LOVE REBORN

CHAPTER 55

JULIAN

I stood outside the courtroom, my stomach twisted into knots. The appeal process had begun, and Sarah was pulling out all the stops. Her determination to overturn the joint custody verdict was evident, and I knew she'd stop at nothing.

My lawyer, Rachel, approached me, her expression serious. "Julian, we need to talk strategy. Sarah's team will try to discredit you, and we need to be prepared." She paused, reviewing her notes. "We'll focus on the children's best interests, highlighting your commitment to their well-being and stability."

I nodded, knowing what was coming. The past few months had been a whirlwind of legal battles, and I was exhausted. But I couldn't give up - not now, not when so much was at stake.

As we entered the courtroom, I spotted Lexi in the back row, her eyes locked on mine. I smiled reassuringly, trying to calm her worries. But my confidence was short-lived.

Sarah's lawyer, James, launched into a scathing attack on my character. "Mr. Julian cheated on his wife, Sarah, repeatedly," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "This pattern of infidelity demonstrates his lack of integrity." The courtroom fell silent, and I felt a pang of guilt.

I knew Lexi was watching, and the thought of her hearing about my past mistakes was unbearable. I wanted to explain, to tell her that I'd grown and changed, but now wasn't the time.

Then, the door swung open, and Lucy walked in. My heart sank. What was she doing here?

"Lucy, please state your relationship with Mr. Julian," James asked, a sly smile spreading across his face.

Lucy's eyes locked on mine, a mixture of guilt and malice in her gaze. "We had an affair, several years ago," she said, her voice steady. "Julian ended it abruptly, but I knew he was still married." The courtroom erupted into murmurs, and I felt my face flush.

My lawyer objected, but the damage was done. James continued, relentless. "And didn't you, Mr. Julian, pay Lucy to keep the affair quiet?" I clenched my jaw, knowing I had no choice but to admit the truth.

"Yes," I said, the word barely above a whisper.

Lexi's eyes widened, her face pale. I knew I'd hurt her, and the thought was unbearable.

The judge's expression turned skeptical. "Mr. Julian, it seems your character is indeed questionable," he said. "We'll review the evidence and reconsider the custody arrangement."

As we left the courtroom, Lexi's silence spoke volumes. I knew I had to make things right, but where did I even begin?

"Lexi, I-" I started, but she cut me off.

"Not here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need time to process."

I nodded, giving her space. But I knew I couldn't let her go without a fight.