Page 31 of The Edge Of Us

He turns to leave, and for a moment, I almost let him walk away without another word.

But then I say it.

“I hate you, Allen.”

He stops.

“I hate you for what you did. I hate you for who you’ve become. And I hate that I still wake up thinking you might come through that door and tell me it was all a dream.”

His shoulders stiffen. He doesn’t look back.

Good.

Because I’m done.

I collapse onto the bed as he leaves, my mother climbing in beside me, wrapping her arms around my trembling body like she used to when I was a little girl.

“I’m broken,” I whisper.

“No,” she says, pressing her cheek to my hair. “You’re grieving. But you’re still here. And we’re not letting go.”

Chapter 20

Corine

The day had finally come. The private court hearing was set, and as I walked into the room, the air felt suffocating. The long wooden table in the center of the room separated us—Allen Woods and I—two people who had once shared dreams, a home, and a family, now nothing more than adversaries fighting for what was left.

I settled into my chair, smoothing down my black dress with trembling hands. My lawyer, Mr. Reynolds, placed a reassuring hand on my arm. Across from me, Allen sat stiffly in his tailored suit, his lawyer, Ms. Davenport, seated beside him. He didn’t look at me, but I felt his presence like a weight pressing on my chest.

The judge, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes, cleared his throat. “We are here today to discuss the custody arrangement of the Woods children and to address Mrs. Woods’ claim of emotional distress.”

Ms. Davenport stood, smoothing out the papers in front of her. “Your Honor, my client, Mr. Woods, is requesting full custody of the children. It is our belief that Mrs. Woods is currently unfit to care for them due to her declining mental health.” She turned toward me, her expression impassive. “She has exhibited signs of extreme distress, has been unable to leave her home, and has required medical attention. Given these factors, it is in the bestinterest of the children to remain in the care of their father, who is more stable.”

I clenched my fists under the table, my nails digging into my palms.

Mr. Reynolds stood immediately. “Your Honor, this is a blatant attempt to manipulate the court. My client is struggling because of Mr. Woods’ infidelity. A betrayal of this magnitude would affect any woman, especially one who has spent years raising their children while he built his empire. She is seeking help, but she has never endangered the children, nor has she been negligent.”

Allen’s jaw tightened, but he remained silent.

Ms. Davenport smirked slightly. “That’s all very touching, but emotions don’t change the fact that she has had multiple breakdowns and—”

“She is human,” Mr. Reynolds interrupted. “You want to use her pain as an excuse to rip her children away from her? That won’t stand in court.”

The judge raised a hand, signaling for silence. He turned his gaze toward me. “Mrs. Woods, would you like to say anything?”

My throat burned, but I lifted my chin. “Your Honor, I love my children more than anything in this world. The last few weeks have been unbearable, but never—not once—have I neglected them. I have been present in their lives from the moment they were born, while Allen has spent more time in boardrooms than at home.” My voice shook, but I forced myself to continue. “I am healing, but I will not let my husband’s betrayal be used against me as a weapon.”

Allen finally spoke, his voice low but firm. “Corinne, I only want what’s best for them.”

I scoffed, shaking my head. “No, Allen. You want to take them from me to ease your guilt.”

Silence filled the room.

The judge exhaled, rubbing his temple. “I have reviewed both petitions. The children are young and need their mother, but I acknowledge the concerns regarding Mrs. Woods’ well-being. Therefore, I rule in favor of joint custody. A detailed schedule will be drawn up, but the children will primarily reside with their mother.”

Allen tensed, his fingers curling into fists, but he said nothing. I let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through me.

The court was adjourned, but the battle wasn’t over.

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