9

Ciara Mendes

I scrutinized the man with the low-cut brunette hair sitting across from me, his five o'clock shadow accentuating his jawline. His white shirt was wrinkled, and his blue eyes appeared bloodshot. It was clear that he wasn't taking this well, but who could blame him? He had been married and in love for six years.

"She refuses to sign the divorce papers unless she gets full custody of Zen. It's ridiculous; after everything she's done, she actually thinks she deserves full custody of my child! This entire process will now take at least twelve months or more. If she had only agreed to my terms, I could have been finished with her in just three months."

"Calm down, Alaric." I pushed his latte toward him, and he took a sip before running his palms over his face.

After my lunch with Dad earlier, I reflected on our conversation. He made several valid points, and I realized I needed to consider some of his suggestions. This prompted me to call Alaric as soon as I returne