I will be releasing at least 5 chapters today... Keep motivating me. It is tiring...
The next day in court tension was palpable as everyone anticipated the final judgment of the most high-profile custody case of the century. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when an unexpected figure entered the courtroom. It was a tall, elderly man dressed in a long black trench coat. His presence immediately drew whispers from the crowd, and the curious murmurs spread like wildfire as he made his way to the front. He was not someone unknown by the people of the country as he was quite a familiar face on television. “Mommy, that’s Grandpa Boss,” Coco whispered, her small hand clutching Roseanne’s tightly.Roseanne looked down at her daughter, surprised. “You know him?”Coco nodded her innocent eyes wide. “When I went on a trip with Daddy, he introduced me to Grandpa. While Daddy was busy with work, Grandpa used to take care of me.”Roseanne exchanged a bewildered glance with Nicholas, who looked just as confused. Neither of them had expected this mysterious figure to appea
After a tense and quiet wait, the judge finally spoke. “The court has reached a decision,” he began, his voice echoing in the quiet courtroom. “Based on the evidence presented, it is determined that full custody of Charlotte De Luca will be granted to Miss Sabrina Taylor, her biological mother. This decision reflects not only her legal rights but also the expressed wishes of the late Mr. Nathaniel Hart.”The judge turned to face Roseanne, his expression softening as he spoke. “Miss De Luca, you have no legal right to the child. If Miss Taylor chooses, she may permit you to remain part of Charlotte’s life.”Sabrina stood up, her posture rigid and her face set in a determined expression. “Your Honor,” she said, her voice firm but devoid of warmth, “I do not wish for Miss De Luca to be a part of my child’s life. Allowing her to stay involved would complicate my efforts to bond with Charlotte and establish a stable family environment.”The judge looked at Roseanne and Nicholas, their face
The week passed in a blink of an eye. The days seemed to blend together as Nicholas and Roseanne tried to adjust to their new reality. At home, they didn’t cry openly. Nicholas took charge, doing his best to help his family cope with the tragic change. He spoke to Coco, reassuring her and trying to make sense of the situation for her. Coco struggled with the thought of leaving Roseanne. She was confused and frightened, but Roseanne gently explained Nathaniel’s wishes and the letters he had written. Through tears and sadness, Roseanne helped Coco understand that her father had wanted her to be with her biological mother. It was a tough lesson, and although Coco tried to respect her father's wishes, she hated that her own happiness seemed to be sacrificed. Despite Nicholas's determination to find a way to bring Coco back, he knew in his heart that their options were limited, and he couldn't promise anything. Both him and Roseanne hated to sacrifice Coco’s happiness for the decisions t
Roseanne looked at Nicholas, her eyes filled with both pain and understanding. “Nicholas, I understand that you need time. I really do. I am very patient.”He offered her a grateful smile. “Thank you.”“But,” she continued, a small hint of hope in her voice, “I can still chase you, right?”Nicholas gave her a soft, teasing smile. “You want to?”She nodded, her eyes earnest. “Yes.”He shrugged slightly. “Up to you.”They both fell silent, lost in their own thoughts about what tomorrow would bring. Roseanne broke the quiet first. “I hope Coco lives a happy life,” she said softly. “I hope she forgets me. She’s just five. If I’m not around, maybe she’ll forget me.”Nicholas's smile was tinged with sadness. “It’s not just your absence that worries me,” he said. “It’s Leon’s. He’s her twin. She needs him more than anyone else.”Roseanne’s expression turned determined. “I’ll make sure he’s a part of her life.”Nicholas raised an eyebrow, curious. “How?”Roseanne said, “By taking away Sabrina
Throughout the journey home, Roseanne and Leon stuck to each other, their tears flowing silently as they held on tight. Though Nicholas’s eyes were filled with unshed tears, he focused on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel. When they finally reached home, the emptiness hit them all at once. The house was once filled with Coco's laughter and now it felt sadly quiet. The memories of her presence seemed to haunt every corner. Even the staff, who had cared for the children with such love, moved quietly, their eyes red from crying.Ellora and Nikolai had wanted to be there, to support their family through this heartbreaking time, but Nicholas insisted they stay in California. As they stepped inside, Leon’s small voice broke the silence. “Mommy,” he added, “Dad.”Nicholas and Roseanne looked at him as he said. “I know you’re both hurting,” Leon continued, “And I know you want to rest. But I need to talk to you both. Can I? It might hurt, but I need to say it.”Nicholas knelt
Six Months Later“Leon!” Roseanne called out.Leon came running. From the other room, his muffled voice answered, “Yes, Mommy?”Roseanne crossed her arms and said sternly, “Nathaniel Hart!”Leon’s eyes widened. When his mother used his full name, it meant he was in trouble.“Open your mouth,” Roseanne instructed. He obeyed, and she gasped. “Did you forget that I had to drive you to the dentist in the middle of the night last week? And now you’re eating cookies again!”Her frustration was palpable. She shouted, “Maria!”Maria hurried over. “Yes, boss?”Roseanne scolded her, “You gave Leon cookies again? I specifically told everyone not to! But he shows you his cute face, and you all melt! How am I supposed to run my café if you can’t follow simple instructions?”Leon whispered, “Mommy, I’m sorry.”Roseanne gave him an angry look before storming out of the café.Leon said, “Maria, I’m sorry. I put you in trouble. I stole these cookies from the jar in Mommy’s office. It wasn’t your fault.
A young woman emerged from the airport, her hand holding that of a small boy. They both looked stylish in their travel outfits. She with her short blond hair styled in loose waves and he peeked out from behind his sunglasses as he scanned the bustling crowd as if looking for someone there. “Anne!” a voice rang out, cutting through the noise.The mother and son turned to see a middle-aged woman waving enthusiastically at them. Her face lit up with joy as their eyes met and she hurried towards them.“Mom, please be careful,” Nicholas called out with concern in his voice as Ellora reached them, her arms outstretched to hug her precious people who she had missed a lot in the past few months. Ellora enveloped Anne and Leon in a tight embrace, “Anne, I’ve missed you so much,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. Then, pulling Leon close, she cooed, “Little darling, Grandma’s heart ached to be away from you.”Leon, replied, “Grandma, my heart ached to be away from you too. I’m so happ
“Thank you for dropping us home,” Anne said softly. Before moving to Italy, she and Nicholas had decided she would leave the Hart family house. She had found a new home, just a half-hour drive away, where she and Leon now lived. Near their new house, she was opening a café. The café was almost ready, and she would be inaugurating it in a week.It was late in the evening when they arrived home. Anne stood at the door, bathed in the warm glow of the light behind her, while Nicholas stood in the dimness of the driveway.Nicholas nodded. As Anne turned to go inside, he softly called her name.“Anne?” he said, his whisper brushing against her skin like a gentle touch.Her heart raced, and she replied, “Yes?”Nicholas took a step closer, and Anne felt her heart pounding harder in her chest. As he closed the distance, they stood just inches apart. Without warning, he dipped his head and gave her a quick, tender kiss on the lips.“Welcome home,” he said, smiling warmly.Anne blinked in surpris