Trauma At Its Finest (Lip Gallagher X Male Reader)

Ch 42. A Relationship In Need Of Work

The courtroom is tense as the judge reviews the final statements from both the plaintiffs and the fertility clinic's legal team. Lip and Y/N sit together, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and quiet determination. The affected women — both those who became pregnant and those who lost their babies — are seated nearby, equally tense, their hands clasped tightly in laps, their gazes fixed ahead.

The judge adjusts her glasses, clears her throat, and begins.

"After reviewing all the evidence and considering the impact this gross negligence has had on the plaintiffs — the women who became pregnant due to the unauthorized switch, and Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Ball — I've come to a decision. It's clear that this case goes far beyond a simple mix-up. This was a breach of the most fundamental trust, causing irreversible emotional and physical consequences."

Lip grabs Y/N's hand.

"Fertility clinics have a duty to uphold the highest standards, as they deal with the most personal and life-altering decisions in their clients' lives. The actions — or lack thereof — by this clinic were not only negligent but grossly irresponsible."

Y/N doesn't move. His eyes stay locked on the judge, but his grip on Lip's hand tightens ever so slightly.

"The clinic has agreed to settle the matter out of court, and I have reviewed the terms of this settlement. Each of the nine women — seven of whom became pregnant — will receive compensation in the amount of $750,000. This reflects the distress of carrying pregnancies they did not consent to, and the medical and psychological support they will require moving forward."

A few gasps escape from the gallery. Some of the women begin to cry quietly. One of the husbands wipes his face with a trembling hand.

"In addition, Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Ball — who were directly impacted by this violation of their reproductive rights and privacy — will be compensated with a sum of $1.5 million. This amount reflects the emotional toll, the breach of trust, and the disruption of their family plans. The consequences they've suffered are lifelong."

Lip lets out a stunned breath. "Jesus..." He whispers.

One and a half million dollars. Just like that. Y/N has seen more in his life — but Lip, born in poverty and raised in chaos, still can't quite wrap his head around it. Money like that sounds like fantasy. And yet, no amount of it erases what's been done.

"Let this case serve as a stark reminder to all medical institutions of the gravity of their responsibility. Reproductive rights are among the most personal and sacred we have. A breach of those rights carries consequences — both legal and human. The settlement has been accepted by all parties. I hereby declare this matter resolved."

The gavel strikes.

It's over. At least, officially.

But as Lip and Y/N sit there in the quiet after the storm, they both know this is far from finished. Frank is still out there — the man behind it all, walking free. There are children, still to be born or already abandoned into the system, with the blonde now carrying the weight of wanting to help them. Wanting to be there.

This chapter is closed. But the aftermath is just beginning.

-

"$1.5 million..."

Outside the courtroom, Lip still looks dazed. He says the number again, like it might start making sense the second time around.

"That much money... in just a second." He mutters. "I don't even know what the fuck to spend it on."

"Let's keep it." Y/N says calmly beside him. "Would be nice for when we move out."