After Their Story Began

Chapter 42

Aleksandr's POV

We're in family court right now and the kids are going to each have the opportunity to say who they want to stay with. The questions are being asked by the lawyer representing all three of them throughout these proceedings.

Xander is first

"Please say your full name and occupation."

"Xander Niccoló Volkov, high school senior."

"Now tell us who you'd like to live with."

"My dad, Aleksandr Volkov." He answered

"And why don't you want to return home?"

"Because I it stopped being my home when Alessandro remarried. I don't want to be abused by him or his wife anymore. I like my life with Aleksandr because I'm not afraid anymore."

"Your family has been attending parenting and anger management classes since you left in an attempt to better themselves for you. If you go back you'll be under your oldest brother and grandparents' supervision."

"That means nothing to me. Vincenzo did his best to protect me but the only successful thing he did was send me away. My real dad is Aleksandr and he doesn't need parenting or anger management classes to be a good dad."

"How does Aleksandr discipline you?"

"Depends, if I do something that really pisses him off he'll take a day or two to cool down before he sits down and talks to me. He always has a conversation with me and my siblings before he punishes us. He wants us to fully understand what we did wrong so we can reflect on it while we're grounded."

"Has he ever hit you?"

"If I'm cursing too much or making inappropriate jokes he'll flick my forehead but that's the extend of it."

"Does that hurt?"

"It kinda stings but it makes me and my siblings laugh which is why I think he does it."

"What's your relationship like with Aleksandr?"

"Really good. I trust him a lot and even though I cause trouble sometimes I know he trusts me. He's someone that I can go to no matter what."

I smiled hearing that. I sometimes worry I'm too strict with him.

"And his fiancé?"

"She's great. Unlike Alessandro, dad introduced her to us before popping the question or moving her in. He made all of us give his blessing before proposing to her. Unlike Charlotte she respects my boundaries. I can't think of her doing anything that's ever made me uncomfortable. I call her mom because that's the role she's taken in my life."

"Do you want a relationship with your other siblings?"

"More than anything. I only get to see them in secret now." He admitted

"Those are all the questions I have."

Xander stepped off the bench and next was Alessio.

"Name and occupation."

"Alessio Jonás Volkov and I'm in the eighth grade."

"Do you oppose having a relationship with your father?"

"No my relationship with dad is just fine. Are you referring to Alessandro? If so call him by his name."

I smirked at my bubbly little smart ass

"Do you oppose a relationship with Alessandro?" The children's lawyer rephrased

"Yes."

"Why?"