Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 74

Aurora

"I hereby grant sole physical custody of Layla Alaska Styles to her mother Aurora Scarlett Hall. Court is adjourned."

A loud gasp left mouth mouth as a let out the deep breath I was holding in. I buried my face in my hands and quietly sobbed at the decision the judge had come to. Tears of relief. Odyssey rubbed my back as she tried to console me.

"You have full custody Aurora. He can't make decision regarding anything in Layla's life." I stood up from my seat. I brought my arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug, burying my head in her shoulder as the tears continued to leave my eyes. "Thank you."

"You're welcome my love. Let's go home." I followed her out of the court room, meeting Zayn and Odysseus outside. Layla came running to me. "Mommy!"

I picked her up and held her tightly in my arms, never wanting to let go. "I love you so much baby."

"I love you too!"

"Let's go home okay."

"Okay." I placed her back on the ground. I took her hand and held her closely to me as we walked to the car. Suddenly my name was being called from behind. Everyone stopped at the mention of my name coming from Harry. I turned around to face him. He walked over to us with his hands in his pockets. His eyes were red and puffy, losing the shine they had. He pursed his lips and looked down at Layla with teary eyes before averting his attention back to me.

"I'm sorry Aurora."

"It's too late to apologize Harry."

"Can I get a minute with her please?"

"I don't think that's a good idea right now. I don't understand why you did all this Harry. I don't think I ever will. It didn't have to end like this."

"I was afraid you would try to keep her from me. I was afraid of her calling someone else dad."

"You know I would never do that. I would never allow her to call someone else dad when you are her father. When she is grown and has a mind of her own that is a different story. She can make her own decision then, but now I made the decision for her and I would have never ever allowed her to call anyone else but you dad."

"Can you forgive me?"

"I can't. Not now." He nodded his head in an understanding matter. He looked over at Layla once more and tried to force a smile onto his face. "But even after all this you put us through, after you tried to take my daughter from me, I will give you another chance. I won't keep her from you Harry. I stand by what I said before, I want you to be her dad. I want Layla to grow up knowing both her parents. Whenever you want to see her, don't hesitate to drop by anytime."

He closed his eyes and held a fist to his mouth and tears dropped from his eyes "I can't thank you enough."

"I have to go now. Take care of yourself."

"Before you go, can I just give her a hug, please?" I let go of Layla's hand and took a step best, allowing him to have a moment with her. He crouched down to her level and took both her hands in his, bring them to his lips.

He wrapped his arms around her, securely holding her close to his body "I love you so much munchkin. Don't ever forget it okay. I love you baby girl."

"I love you too." He parted from the hug and just looked at her for a while. Finally he placed a soft kiss on her forehead before standing up.

"Let's go home Layla. Say bye to your dad."

"Bye daddy." A smile grew on his face at her words. It was the first time she has ever called him daddy. My heart leaped for joy as well. I was thrilled she finally felt comfortable enough to call him that. I was excited to see the relationship they will come to have.

"Goodbye munchkin."

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