Chapter 89
I ended the relationship as soon as I found out I was still legally tied to Mr. Sullivan,” I said, keeping my voice steady and meeting her gaze evenly.
Her expression didn’t waver, though I caught the faintest flicker of disappointment in her eyes. Before she could ask another question, Alex’s voice cut through the room like a jagged blade.
“I saw her kiss him!” he shouted, his voice echoing in the solemn courtroom. “She knew, and she kissed him anyway!!
Gasps rippled through the room. My head whipped toward him, my cheeks flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment.
The judge slammed her gel down, her voice firm and authoritative. “Mr. Sullivan, if you speak out of turn again, I will hold you in contempt of court.”
Alex’s jaw tightened, his knuckles whitening as he griped the edge of the table. But he didn’t say another word, his lips pressed into a thin line.
The lawyer continued her line of questioning, each one designed to chip away at my credibility. She hinted at impropriety, painting a picture of a woman who was reckless and unfaithful
“Mrs. Sullivan,” she said, her tone dripping with false courtesy, “you’ve been seen with Mr. Carter on multiple occasions outside of work. Would you say these encounters were strictly professional?”
“Yes,” I replied firmly. “And as I’ve already stated, Lended the relationship as soon as Honed I was still legally married.”
The questioning consued, her tone laced with innuendo, but Nathan remained calm and focused. He countered every insinuation, redirecting the narrative back to Alex’s negligence and the emotional harm he’d caused.
By the time the judge called for a recess, I felt like I’d been through a storm. My nerves were frayed, my mind spinning with everything that had been
Nathan leaned over, his voice low and soothing “Don’t worry,” he said, his tone calm but resolute. “I’ve got this under control. She’s grasping ar straws.”
I nodded, grateful for his reassurance, but my chest still felt tight. Alex’s lawyer had planted seeds of doubt in the room, and I couldn’t shake the fear that they might take root.
When the hearing resumed, Nathan’s closing arguments were nothing short of masterful. He reminded the court that Alex had initiated the divorce but had failed to finalize it, causing years of unnecessary pain. He emphasized my right to choose freedom and to protect my children from further harm,
The judge listened intently, her expression unreadable. When Nathan finished, Mox’s lawyer attempted to robur, but her arguments felt weak in comparison
The judge sat back, her fingers steepled as she regarded both parties. “Having reviewed the evidence and heard both sides, I see no reason to prolong this case,” she said firmly.
Her gaze settled on Alex. “Mr. Sullivan, regardless of the time that has passed, Mrs. Sullivan retains the right to file for divorce. It was your responsibility to finalize the process you initiated. Your failure to do so constitutes abandonment. As such, I am ruling in favor of Mrs. Sullivan.”
She continued, her tone unwavering. “Furthermore, I am ordering Mr. Sullivan to pay emotional damages for the undue stress caused, as well relinquishing partial assets to Mrs. Sullivan.”
I raised my hand, my voice steady but resolute. “Your Honor, I don’t want anything from him.”
Nathan turned to me, his eyes questioning, but I nodded firmly.
The judge regarded me for a moment before nodding. “Very well. Both parties will now sign the documents.”
Alex hesitated as he approached the desk, his hand lingering over the pen. He glanced at me, his expression a mixture of anger and something I couldn’t quite place. But finally, he signed.
“It is done,” the judge announced “This court recognizes the divorce of Mr. Alexander Sullivan and Mrs. Baina Graham–Sullivan.”
A wave of relief crashed over me, and I exhaled shakily, tears streaming down my face. It was over. Finally, it was over.
I recalled Nathan’s words about kissing me. Would he still do it? He was sick–he wouldn’t, right?
Dominic wrapped me in a tight hug, his voice filled with relief. “You did it,” he said, “Finally.”
But, of course, Alex’s mother wasn’t ready to let go.
“Ungrateful brat!” she snapped, her voice venomous. “Our family was good to you, and this is how you repay us?”
I turned to her, my voice steady but laced with determination. “This isn’t over,” I said, my eyes locking with hers. “I’m just getting started. Nathan will be in touch with Alex’s lawyer. I want full custody of my son.”
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Alex’s lace darkened, his voice sharp and defensive. “You lost that right the second you served me court papers. Don’t forget, Raina–you signed your rights away.”
I didn’t flinch. My gaze didn’t waver. “Maybe you need your head checked, Alex. You signed for shared custody. And now, with this case in writing, I will get Liam away from you”
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