The rest of the document was a litany of accusations that made me feel sick: I had married Nash too quickly, was exploiting Mia for financial gain and social media purposes, and exposing Mia to unsafe conditions, even accusations of Nash’s business being criminal in nature and casting doubt on his lifestyle suitability.
I couldn't breathe.The room was spinning.
Preston was trying to take Mia.After three years of barely being a father, of breaking promises and refusing to show up—he was claimingIwas the unfit parent?
"Clara?What’s wrong"
I looked up to find Nash standing in the doorway of his office, concern etched on his face.
I couldn't speak.I just held out the papers with trembling hands.
He crossed the room in big strides, taking the documents from me.I watched his expression darken as he read, his jaw tightening with each line.
"That motherfucker," he breathed.
"He's trying to take her, Nash.He's—" My voice broke."He wants to take my baby."
"He won’t be able to."Nash set the papers down and pulled me into his arms."This is bullshit.Anyone can file a petition.That doesn't mean he'll win."
"But what if he does?What if a judge believes him?I did marry you quickly.We did move in together fast.And the social media stuff—" I thought about all the photos Nash had posted.Family photos.Photos of Mia."What if they think I'm exploiting her?"
"You're not exploiting anyone.You're being a mother.A damn good one."
"But the contract."I pulled back to look at him."We literally have a contract.If that comes out in court, if Preston's lawyers find out about it—"
"They won't."Nash's hands framed my face."Just breathe.We're going to handle this."
"How?"
"We’re going to get you a lawyer.The best family law attorney in New York.Second, we document everything—every time Preston failed to show up, every broken promise.Third—" He paused, his jaw tightening."Third, we move up the committee meeting."
I blinked."What?"
"The inheritance committee.We were waiting to establish legitimacy, give the marriage more time.But we can't wait anymore.We need to get the inheritance secured."
"Is now the best time?"
"I don’t know if there will be a best time."His hands moved to my shoulders."But more importantly, finishing up with the committee bullshit first means we have one less thing to worry about.And having that extra money means we can spare no expense.Just bury Preston in legal fees until he backs off."
My head was spinning."Nash, I don't know if I'm ready for the committee.What if they see through us?"
"They won't.Clara, we've been living together.We're happy.This looks real because itisreal.The committee will see that."
"But—"
"No buts."His voice was firm, bordering on sharp."We need to do this.Soon.This week if possible."
I'd never heard him sound like this—urgent, almost desperate.The easy warmth that usually colored his tone was buried under layers of stress.
"Okay," I whispered."We'll set up the committee meeting."
He studied my face, as though looking for some answer there."I'm not going to let him take her.Mia is not going anywhere."
I wanted to believe him.But as I stood there in his arms, looking at those legal papers on the counter, all I could think waswhat have I done?
I'd thought I was protecting Mia by marrying Nash.Securing our future.Giving her stability.
But what if I'd just given Preston exactly the ammunition he needed to take her away from me?
