Alina’s POV
For the first time, he wasn’t trying to control the narrative.
He was trying to protect his son.
The judge’s words echoed in my head: Temporary joint custody. Full investigation.
Not victory. Not safety.
Just… time.
Time to breathe.
Time to prepare.
Time to survive.
We were escorted through a side exit to avoid the worst of the press, but even there, whispers followed us like ghosts.
“Do you think she’s lying?”
“She looks calm.”
“Poor child…”
I kept my head up. Not because I was brave but because I was tired of bowing.
Inside the car, Leo curled into my side. His small fingers clutched my sleeve, grounding me.
“Mama,” he whispered, “are we going home?”
I kissed his hair. “We’re going somewhere safe.”
Sebastian met my eyes in the rearview mirror. Something passe
