Chapter 9 - The Courtroom Battle
Two months later, Julian sat in a family law courtroom, his legal counsel sitting beside him. He was trying desperately to overturn the sole custody agreement he had signed in the mediator's office, claiming he had been under "emotional distress" when he gave up his parental rights.
Across the courtroom sat Attorney Marcus Vance, representing Colonel Evelyn Reed. Evelyn herself was absent, stationed overseas commanding her brigade.
Judge Sarah Jenkins reviewed the signed divorce documents and the certified audio recording from the mediator's office provided by the defense.
"Mr. Vance," Judge Jenkins said sternly, leaning over her bench. "The record clearly shows that you willingly, calmly, and repeatedly demanded sole surrender of custody so you could pursue another relationship."
"I was deceived, Your Honor!" Julian pleaded, standing up from his desk. "I thought I was having a son! I made a mistake!"
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"Parental duty is not a real estate contract you can return when you don't like the terms, Mr. Vance," Judge Jenkins ruled sharply, slamming her gavel down. "The custody agreement stands as signed. Sole legal and physical custody remains permanently with Colonel Evelyn Reed."
👉 Read PART 10 to see where Julian and Chloe ended up six months later!
