[Matilda]As Leo pulled the car to a smooth stop, I found myself staring out the window momentarily speechlessThe building before us was breathtaking, a sleek modern structure with tall glass windows that gleamed under the light. The kind of place that makes you straighten your posture just by looking at it"Leo, are you sure we're in the right place?" I couldn't help but ask as my eyes scanned the whole building. "This looks like a damn five-star event," Leo chuckled before unbuckling his seatbelt. "That's because it is, only the best of the best are allowed to participate here, and guess what? That includes you,"I swallowed, nerves crawling up my spineLeo stepped out of the car and walked over to the passenger seat pulling the door open. "Come on Tesoro, time to show them what you've got," Leo smiled extending his hands toward meI took a deep breath and took his hand, slowly stepping out of the car. My heels clicked softly against the pavement. The crisp evening air did little
[Matilda]The waiting felt endless. A quiet hum of anticipation filled the backstage area as I stood there, clutching my apron. I watched as some participants shifted on their feet, and others quietly psyched themselves up. My fingers grazed over the embroidered letters of my name on the apron trying to calm the nerves crawling up my spineOne by one, the others were led out. Disappearing through the door. The air felt thick, the pressure pressing hard against my chest. Almost every one of them wore a professional look, their faces carefully composed"It's time," Daisy murmured behind me pulling me out of my thoughts. I nodded, swallowing hard as I followed behind herShe led the way as we walked right into where I presumed should be the stageThe moment I stepped inside, my breath hitchedThe stage was massive, my eyes scanned the seven grand polished stations that stood under the gleaming lights, each equipped with every tool every pastry chef could dream of. The grandeur of the eve
[Kaden]I wasn't supposed to hereThe moment I walked into the viewing, I knew this wasn't much of my scene - but Ryan had purposely dragged me into it on the account that his friend who was the host of the event had invited himBut what I didn't expect to see was the woman standing right on stage, with an apron firmly tied around her, with the hairnet holding her hairI had a smirk on my face earlier when my lawyer told me that he had forwarded the email to her. And if I was to picture how she would be by now, it was that she would likely have a scowl on her face and an unbelievable look or much more a terrifying one, knowing that I was going to take my kids soonBut what I wasn't expecting was to see her right on stage, among one of the best pastry chefs in NYC competing. Matilda a pastry chef?Her name alone tasted bitter in my tongue, as I tilted my neck to look at Ryan who had his eyes glued on his phone. I leaned back in my chair, elbow resting against the armrest as my finger t
[Matilda]The sharp beep of the timer cut through the hushed murmur of the room signaling the end. My hand stilled, my grip tightening around the edge of the counter as I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. For a moment I just stood still, my breath rising and falling, the adrenaline still coursing through my veinsI took a deep breath and finally took a step back just like every other person had doneI straightened, my gaze flickering to the three plated desserts before me that I had carefully practiced beforehand hoping that I got every ingredient in the right quantity The energy in the room suddenly shifted, three people who I had presumed to be the food critics rose from their seats. Their notepad in hand as they began making their way in our directionI could feel my pulse in my throat as my eyes subconsciously landed back on my stationEverything was in order, right?One of them a man with silver-streaked hair and sharp discerning eyes paused in front of the firs
[Matilda]"Congratulations once again," Daisy said as she side-hugged me. My lips stretched into a big smile. She was such a sweet person."Thank you so much," I said softly, picking up my bag once I was done getting myself together."We'll contact you, just like they said if the need arises," she added, and I nodded, offering her a warm smile.I made my way out through the back door we had used earlier, responding to a few fellow chefs who congratulated me along the way. My cheeks were already aching from smiling so much, but I didn’t mind.As I pushed the door open, I wasn’t surprised to see the first person standing right in front of it. My lips curled into a big smile, and without a word, I walked straight into his open arms."Congratulations," Leo murmured, his arms tightening around me."Thank you.""I knew you’d make me proud. You should have seen their faces when they walked up to your station," Leo pulled back, his eyes locking onto mine, pride written all over his face."You
[Kaden] I tilted my neck to the side and the first person my eyes met was Tilda as she walked in, her fingers locked with that bastard. My jaw clenched hard, taking my eyes off her, I turned back to the stage even though nothing was making sense in whatever they were saying up there My fingers dug into my palm as that one image that always clawed to my mind whenever I looked at that Leo guy, came rushing back The bastard on top of her, balls deep banging her... Fuck "I'm out of here!" I growled out and Ryan shot me a look "Are you going to congratulate her?" The fucker beside me, uttered, biting back a chuckle. I don't fucking blame him, do I? Before he could say another word I was already on my feet making my way out. I walked down the hall and instead of heading toward the exit, I walked down the hallway by the left heading to the restroom "What exactly does she even see in that bastard," I growled out, my finger raking through my hair as I increased my pace walking through t
[Matilda]"Get the fuck out of my way nuisance," I snapped at the bastard in front of me that wore a smirk on his face. He chuckled, raising his hand as he stepped out of the door. I pushed the door open, raising my eyes to step out only for me to stop in my tracks at the sight before meLeoThe fuck? How?"Leo... Leo?" My heart skipped as I called out his name. His eyes weren't on me Instead he had his eyes fixed behind me watching and just then Kaden walked right out nudging me and I watched Leo's eyes widen"The fuck?" Leo growled out, his eyes snapping from me to Kaden who decided to fucking stop beside me instead of getting the fuck outI watched Leo's eyes darken, his jaw clenching hard as he locked his gaze on Kaden's. The same look he gave him the very first day he saw him at the event"Tesoro, what did I just hear right now?" Leo's voice was laced with anger. I didn't need anyone to tell me he had heard every one of our conversation"Leo...I...is not what you think?" I bit do
[Matilda]"I said you should get the fuck out of my car you liar" Leo growled out making me flinch. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes and before I could say a word tears rolled down my cheeks. Leo's eyes immediately turned towards me, I watched as his eyes softened but were quickly masked up immediately"Matilda kindly step down," He grumbled yet again, I stiffened back my tears reaching out to his hands"I won't leave," My lips quivered as I took a slow deep breath. "Just hear me out please I didn't mean to lie to you, I wanted to tell you I fucking swear and that was the reason I've been trying to see you and I...,""If you could understand that none of these things you're saying are making its way to my ears then I would rather you save your time and step down," Leo snapped, flinging my hands off and the next minute he was pulling the car door open and stepping outI watched as he rounded the car. My heart skipped as Leo reached the passenger seat and pulled it open"I need
[Kaden]"What exactly is going on here?" I snapped, my brow creasing together as I watched the dude take a step back from my wifeCherry opened her mouth to speak but quickly shut it back. I was about to say another word when she quickly beat me to it"Baby, hi...I...you said you're supposed to be in court, I...,""I asked you a question and don't make me repeat myself. What exactly is going on here?" I snapped and she bit down on her lip, taking a step toward me"Baby, meet...meet my cousin's brother, Liam," Cherry said making my brow crease even more"Liam, my husband, you...the one I was just telling you about,""Cousin brother?" I gritted out watching as Cherry took a step back, her lips pressed into a thin line"I'm Liam, your wife's cousin. It's nice to meet you, I've heard so much about you," My eyes shifted from the dude's face to his hand. I blew out a breath and turned back to my wife"What cousin of yours do I not know about?" I gritted out my words. Cherry's parents reside
[Kaden]The second that gavel slammed down, my jaw clenched so tight it hurt. My eyes darted to the damn judge watching as he rose to his feet and the next second he was making his way out"What the fuck does this old man think he's doing?" My eyes shifted to Tilda and she was already on her feet as they all made their way toward the exitWhat the hell does he need my kids in court for?I blew out a deep breath as Richard walked back to where I was seatedI think I know exactly what to do."Sir, are you...,"I didn't wait for Richard to finish his statement. I rose to my feet and headed for the exitJust why the hell would he postpone the damn thing. Shouldn't he have given me what was expected of him? Full damn custody of my kidsMy heart clenched and for some reason, I felt like relieving this anger before it exploded but just before I could take another step ahead, my legs came to an instant halt as I watched Tilda right in the hallway with her phone pressed firmly against her ear
[Matilda]"Objection overruled. Counsel, you may proceed," the judge said clearly. I lifted my head, locking eyes with Richard, who wore that damn smirk on his face. The tears betrayed me, spilling freely no matter how hard I tried to fight them."Miss Matilda, your ex-husband visited a few days ago and met you in an intimate position with your lover? Then I would have no option but to ask this question—what exactly have these children been exposed to? They're minors. This kind of environment—well, I don't think it’s suitable..."I couldn’t take it anymore "That’s a damn lie," I snapped, my eyes burning red. "And throwing accusations with no proof? That’s not only wrong, it’s unprofessional. Leo is my friend. That’s it. Nothing inappropriate ever happened," I said, choking on my tears.This wasn’t the time to cry. Not for that bastard. Not for someone so vile he’d twist everything just to hurt me. Why the hell would he make all this up?"But is it true or not?" Richard pushed, voice
[Matilda]"Thank you." I had said those words so many times to Sage since we stepped out of the courtroom. But I couldn’t stop myself. I didn’t know how else to show him my gratitude. He’d somehow managed to flip the script and push things slightly in our favor—giving us a breath of air on a battlefield that had nearly suffocated me.Still, I knew better than to think Kaden was done. His lawyer had made it clear, they were still pushing forward. That statement alone had my stomach in knots. Whatever they were planning, it wasn’t going to be light.“We have to head in. The court will be resuming soon,” Sage said, voice cold, not sparing another glance in our direction as he turned and walked awayJulia arrived just minutes before, standing next to me with her arms folded tightly under her chest.“Why’s he acting so cold?” Julia scoffed loudlyI turned to her, my brow knitting together, clearly telling her to shut up. “You don’t expect him to be all smiley, do you? And keep your mouth s
[Kaden]My jaw clenched hard as I watched Matilda walk right out of the courtroom, with that bastard right beside her, fucking holding her handsMy eyes snapped towards her lawyer. Did I underestimate what he was capable of doing?I almost laughed my ass out when he started questioning the witness not until he flipped every dam thing. The fucking whispers behind me, I heard them loud and clear — people calling the witness a liar and how she was trying to frame Matilda upMy eyes shifted to Richard as he made his way back to where we were seated and without sparing him a glance, I stood up and made my way outI tucked my hand into my pocket, walking right to the lot where my car was parked with Richard following behind meI took a deep breath and leaned against my car turning to face him"I hope you have a way to fix this," I drew in a deep breath, my hand curling right into my pocket. "Because you know that losing is not an option. And like I said if you don't pull through consider yo
[Matilda] I couldn't help the tears that rolled down my eyes as I watched Clara on the witness box spilling things that she knew to herself were all lies Have I ever dropped my kids at Clara's house? Of course. But that were a few times when my kids would ask to go over to play with her daughter This woman who was right at the witness box was the only true friend I had in Miami. I wouldn't say we were so close but we were more than just an acquaintance. She was there for me a whole lot of times because Miami was a new city to me when I relocated. and I was new to so many things. I wouldn't deny that she was a very great help to me But what I didn't expect was for her to stand right there and spill out lies about me I wasn't surprised that Kaden would do this kind of thing. This is a man who would go to any length to see me suffer. To see that I shed tears "Counsel for the respondent would you like to cross-examine the witness?" The judge's voice pulled me back to the moment "Yes
[Kaden] "I would love to call forth our first witness. Mrs Clara Williams," Richard called out and I couldn't help how my lips curled into a big smileMy eyes shifted to Tilda and my lips widened even more as I watched the shock on her faceShe's fucking too little to think she can stand against me. I know she would never in her lifetime be expecting her friend from Miami to be here today as a witnessShe was her very good friend from when she arrived in Miami and was almost the only close friend she had over thereWell I could go any length when I want something and she's fucking too small to think she could win against meMy heart clenched as the image of that bastard hugging her a few days ago in her room made its way to my head again. The fucking statement that left her mouth that day.I tilted my neck, shifting my gaze away from her to the main entrance where the red-headed lady was walking in majesticallyI blew out a deep breath, turning my eyes right back at Tilda, and damn t
[Matilda]"Counsel for the respondent, please step forward," the judge called out and my heart pounded loud in my chestThis is truly happeningI held my breath as Sage rose from his seat, his movement smooth and calculated. I blew out a breath, my hand curling tighter, finger digging into my palmThe air was thick with tension as if the courtroom was closing in on me. I was acutely aware of every second. The tap of Sage's polished shoes against the marble floor as he made his way to the front row of the courtroom, standing tall and composedI took a deep breath, watching as he introduced himself, his calm demeanor making me feel a sense of calm for a split secondThe judge nodded as he was done introducing himself, signaling him to proceed"Your Honor," Sage continued. "I am here on behalf of my client Miss Matilda Millers. Mr Kaden Donovan, my clients ex-husband has filed for full legal and physical custody of their two minor children. While we respect Donovan's right wanting to be
[Matilda]The soft hum of the car's engine barely registered in my mind as I took a slow deep breath. My heart was trembling and despite my best efforts to stay calm, it still felt like my chest was tightening with every passing second. It was finally the day that had given me a sleepless night for a while now. The day I would be facing Kaden in courtMy jaw clenched as I tried to calm my racing heart. My kids haven't stopped asking about him since the day he left a few days back. He had once called to talk to them but I denied him access, telling him that the kids were asleepI blew out a breath, my eyes shifting to the driver's seat, where Leo was seated with ease, his hand firm on the steering wheel, the other hand gripping the gear tightlyMy hand curled around the hem of my fitted black knee length gown"We're almost there," Leo's voice pulled me out of my daze. I turned my attention to him, watching as his eyes locked into mine before he turned his attention back to the roadI