Chapter 10: The Lawyer's Office
315 Words
10 AM. Lawyer's office.
Aria sat on one side with her lawyer. Damian sat on the other side with his.
The tension was thick.
"Let's get straight to it," Aria's lawyer said. "Ms. Santos is open to supervised visits. Twice a month."
Damian's lawyer slammed his folder. "That's ridiculous. Mr. Reyes is the father. He wants joint custody."
Aria didn't look at Damian.
Damian finally spoke. "I don't want to fight, Aria. I just want to be in Emma's life."
Aria looked up. "You had your chance 3 years ago."
"I was stupid," Damian said. His voice broke. "I thought you cheated. I was angry. But I was wrong."
Aria stayed quiet.
The lawyers argued for 30 minutes. Terms, schedules, holidays.
Finally, Aria stood up. "Fine. Joint custody. But I get her on weekdays. You get weekends."
Damian stared at her. "And birthdays? Holidays?"
"We'll alternate," Aria said.
Damian nodded slowly. "Deal."
As they walked out, Damian stopped Aria. "Thank you. For giving me a second chance."
Aria didn't answer. She just walked away.
But her hands were shaking.
The lawyers argued for 30 minutes. Terms, schedules, holidays.
"Christmas with mom, New Year with dad," Aria's lawyer said. "Then switch next year."
"And school events?" Damian's lawyer asked. "Mr. Reyes should be allowed to attend."
Aria clenched her jaw. "Fine. But no surprises. You text me first."
Damian nodded. "I promise. No more showing up unannounced."
Finally, Aria stood up. "Fine. Joint custody. But I get her on weekdays. You get weekends. Starting this Saturday."
Damian stared at her. "And birthdays? Holidays?"
"We'll alternate," Aria said. Her voice was flat. "And no bringing new people around Emma without telling me."
Damian's jaw tightened. "I don't have anyone new, Aria."
Aria didn't answer. She just signed the papers.
Damian signed too. His hand was shaking.
As they walked out, Damian stopped Aria in the hallway. "Thank
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