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“Good afternoon, your honor. We are here in the manner of the adoption petition of Scarlett Barnes Wright. Adoption case number 34LN00351. She has petitioned to adopt Liam Wright, who is already adopted by her husband, Kaleb Wright,” a lawyer from The Longhills And Hogans, who represented Scarlett for that proceeding, delivered. Scarlett, Kaleb, and Liam were in front of the judge, listening as the hearing began. Three weeks passed since the couple told Liam the truth about his adoption with Kaleb. It wasn’t a walk in the park. Kaleb and Scarlett fell short along the way, especially with the lack of time in their hands. However, in each and every chance they had, they tried to recover, reminding Liam they loved him. Scarlett had to sacrifice many of her study hours. Sometimes, she studied in Liam’s bed, just to assure him she was always there for him. During the day, if Liam was not attending summer classes, he would spend his entire time at Kaleb’s office. Nothing changed to w
“It’s my turn to stay with your mommy,” Kaleb suggested. “No! I want mommy to cuddle with me every night!” Liam opposed before crossing his arms against his chest. The family had just had dinner at the penthouse. They were deciding on what to do next, including who will sleep with whom. Scarlett could say that the official adoption helped Liam gain back a big chunk of his confidence. He was back to bantering with his father, especially when it came to seeking her attention. By the mention of the word adoption or being adopted, he sometimes stilled, but it no longer hurt him the same way as it did during the first week when he found out. Kaleb spoiled him over the past few weeks, but that was because he felt at fault for not being upfront with his son form the start. Scarlett, on the other hand, was his check and balance. She was the one who scolded Liam whenever there was a need to correct him. Seeing her boys still in argument, Scarlett called their attention. “Guys, nobody
“You can do it, kitten. I have faith in you,” Kaleb said while Boris pulled up in the driveway of Braeton Grand Social Hall. It was the site for the bar exams and the same place where Scarlett will spend her entire day and the following day. “And the fact that you look extra inspired, you will definitely pass the bar,” he added with a wink. Scarlett narrowed her eyes at him. How was it possible that on the day of her exam, they still made love that early morning? Well, when she woke up, Kaleb was already in between her thighs. Her pants were down and so was her underwear. With the way he flickered his tongue fervently against her clit, she inevitably orgasmed and, of course, they wound up making love. It was quick and hot. On the bright side, he was right. She wasn’t as uneasy as she was the other night. She supposed maybe getting an early morning release helped her feel comfortable. Still, she scoffed at his words and said, “Whatever, tiger.” She leaned in and kissed his lips
Two days passed since receiving the email from Lisa. Archer walked in on Kaleb’s study, handing him his investigation report. He told, “According to this, there were two other people who have been looking for Lisa in the past few months. Luca James and Nicole Barrel.” A frown formed on Scarlett’s face. She said, “But who would have access to the court photos? Only those inside the courthouse would? Could Nicole be able to furnish a copy of the picture?” Kaleb, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes. He suggested, “Or someone who has connections at the courthouse.” Scarlett gulped at what Kaleb suggested. She said the name, “Luca?” Even if the couple had discovered the leads in the middle of the night, they left for Luca’s apartment. They easily found his address and sought Luca's presence. When Luca opened the door to his apartment, Kaleb walked in with Archer and two other security personnel with him. Luca could tell Kaleb's blood was already boiling. Luca greeted, “Nice to see y
Two weeks ago. Rarely did Graham and Kenneth visit Liam at the penthouse. Most of the time, it was Liam who went to his uncle Kyle’s mansion, but recently, since his father bought him a new computer set for his games, Liam invited his cousins over instead. From inside Liam’s room, Liam and Graham were taking a break from playing video games. Kenneth, on the other hand, was minding his own business, with a headset over his head, watching learning videos about computers. While the younger boys were eating snacks and drinking refreshments, they chatted about Scarlett. “Mommy has been staying with me a lot in my room. Sometimes, she studies in my room,” Liam revealed. “I love it when my mommy Scarlett takes care of me.” Graham smiled, and he expressed his agreement, “I like aunt Scarlett too. I think she is really nice. I wish she would be your mommy forever.” “The judge said at the adoption hearing that I belong to mommy Scarlett forever now,” Liam revealed. “I believe him.” “R
Life went on as usual for Kaleb, Scarlett, and Liam. They did not hear from Lisa as of yet, despite Kaleb returning her email, asking her what she wanted. Thus, after two weeks, the couple decided on their vacation. Taking advantage of a long holiday, Kaleb brought his family to the Caribbean. On that trip, he invited Scarlett’s parents, plus Aurora. Boris also came along. It was Scarlett’s first time, and it was also Liam’s first time in the Virgin Islands. After deplaning the private jet, Scarlett grabbed Kaleb’s hand, saying “Wow, it’s so small.” Kaleb chuckled and answered, “The island is small, so the airport has to be a smaller kitten, but fear not. The airport does not speak for the beaches around here… You are going to love it.” A tour guide was already waiting for them at the arrivals. Two luxury SUVs were parked outside, ready to take them to their initial stop. The first part of their itinerary involved having lunch at a local beachside steakhouse. After which, they we
It was the longest night Kaleb had ever had. He did not sleep a wink. A big part of him wanted to get it over and done with and just talk to Lisa, but then again, that night, he was not ready to face Lisa. Many scenarios played in his head as he forced himself to lie in bed. Eventually, morning came, and that was when he finally met Liam's mother. Kaleb and Scarlett agreed not to tell Liam as yet. The couple first needed to know Lisa's real purpose for coming to Braeton after all these years. Kaleb set up a conference room for their meeting. When he and Scarlett arrived at the secured area, Lisa was already there, her arms crossed against her chest, clearly waiting impatiently in front of a round table. When Lisa’s eyes landed on Kaleb, her face seemingly brightened, but at the immediate sight of Scarlett, she frowned. Her gaze quickly found the couple’s hands, both clasped together. “Lisa,” Kaleb called her attention. Lisa sucked in a breath. She forced a smile and said, “Kale
“You don’t have a claim on anything. You wronged my husband and his family by deceiving them. Kaleb almost married you! Then you left, not caring for Liam. When you did exactly just that and did not show up in the years that followed, you lost your right as a mother.” This time it was Scarlett who spoke, not able to control her annoyance. The woman, who is calling Liam her flesh and blood, did not seem to act like it when referring to her own son. It irked Scarlett to the core. She stood from her seat and pointed a finger at Lisa, saying, “The court has already granted me and Kaleb Liam’s adoption and it is irreversible. Under the law, we are his parents now. You do not have the right to get Liam back and make threats about taking him!” “If you ever try to take Liam, we will come after you for attempted kidnapping and if you so successfully get money out of us, we can sue you for civil extortion!” “I don’t know what you are spouting about, woman, but I am the boy’s mother. I alread