Chapter 34 The Judgement

Hannah sat at her sleek desk, a laptop open in front of her and a cup of soothing tea beside her. She’s just left the courtroom, her mind swirling with feelings of hope but also dark clouds of unresolved tension. Naomi’s threats still haunted her, Naomi had nothing on her she vowed she would leave Naomi without a penny if she pursues her. As her Stepmother she would give her some of what she may deserve, but only if she behaves herself.

Her phone buzzed. She answered swiftly.

Hannah: “Hello?

Daniel her lawyer:  “Hannah, the court’s decision is in. It’s a victory, but Naomi’s not giving up. Naomi’s hired a new lawyer, an influential one likely to appeal or complicate the custody process further.”

Hannah, “So what’s our next step? I want to file for full custody. Darrian has custody of Ethan shared with Naomi and Charmaine. Now I won custody of Ethan. Naomi will rot in jail for what she did. If she tries to argue again, I need to be prepared. She is trying to win the jury with her pathetic story.”

Daniel. “Agreed. We’ll need more evidence of her manipulations, timelines, witnesses, maybe even some surveillance footage showing her illegal activities. We also need to tighten Ethan’s supervised visitation.”

Hannah took a deep breath, clenching her fists. Her love for Ethan fueled her resolve.

Hannah: “Let’s move fast. I won’t let Naomi take my son away again. Keep me updated on the legal front, and coordinate with the family in Korea to secure Ethan’s safety. Do everything to keep him protected.”

Hannah’s eyes flicked to the photo of Ethan on her phone. Her heart ached with longing but also with fierce determination. She knew Naomi was dangerous, like a wolf circling the sheep. Her strategy was becoming clearer: gather irrefutable proof, rally her allies, and fight for full custody.

Naomi’s face was pale with anger after hearing the verdict. She rapped her manicured nails against the marble table, eyes blazing with fury.

“This isn’t over. Hannah’s a legal genius, but I have my ways.”

She stood abruptly, pacing. She pulled out her phone, dialing her most trusted confidant.

Naomi:! “Find out everything about Hannah’s contacts in England and Korea. I want to know if she’s planning any legal moves.”

Confidant: “Understood. Also I’ve been speaking with some associates. They suggest we can turn the court’s decision to our advantage. There’s a way to make Hannah look unstable, so the court questions her motives.”

Naomi’s lips curled into a sinister smile.

Naomi: “Good. Let’s make her pay. Ethan belongs with my daughter, and I won’t let her ruin our family. Prepare the next move. I want him back, and I want her discredited.”

As Naomi hung up, she looked at a framed photo of Ethan,her eldest child. She whispered venomous promises.

However the court verdict was Charmaine refrain from calling Ethan her son and Naomi has no rights to him. They are not blood related and the boy clearly stated he wanted his Mom Hannah.

Naomi: “You’ll be back with us, Ethan. We know best, and I’ll do whatever it takes. After all we have no money left with Ethan, Darrian will pay for his child upkeep and we would have enough.”

Ethan sat curled up on a park bench, clutching his stuffed animal. His young mind was filled with conflicting feelings and confusion, fear, and something new: trust.

His mother’s voice echoed softly in his mind: “Always stay brave.” A small tear slipped down his cheek.

I miss Daddy and Mommy. Charmaine says Daddy does not want me back. He has a wife and two other children. She says I belong with her, but I don’t want to stay with her. She yells and makes me sad. Mom hugs me and sings to me. She always says she loves me. Maybe I should stay with her.*

An older woman passing by noticed his tears and paused.

Old Woman: 

“Hey there, sweetheart. Are you ok?”

Ethan sniffled, looking at her shyly.  

“I want my mommy. She’s nice.”

“Sounds like she loves you very much. Sometimes it’s hard to understand everything at your age. But remember, people who love you will always come back.”

Ethan looked up at her, his small face earnest.

“Will Mommy come for me?”

The woman nodded reassuringly.  “Most definitely. Just hold onto that love, and be brave. Good things come to those who wait.”

Ethan nodded slowly, clutching his stuffed animal tighter.

Hannah stood by her lush garden, gazing up at the stars. Her phone buzzed with updates from her lawyer and family.

Her mind reflected on the journey, her fears, her tears, and her unwavering hope that Ethan would come home, safe and loved.

“I promise, Ethan. I’ll do everything in my power to get you back. No matter what Naomi or Charmaine do, I won’t give up. You’re my world.”

She took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill her lungs, steeling herself for the battles ahead.

In her heart, she knew Naomi’s threats were real, but her love for Ethan was stronger. And as long as she had hope, she believed their family could be restored.

Dear Readers,

Can you imagine the audacity of that woman, Naomi as she tries to make claim on Ethan after hurting th echild..