I boldly hold Owen’s hand in the courtroom, even as Leah not-so-discreetly takes a photo of us. Her smug smirk annoys me, but I don’t let it get to me.
Owen and his lawyer exchange a few quiet words and then everyone zips up once the judge arrives. He’s an older man with kind eyes but a stern expression. Judge Rowe. Owen told me he’s a friend of Dane, his attorney, so I hope that works in our favor.
Penny giggles loudly and Mom pulls her hand out of Christopher’s to playfully press a finger to her lips. This has Penny turning more silly. She only settles when Christopher tugs her into his lap to let her play with his phone.
I’m on edge. This hearing has the potential to wreak havoc in Owen’s life. Leah has been steadily capturing evidence against him to show what an “unstable” parent he is.
But we’ve been busy too. Each time that silver sedan is nearby, we automatically call the police. We’ve filed report afterreport for harassment and stalking. I even have a protective order against the man that requires he stay a certain amount of feet away from me at all times.
“Your Honor,” Dane says once Judge Rowe nods his way. “Before we get started today, my client would like to speak.”
I watch for Leah’s reaction. Her eyes narrow and she shakes her head as if this annoys her.
“Go ahead,” Judge Rowe says.
Owen clears his throat and stands to address the judge. “Sir, I know we’re here because my ex-wife wants to revisit the custody agreement again and my mental health is in question.”
Judge Rowe nods, expression neutral. From the corner of my eye, Leah bristles, clearly irritated that Owen has stolen the thunder from her. From what Owen tells me, Rhett knows how his mother is, but the other two don’t see this side of her. He also doesn’t want that for them hence why none of their kids are present today. I think it’s admirable of him to consider them and their relationship with her.
“I’m going to be honest and up front with you,” Owen says to Judge Rowe. “My stress levels were high a few months ago. Heading to court to battle for my kids and prove myself has been difficult. I blame that state of mind for jumping foolishly into another loveless marriage.”
The judge cuts his eyes over to my mom and then back to Owen. Leah clears her throat loudly, but the judge ignores her, so Owen continues.
“I liked Jin and knew I could provide a stable environment for her and her family. Unfortunately, since it was friends getting married, I was blindsided when I fell in love with her daughter.”
I stiffen, feeling Leah’s furious gaze on me. I meet the stare of the judge and offer a shy smile.
“As it turns out, Jin still loved the father of her child, Christopher, and the whole thing got a bit messy,” Owen says, though he doesn’t sound upset at all. “Me and Jin have already filed for divorce. She’s since moved in with Christopher and his mother so they can spend more time with Penny.”
I cut my eyes over to Leah. Her face is red and she’s vibrating with rage. The attorney beside her slumps his shoulders as if he’s dreading the reaming he’ll get from her later.
All their “shock and awe” surprises are being admitted to the judge by Owen. She will get none of the glory.
“Objection!” Leah barks out when her attorney says nothing.
Judge Rowe grunts and turns to glare at her. “You’ll have your turn to speak, ma’am. He’s not done.”
With a huff of frustration, she crosses her arms over her chest, and mutters something to her attorney under her breath. Judge Rowe motions for Owen to continue.
“Despite these things happening in my home,” Owen says firmly, “my children are happy, healthy, and well-loved. They’ve developed relationships with Penny, Mei, and Jin. Now that Jin’s moved out, Addison has her own room again. Everyone is doing well aside from one thing.”
Judge Rowe thumps a stack of papers. “Does it have anything to do with all these police reports?”
Owen nods. “We’re being harassed and stalked to the point it’s upsetting my children. They can’t go anywhere without Ronald Greene snapping pictures of them. It’s excessive and out of line, Your Honor. Furthermore, the man carries a gun—of which I’ve stared down the barrel of—and they don’t feel safe with him lurking around.”
They follow me, Owen, and Mom the most, but Owen is strategic in mentioning the kids they share.
“Addison and Cason have also written their own letters to you, which you should have there. They both have expressedtheir wishes to keep the custody agreement as is, splitting their time between both parents.” Owen turns and looks at Leah. “All this drama will only put a wedge between the kids and us.”
Again, he’s smart with his words. By not putting it all on Leah, it feels more logical and emotionless.
“I would like,” Owen says to Judge Rowe, “for us all to move on. This is a waste of time and money. Thank you for hearing me out.”
He sits down and Leah bursts to her feet.
“My turn,” she says icily. “He’s playing the victim. Isn’t it obvious?”
I stiffen, hating how she speaks about him. Mom gently pats my hand, and it brings comfort to me. We all discussed Leah’s potential reactions, and she’s playing right into it as predicted. Still, it hurts me hearing her try and hurt him.
