt my throat tighten, but I didn't look away. I locked eyes with him.

"No. I'm not her biological mother." I dreaded saying those words, and Liam knew that.

"Objection, your honor, he can't terrorize my client like that; it's a personal matter." Chloe quickly interjected.

"Oh, but there is no personal matter here; I just simply asked a question."

The judge thought it through. "Overruled," he stated.

My heart sank. Of course he would overrule .

I sat there, trying to breathe through the pain in my chest , blinking fast to keep the tears from falling out.

I could feel Agatha's stare digging into me. She was loving every minute of this. Probably thrilled to watch me unravel.

"Miss Smith," Liam's lawyer continued, adjusting his tie like this was just another normal day .

"Since you are not Tessa's biological mother, and considering that Mr. Jackson is her biological father, would you agree that he has more legal right to custody?"

Okay, this man was getting on my last nerve.

Chloe stood again.

"Objection. That's argumentative."

The judge nodded.

"Sustained. Counsel, please rephrase."

He tried to play it cool, but I could see the frustration bubbling under his skin. He wasn't expecting Chloe to keep it together this well.

Still, his voice softened, like he was trying to sound reasonable.

"Miss Smith, if the court rules in favor of Mr. Jackson , would you respect that decision and allow Tessa to be with her father full-time?"

I looked at him.

Hell no!

"No. I wouldn't. Because it wouldn't be what's best for her."

"It's interesting you would say that, Miss Smith, because..." He went over to his table and retrieved a flash drive.

"I have something here that will show that you, on the contrary, won't be what's best for the girl."

I looked over at Chloe, who was just as confused as I was. Agatha, on the other hand, had a wide smile on her face.

"Your Honor, may I?" He asked the judge as he reached for his laptop, inserting the flash drive.

With a few clicks of the system, a video began to play as the whole court went silent in order to hear what was going on.

Then, a deep male voice broke through the speakers.

"Yes, I had sex with Stacey last night... and I'm her student."

Gasps rippled through the room like a wave.

That voice. I knew it in my bones.

There was no denying it. No talking your way out of it now.

Noah?

Chloe didn't flinch. She leaned forward, resting her hands on the table like she'd just been defeated.

The judge blinked, clearly stunned.

"Who submitted this recording?"

"Your Honor, Liam's attorney continued , "this was submitted anonymously this morning.

"Objection! Chloe interjected, trying to think of something, but she couldn't. She was at a loss for words, and even she knew this was a powerful blow.

"Overruled," the judge said. He cleared his throat and announced,. "I've heard and seen all I needed to."

That's it, you've lost.

I looked up to see Agatha whispering something in Liam's ear while he gave me a death stare.

"With the case of Liam vs. Stacey in the case of custody over a minor, I give Liam-" But before he could finish, someone barged into the courtroom.

"Stop!"