Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 184(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 184(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
“I liked Jin and knew I could provide a stable environment for her and her family. Unfortunately, since it was friends getting married, I was blindsided when I fell in love with her daughter.”
I stiffen, feeling Leah’s furious gaze on me. I meet the stare of the judge and offer a shy smile.
“As it turns out, Jin still loved the father of her child, Christopher, and the whole thing got a bit messy,” Owen says, though he doesn’t sound upset at all. “Me and Jin have already filed for divorce. She’s since moved in with Christopher and his mother so they can spend more time with Penny.”
I cut my eyes over to Leah. Her face is red and she’s vibrating with rage. The attorney beside her slumps his shoulders as if he’s dreading the reaming he’ll get from her later.
All their “shock and awe” surprises are being admitted to the judge by Owen. She will get none of the glory.
“Objection!” Leah barks out when her attorney says nothing.
Judge Rowe grunts and turns to glare at her. “You’ll have your turn to speak, ma’am. He’s not done.”
With a huff of frustration, she crosses her arms over her chest, and mutters something to her attorney under her breath. Judge Rowe motions for Owen to continue.
“Despite these things happening in my home,” Owen says firmly, “my children are happy, healthy, and well-loved. They’ve developed relationships with Penny, Mei, and Jin. Now that Jin’s moved out, Addison has her own room again. Everyone is doing well aside from one thing.”
Judge Rowe thumps a stack of papers. “Does it have anything to do with all these police reports?”
Owen nods. “We’re being harassed and stalked to the point it’s upsetting my children. They can’t go anywhere without Ronald Greene snapping pictures of them. It’s excessive and out of line, Your Honor. Furthermore, the man carries a gun—of which I’ve stared down the barrel of—and they don’t feel safe with him lurking around.”
They follow me, Owen, and Mom the most, but Owen is strategic in mentioning the kids they share.
“Addison and Cason have also written their own letters to you, which you should have there. They both have expressed their wishes to keep the custody agreement as is, splitting their time between both parents.” Owen turns and looks at Leah. “All this drama will only put a wedge between the kids and us.”
Again, he’s smart with his words. By not putting it all on Leah, it feels more logical and emotionless.
“I would like,” Owen says to Judge Rowe, “for us all to move on. This is a waste of time and money. Thank you for hearing me out.”
He sits down and Leah bursts to her feet.
“My turn,” she says icily. “He’s playing the victim. Isn’t it obvious?”
I stiffen, hating how she speaks about him. Mom gently pats my hand, and it brings comfort to me. We all discussed Leah’s potential reactions, and she’s playing right into it as predicted. Still, it hurts me hearing her try and hurt him.
“Is that a rhetorical question?” Judge Rowe asks. “Because if it’s not, and I’m supposed to answer, I don’t think you’re going to like what I’m going to say.”
She scoffs and waves a manicured hand our way. “He’s basically a pedophile!”
Owen’s flinch is so small, you’d miss it if you weren’t watching, which I was.
“He groomed her,” Leah rushes out. “It’s sick. I don’t want my little girl around that!”
Judge Rowe holds up a hand to Leah and looks directly at my mother. “How old was your daughter when you introduced him to Mr. Monahan?”
“Eighteen, Your Honor,” Mom says firmly. “These are baseless claims, and quite frankly, defamatory.”
He nods and turns back to meet Leah’s gaze. “I’ve seen enough here.”
“Sir,” Leah’s attorney finally pipes up. “My client is worried that her ex-husband’s instability will impact their children and—”
“Your client is the problem,” Judge Rowe barks out. “Do you hear that, ma’am? You’re creating problems that don’t exist. I, for one, won’t stand for it. The existing custody agreement remains as is.” He narrows his eyes at her. “However, if we show up in court for more of these witch hunts, I’ll be forced to examine your ability to provide a stable, safe environment for your children. You are to call off the private investigator immediately. There’s enough here to make a case for stalking and harassment and I know you don’t want this all turned around on you.”
Leah gapes at him. “Your Honor, I, uh…”
He waits for her to continue but her lips snap shut. With a nod, he says to her, “Thank you. It’s in your best interest to stop this obsession and move on with your life. Mr. Monahan is trying to move on with his. Are we clear?”
The courtroom is silent for what feels like an eternity.