It’s not fear. Of course it is. I don’t want Leo to get confused, Daniel stared at her intently.
Or you don’t want to get confused yourself. The silence between them was unbearable. Amelia felt her pulse quicken.
Daniel was too close, his voice too firm, too confident. And she was losing the battle she had tried to fight since he came back. Then, without thinking too much, she said the only thing she had left.
This isn’t going to work. Daniel didn’t move. Why? Amelia closed her eyes for an instant before replying.
Because I don’t know how to trust you again. Daniel inhaled slowly. He didn’t get angry.
He didn’t argue. He just nodded. Then tell me how to do it.
She looked at him in surprise. What? Tell me how to make you trust me again? Amelia felt a lump in her throat because she had no answer. Because part of her didn’t want one and because she knew that if he kept insisting, she would end up falling.
Daniel didn’t pressure her after that night on the balcony. But Amelia knew he was waiting. He didn’t say it.
He didn’t show it, obviously. But she saw it in his eyes every time they were close, in the patience with which he treated her, in the way he left space for her to make the decision. And the worst part was that with each passing day she felt her own defenses weaken.
Everything changed. Daniel received the call when he least expected it. He was in his office reviewing some reports when his phone rang.
He didn’t recognize the number but he answered immediately. Mr. Brooks? The voice on the other end of the line sounded formal but with a hint of urgency. Yes, who is this? I’m your mother’s lawyer.
Daniel felt his blood boil. What the hell does she want now? There was a brief silence before the lawyer continued. I just wanted to inform you that Mrs. Eleanor Brooks has initiated legal proceedings to obtain custody of your son.
The air seemed to leave his lungs. What did you say? Mrs. Brooks has argued that you and the child’s mother are unfit to raise him. She has requested an evaluation to determine if Leo would be better under her care.
Daniel’s heart pounded with fury. This is insane. I know, sir, the lawyer said in a neutral tone but the petition is already underway.
Daniel was speechless. He couldn’t believe it. He knew his mother wouldn’t give up easily but he never thought she would go this far and the worst part was that now he had to tell Amelia.
When he arrived at the apartment Amelia opened the door with a frown. What’s wrong? She asked instantly. Daniel wasted no time.
We have a problem. Amelia felt a chill. What happened? My mother filed a lawsuit to get Leo.
The world stopped. No, she can’t do that. Amelia whispered, feeling short of breath.
Yes, she can and she’s doing it. Amelia leaned against the wall. No, this can’t be happening.
Daniel took her by the shoulders forcing her to look at him. I’m going to stop her. I’m not going to let her take our son but Amelia barely heard him.
Her worst fear had come true. Eleanor had fulfilled her threat and now if they didn’t do something they could lose everything. Amelia felt her legs tremble.