Chapter 9 - The Custody Battle
Elena’s nightmare came true forty-eight hours later.
Her ex-husband, Rick, filed an emergency injunction claiming Toby was living in an "unsafe, highly publicized environment."
He demanded immediate custody and requested a massive settlement from the Vance estate.
Elena sat in Julian’s study, weeping into her hands while Julian’s lead attorney paced the floor.
“We can drag this out in court for years,” the lawyer explained smoothly.
“But if we want an immediate dismissal, we need to prove that Toby is in a stable, permanent family structure.”
“Right now, on paper, Ms. Rostova is just an employee living in a scandal.”
Julian stood by the window, looking out at the slate-gray water of the Sound.
He thought about the silence that used to fill this house.
He thought about the giggles that now woke him up every morning.
He thought about the way Elena looked at him when he protected her.
Julian turned around and looked at the lawyer.
“Draft a marriage certificate,” Julian ordered.
Elena’s head snapped up. “What?”
“If we’re married, you aren't an employee,” Julian said, his eyes locking onto hers.
“You’re my wife.”
“Toby becomes my stepson.”
“No judge in this state will take a child away from the Vance family.”
“Julian, you can't just marry me for a legal loophole,” Elena stammered, overwhelmed.
Julian walked over to her chair, knelt down, and took her hands in his.
“I’m not doing it for a loophole, Elena,” he said softly.
“I’m doing it because I am completely in love with you.”
The lawyer coughed awkwardly and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
“I love the way you love my sons,” Julian confessed, brushing a tear from her cheek.
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“I love the way Toby makes me want to be a better father.”
“I love you.”
