ด้วยรักตลอดไป (With Love, Forever)

Filler Chapter

The day of the court hearing arrived, and the weight of it was almost unbearable. Jackson sat in the waiting area of the courthouse, hands gripping the edge of the wooden chair as he tried to steady his nerves. He could hear his own heartbeat in his ears, and every passing minute seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Xinxin was safely with Mrs. Luo and her helper for the morning, —her usual energy dulled by the tension in the air.

His lawyer, Ms. Virawathin, had told him to remain calm and prepared. But no amount of preparation could have calmed the gnawing fear in his chest. His ex-wife had made it clear that she wanted this hearing. She wasn't backing down. Jackson had tried to explain to Xinxin the seriousness of the situation, but she had only seemed confused, asking why someone would want to take her away from him. The very thought of it made his heart ache.

When it was finally their turn, Jackson followed Ms. Virawathin into the courtroom, the heavy wood doors closing behind them with a soft but final thud. The courtroom was silent, save for the soft shuffle of paperwork and the occasional cough. His ex-wife sat on the other side of the room, her lawyer beside her, her face neutral but with a hard edge to it. Jackson could feel her gaze on him, but he didn't return it. His focus was on the task at hand: his daughter.

Xinxin was called to the stand—her small frame walking toward the witness box with determination, her eyes wide but her chin set in defiance. Jackson felt a small wave of pride as she held herself tall. She was his daughter, after all, and no matter what anyone else said, she knew what she wanted.

Ms. Virawathin stood next to Xinxin, guiding her through the questions.

"Xinxin," she began gently, "can you tell the court who you live with?"

"My daddy," Xinxin said, her voice clear and firm.

"Do you want to live with your daddy?"

She nodded without hesitation. "Yes."

The court seemed to pause for a moment, as if everyone in the room was waiting for the next part. Jackson's heart pounded in his chest. He knew this was the pivotal moment, but he could see Xinxin's small hands gripping the side of the witness box, her determination growing.

"Do you want to see your mom more often?" Ms. Virawathin asked, keeping her tone gentle.

Xinxin's answer came swiftly. "I don't want to live with her. I want to stay with my daddy. I don't want to go with the big lady."

A ripple of discomfort moved through the room. Jackson's ex-wife—who had been sitting rigidly, a look of quiet triumph on her face—stiffened. Her lawyer glanced at her nervously, but she said nothing.

Jackson's throat tightened, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. He couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of relief. Xinxin was speaking for herself.

"I want my daddy," she repeated firmly, her voice not wavering. "He's the one who takes care of me. I want to stay with him."

Her words, simple but unequivocal, hung in the air. The judge looked down at Xinxin, his expression softening. He turned to her mother, who now looked slightly unnerved by the girl's strong stance.

The hearing continued, but Jackson's hope began to grow. Xinxin's testimony, her absolute conviction, had spoken louder than any legal jargon or arguments his ex-wife could muster.

When the judge finally called for a recess to deliberate, Jackson stepped out of the courtroom for a moment, his chest tight, the emotions overwhelming him. He glanced up to see Jeff, who had been quietly waiting outside the courtroom, leaning against the wall. Jeff offered him a slight, reassuring smile.

"You did great," Jeff said softly, walking over to him.

Jackson gave him a shaky smile in return, trying to calm the storm in his chest. "It's up to the judge now. I just hope Xinxin's words were enough."

Minutes later, they were called back into the courtroom. The judge had made his decision.

"After reviewing all the evidence and considering the testimony of the child, this court has determined that it is in the best interest of Xinxin Wu to remain in the custody of her father," the judge declared, his voice firm. "It is clear that Xinxin has a stable, loving home with Mr. Wang, and her wishes will be respected."

Jackson's heart skipped a beat. The words seemed surreal, almost too good to be true. But the relief, the joy, came flooding in with overwhelming force. He looked over at Xinxin, who was sitting with Mrs. Luo in the front row. She smiled up at him, and in that moment, everything else faded away.

He had won.

It wasn't just a victory in court. It was a victory for Xinxin. A victory for their family.

As he walked out of the courtroom with Jeff by his side, he realized that nothing, not even the most difficult of days, could shake the bond they had. He'd protect her, no matter what. And now, with the judge's ruling in his favor, he could breathe easier—finally.

Xinxin would be with him. She always would be.