Chapter 4 — The Day the Lawyer Called It “Neglect by Abandonment”
The courthouse was not part of the graduation plan.
But Darren made it part of the story.
Two days after the ceremony, legal letters arrived.
Custody reconsideration.
Parental rights claim.
Emergency injunction.
He wanted the narrative rewritten in court.
I sat in a wooden chair outside the courthouse steps as my lawyer explained it.
“Mr. Miller,” she said carefully, “he’s claiming emotional instability on your part and asserting biological priority.”
I laughed once.
Not because it was funny.
Because it wasn’t.
“Biological priority?” I repeated.
She nodded.
Cassidy stood beside me.
“So he wants to erase you,” she said quietly.
I didn’t answer.
Because that was exactly what he wanted.
Avery crossed her arms.
“He’s not getting us,” she said.
Brielle nodded.
“I already told my friends he’s just the guy from bad flashbacks.”
That almost made me smile.
Almost.
Then Darren arrived.
Suit sharper than before.
Smile rehearsed.
Camera crew again.
Of course.
He stepped out of the car like he was entering a victory speech.
“I’m doing what’s best for my daughters,” he said to reporters.
Avery walked toward him.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
And said:
“You don’t get to say that word.”
Darren blinked.
“What word?”
She looked him in the eyes.
“Daughters.”
May you like
The courthouse doors opened behind us.
The hearing began.
