I inhale shakily.
And I tell them everything.
About the threat to drag me back home.
About his fingers digging into my wrist.
About Ethan telling him, multiple times, to let go of me.
About Kevin ignoring Mia completely while she stood right there, confused and afraid.
By the time I finish, the courtroom is silent.
Completely, utterly silent.
CHAPTER 31
Summer
Then… the part I’ve dreaded most.
“Your Honor,” Kevin’s attorney says brightly,“we call Mrs. Montgomery.”
My mother goes first, stiff and polished, every hair in place.
She won’t meet my eyes as she takes the stand. My father stares straight ahead like this entire hearing is an inconvenience he can’t wait to be done with.
She swears in.
“Mrs. Montgomery,” the attorney begins,“do you believe Summer is capable of providing Mia with stability?”
My mother folds her hands primly.“No. Not without our help. Summer has always been impulsive. Emotional. She doesn’t think things through.”
It’s a punch.
“And do you believe Mia belongs with her father?”
“Yes.”
Not even a pause.
“Kevin is responsible. Financially secure. Level-headed.”
A lie.
A lie.
A LIE.
But they believe whatever makes their world easier, not what’s true.
My lawyer steps forward.“Mrs. Montgomery, when Mia was born, who changed her diapers?”
“The nanny or Summer.”
“And who was with Mia when she had a fever?”
My mother looks nervous.“I… don’t remember.”
