Page 18 of Shiver

“What kind of change?” I ask through gritted teeth.

“She no longer wishes to sign over her parental rights. She wants full custody.” And with that, he hangs up.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” I try not to scream.

I can’t help but feel somewhat responsible for this.

Iknowthat I’m notactuallythe cause, but somehow, I feel guilty for even putting this kind of bad energy into the universe for my client.

My hands shake as I dial his number. On the second ring, he answers.

“Samara?” he asks, and I can hear Gia crying in the background.

“Shh, shh, it’s okay, Gia,mia bambina.Daddy’s got you,” he coos to the little girl, and her cries quiet almost instantly.

My chest tightens with the blow I’m about to deliver.

“Luca, I’m very sorry to call at this late hour, but there’s been a change to tomorrow’s agenda.” I do my best to keep my voice from wavering as a crushing feeling settles over my chest.

“Oh, okay. Well, that shouldn’t be a big deal. Let me know what time it’s been moved to, and I’ll arrange for someone to watch Gia,” he tells me, clearly having no idea what I’m really getting at.

“It’s not that kind of change, unfortunately. Cecily St. James has decided that she wants full custody now,” I explain.

“Why?” His voice comes out so soft, like a defeated little puff of smoke, and a fissure slices through my heart.

“I’m not sure, Luca, but we’ll get it figured out tomorrow. For now, try to get some sleep, and we’ll talk in the morning.” I try to sound as comforting as I can manage. After the way our conversation with Cecily and Hank had gone, there was no indication she’d change her mind so abruptly.

He doesn’t respond at first, but when he does, it nearly breaks my heart in two. “Thank you, Samara, for”—he clears his throat—“for letting me know. See you tomorrow.”

My job isn’t always full of wins, but it’s moments like these that remind me just how difficult certain parts can be.

This is going to be harder than I thought.

1. "Wifty" is a term used in Philadelphia to describe something as not being concrete or solid.

Chapter fifteen

Luca

Monday, July 13, 2026

I’m exhausted, and this time, it isn’t because of Gia’s late-night cries. Ever since I moved her bassinet to be at my bedside, she sleeps pretty soundly once I can get her to sleep.

No, this bone-deep exhaustion is from worry.

I was up the whole night pondering every decision I’ve ever made, wondering what I could’ve done differently and if any of it would have changed anything.

I wish I had heeded my family’s warnings more and avoided being seen out with so many women. And if Cici’s attorney decides to use this against me, it’ll be up to the judge as to whether or not she thinks I’m fit to be a father. Unfortunately, I’m afraid I already know the answer to that.

All I’m guilty of is consensual, be it frequent sex, and still, something so simple could cost me mydaughter.

If it does, I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself.

Samara asked me to keep quiet unless she says otherwise, so I’m doing exactly that.

I’ve had more than enough experience with my mouth getting me into trouble, and I’m not willing to risk Gia for my chance to put my two cents in.

But that becomes increasingly more difficult as I sit here, shifting uncomfortably in my seat as Cecily’s lawyer outlines all of my shortcomings for the judge to hear.As if I’m not already fully aware of every mistake I’ve ever made leading up to this point.I’m sure this will be great for my nightly inner monologue, hell bent on humbling me. If it comes down to it, we’ll have to pick a jury, and then I’ll have thelovelyexperience of doing this all over again.

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