Everything & More (Book 1 in the E.C.N Series)

Chapter 84 - Jonathan

This hallway way was bright and open. Benches laid against walls every 10 feet while also being separated by large doors that led to court rooms. I could hear the faint sound of mallet meeting the sound block when judges wanted order. The clicks of heels that echoed lasting a life time at each end of the hall. I cleared my throat pulling my tie loose and re tightening it.

I'll see you in court

The look on Martha's face is still etched into my brain.

I'll see you in court

The mediation hearing completely gutted me as all my indiscretions came to light. The plan was to pay back the loan, I just lost track of how much I was actually spending. I don't have that kind of money laying around for when the loan is due back plus the interest rate.

What the fuck was I thinking? Using that money on Jackie.

"Careful you're going to asphyxiate yourself." The words made me realize my hands were still on my tie and that I in fact could not breathe. I tugged at the tie one more time loosening it. My lawyer James Cunningham was standing watching me in my flustered state.

I stood up to greet him, "Hey."

He had a grim look on his face, "Martha's lawyer, Georgia Freeman, put a motion through this morning. It would imply you giving Martha 75% of everything."

"What?! I can't give Martha more than half! That's fucking insane."

"Look unless there's physical proof of your indiscretions it's gonna be hard for the judge to want to give her everything she's asking for. Best case he divides it according to state law. We both know it's just a tactic."

He was right, this isn't the first time I've seen a tactic like this used. Though it was the first time I was on the receiving end of it.

"Everyone take your seat we are about to begin." A bailiff from inside the court room spoke.

"We should go inside." I nodded following him.

A new set of heels hit the marble floor and they sounded louder more powerful. My attention was drawn to Martha walking beside Ms. Freeman. She had on a blue blouse tucked into a black pencil skirt. Her dark chocolate hair was pinned up into a side bun with hairs cascading her face. I had to catch my breath before I made eye contact. They were piercing with more than just disdain.

They stopped in front of James and I, "Mr. Carso, Mr. Cunningham Good Afternoon."

We both nodded, she looked at Martha about to signal her to step inside the court room, "Martha can I speak with you please." If I was going to talk I needed it to be now.

"They're about to start." She replied.

"Please." I wasn't above begging. I saw her resolve crack the slightest before she put it back up.

"Would you two give us a minute? We'll be right in." Her eyes darted between our lawyers.

The minute they were out of earshot she turned to me, "What?"

"Look I-" There was a pain constantly living in my chest with the way she looked at me now. "I know you hate me." I couldn't recognize how defeated i sounded.

Martha sighed, "I don't hate you Jonathan. Your the father of my child. I don't particularly like you but... I don't hate you. I'm hurt, you cheated, and on top of that you made a financial decision that implicates both of us."

"Look I will pay back my half of the loan"

"I will not be held liable for a loan I never even got to use. It's not my fault you weren't thinking when you —" she stopped short, taking a step back. She cleared her throat, "we need to get inside."