Chapter 8

Harlan and I went to the court to submit the application.

With the mandatory waiting period, a month of uncertainty lay ahead.

In the interim, Jennifer faced the trial for her intentional act of harm.

Given her underage status and the lack of severe injury on my part, the case resulted in a civil suit for damages.

Exiting the courtroom, I was confronted by Jennifer who attempted to seek answers from me.

"Why didn't my dad come to see me?" she asked.

I could only offer a shrug, telling her about the divorce thing and that I had no idea where he was.

"Why wasn't your mom with you today?" I inquired, to which she replied, "She's not been herself lately, often talking to the air."

Jennifer's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her voice tinged with melancholy.

Our brief exchange was interrupted by a call on Jennifer's phone. I heard a woman's voice.

"Jennifer, your dad's online, claiming you're not his daughter, and he's suing for defamation!"

The news visibly distressed her, prom