Guarding Love

Chapter 9 - Custody

"Everyone you meet comes with baggage. Find someone who cares enough to help you unpack." ― Ziad K. Abdelnour.

Scarlett POV

Feeling crestfallen after an emotionally draining court, I'm mesmerized by the passing strangers, skyscrapers, stores, and restaurants passing by as I stare out the car window as Colin drives. My isolation is heightened as strangers play out their lives, breaking from joyous laughter or wilting into weariness and resignation. I feel no connection to our present circumstances. Still, Colin allows me to be silent as we navigate the busy city streets with towering high rises illuminated by dimming sunlight reflecting off windows. Surrounded by honking horns and blaring sirens, representing life around us continuing its rhythmical beat after our terrible experience, I focus on this tragic moment that created a barrier between myself and the noisy surroundings.

Court went horribly. I keep replaying everything as if it's a movie reel inside my head; every terrible choice regarding Rose or my life was displayed and recorded, and I have no idea if it will get leaked. We've asked for closed court, but I don't know how quickly it will happen. Tears begin to form in my eyes, determined not to spill as I do not want further burden Colin beside me, who remains stoic while providing comfort despite not uttering anything.

It wasn't easy to read the judge's face during the disposition, but I could see his eyes shift when they talked about my character, life choices, and job. I love being an actress and have never wanted to do anything else, but now it was being used against me. Rose is everything, and if I have to give up acting, so be it, but I don't know what I will do if I don't get full custody.

Y/N and my relationship were put on a pedestal, and every detail was analyzed, insinuating that I chose Y/N over my ex-husband, which would transfer to me choosing her over Rose. My lawyer countered with Y/N being her Godmother and that I never chose anyone over him. His lawyer presented us with documentation stating he never agreed to Y/N being the Godmother, and there was no documentation. It didn't matter. We had prepared for that and presented complete legal documentation.

After my ex and I separated, Y/N convinced me to make her Godmother title legal. She even made sure it went through her lawyers and had a copy sent to his lawyers. Usually, that isn't always necessary; however, Y/N is meticulous, always trying to think three moves ahead. While she can be impulsive and rash, she always looks at the bigger picture, especially regarding things like these. On the other hand, I choose to see the good in everyone and believe they won't hurt me.

I wanted to avoid this whole mess and try for joint custody, but that was off the table entirely for him. It was either all or nothing. He wanted every holiday, and I would get one weekend a month and three weeks in the summer. That is not nearly enough time to have with my daughter. Y/N is right. He wants it as a payout, and he's looking at the bottom line that he would gain more financially than anything.

Turning onto Y/N's street takes some weight off my shoulders with the anticipation of seeing her and Rose. I don't understand how a person's presence could make one feel calmer instantly. The noise from the city becomes more of a backdrop and less dominant as the block passes, we inch closer, and I get more excited.

Colin looks at me as he pulls up and places the SUV in Park at the gate, waiting for the gate code, forcing me out of my thoughts. Meeting his gaze brought a deep sense of relief and comfort I hadn't had in a long time. I break the silence telling him the door code for the first time since entering the SUV despite having only entered it once I knew the code instantly. It was the first-day Y/N, and I met. We had an instant connection. Who would have thought that eight years and six movies later, we would have the friendship we have today?