Echoes of Us

Chapter 14: Battle for Rights

**Martaugh’s Office**

Martaugh sits at his desk, staring at a photo of his son. His thoughts are interrupted by his assistant knocking on the door.*

Assistant: “Sir, you have a meeting in ten minutes.”

Martaugh: “Reschedule it. I need to deal with something urgent.”

The assistant nods and leaves. Martaugh picks up his phone and dials Aria’s number.

**Aria’s Office**

Aria is in her spacious, elegantly decorated office, going through some documents. Her phone rings, and she sees Martaugh’s name on the screen. She hesitates but answers.

Aria:“What do you want, Martaugh?”

Martaugh: “We need to talk about our son. I want to be in his life, Aria. He deserves to know his father.”

Aria: “I’ve told you before, Martaugh. I don’t need your support. I can provide everything he needs.”

Martaugh: “This isn’t just about money, Aria. It’s about being there for him, being a part of his life.”

Aria:“You had your chance, Martaugh. You chose your wife over us.”

Martaugh: “I’m trying to make things right. Please, let’s meet and discuss this in person.”

Aria:“Fine. But don’t expect me to change my mind.”

Martaugh: “I’ll see you at your office in an hour.”

Aria hangs up, feeling a mix of anger and anxiety. She knows Martaugh won’t give up easily.

**Aria’s Office - An Hour Later**

Martaugh arrives at Aria’s office. He’s taken aback by the grandeur of the place, a stark contrast to his own company. Aria greets him coolly.

Martaugh: “Your office… it’s impressive.”

Aria: “I’ve worked hard for it. Now, what do you want to discuss?”

Martaugh: “I want joint custody of our son. I know I’ve made mistakes, but I want to be a good father to him.”

Aria: “You think you can just walk in and demand rights? I’ve been raising him on my own, Martaugh. He doesn’t need you disrupting his life.”

Martaugh: “He’s my son too, Aria. I have a right to be in his life.”

Aria: “Your rights mean nothing compared to his well-being. He’s happy and thriving without you.”

Martaugh’s frustration grows. He didn’t expect Aria to be so adamant.

Martaugh:“I can provide for him, Aria. We can work out a schedule—”

Aria:“No, Martaugh. You don’t get it. I don’t need your money. In fact, my company generates ten times the gross sales of yours. I can give him everything he needs.”

Martaugh is stunned. He had no idea about Aria’s success.

Martaugh: “This isn’t about money, Aria. It’s about being a father. He needs both of his parents.”

Aria:“You had your chance, Martaugh. I won’t let you hurt him like you hurt me.”

Martaugh: “This isn’t fair, Aria. You can’t just shut me out.”

Aria:“Watch me.”

Martaugh stands, his face set in determination.*

Martaugh: “I won’t give up, Aria. I’ll fight for my son if I have to.”

Aria:“Do what you have to, Martaugh. But know this—I’ll always put our son’s needs above your desires.”

Martaugh leaves, his mind racing with the next steps. Aria watches him go, steeling herself for the battle ahead. She’s determined to protect her son, no matter the cost.

**Outside Aria’s Office**

Martaugh gets into his car, his jaw clenched. He knows the road ahead will be tough, but he’s ready to fight for his son. He won’t let Aria’s success or determination deter him. He’s willing to go to court if necessary, believing that his son deserves to know his father.

**Back in Aria’s Office**

Aria sits back at her desk, taking a deep breath. She knows Martaugh won’t give up easily, but she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her son safe and happy. She’s built a successful life for them both, and she won’t let Martaugh’s aggression disrupt that.