In the courtroom, when the judge invited Andrea to speak, she stepped forward with shaking hands but steady eyes. She pulled out the papers — receipts for the gifts her father had given her. One by one, she explained that each gift had come with a suggestion, a hint that choosing him would lead to more rewards.
She told the judge she felt as though her love and loyalty were being priced. The room fell silent as she admitted she didn’t want to live where her feelings felt like transactions.
When asked what she truly wanted, Andrea looked between her father and me. Then she said she wanted to stay with her mother — not because life with me was easier, but because she felt heard, safe, and valued without conditions.
The judge listened carefully, reviewed the situation, and ruled that Andrea would remain primarily in my care. He cautioned my ex against using material influence in parenting decisions. As we left the courthouse, Andrea handed me the crumpled receipts and said she simply wanted me to believe in her.
I held her close, promising that I always would.
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