The court date was set—one week from today.
Sophia sat beside Adrian in silence as the lawyer outlined the custody hearing. Her hands trembled, though her expression remained calm. Only Adrian could see past the mask.
"We need to prove that Ethan's best environment is with both of you," the lawyer said.
"Isn't it obvious?" Adrian asked, glancing at Sophia. "She's been raising him well, and now that I know I'm his father—"
"I'm not worried about parenting," the lawyer said. "I'm worried about what Sebastian will do when he's called as a witness."
Sophia's knuckles whitened.
Later that night, Ethan sat between them on the couch, drawing stick figures—one labeled "Dad," one "Mom," and one "Me." A sun smiled in the corner.
"Will we always be together now?" he asked innocently.
Sophia paused, then hugged him. "We'll do everything we can to stay together, sweetheart."
Adrian reached out, placing a hand on her back. She looked at him, startled by the warmth in his eyes.
They were no longer just co-parents. They were starting to become something more.