“I married you because I wanted a child!”
Every word felt like a blade.
“You used me,” I said quietly.
“Of course I did!” he snapped.
What Nick hadn’t noticed was that Daniel had wandered over soon after he started his confrontation. He’d heard every word.
Daniel stepped forward slowly. “Nick.”
Nick turned, irritated. “What?”
“You used me.”
Daniel’s expression had changed completely. “I can’t represent you anymore.”
Nick blinked. “What are you talking about?”
“You deliberately misled this court. And you just admitted a lot of things out loud.”
Nick laughed sharply. “You’re my lawyer!”
“I was,” Daniel corrected. He turned to me. “Ma’am, I can’t undo what’s been done, but you deserve proper representation.” He handed me a business card. “Call this number. Use my name. They’ll take your case pro bono.”
“I can’t represent you anymore.”
Nick stared at him. “You’re choosing her?”
“I’m choosing ethics,” Daniel replied.
Nick’s face flushed deep red. “You can’t just walk away!”
Daniel didn’t respond but gave me a slight nod before walking away.
For the first time since the hospital room, Nick looked small. Having nothing further to say, Nick scoffed and walked away.
“I’m choosing ethics.”
***
Back at my sister’s place, I crouched carefully in front of Chloe. “You saved me.”
She smiled, and I couldn’t hold back the tears.
For the first time since surgery, I felt stronger than before. Not because I’d given something away, but because I’d stopped letting someone take from me.
Nick had tried to leave me with nothing. But he’d forgotten one thing.
I wasn’t alone.
For the first time since surgery, I felt stronger than before.
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