Chapter 5 I Don’t Want Custody of the Child
Diana’s anger flared upon hearing the news. “Upset? What right does she have to be upset with my son? She’s been living off us all these years. What right does a kept woman have to be upset?”
Michelle, feigning concern, said, “Diana, I’m just worried that if I go pick up Marcus, Abigail might find out and get even more unhappy.”
Diana’s anger intensified. “You go ahead and pick up Marcus. The child likes you. If she dares to get upset and cause trouble, I’ll deal with her myself!”
“Alright then,” Michelle replied.
After hanging up, Michelle couldn’t suppress her triumphant smile as she drove to the kindergarten. When she arrived, Marcus was sitting in the school nurse’s office, his face pale with pain.
Seeing Michelle, Marcus leaped off the bed and ran to hug her tightly.
“Michelle, you’re finally here. It hurt.”
Michelle, maintaining her act of concern, cradled Marcus in her arms. “It’s okay now, Marcus. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Chapter 5 I Don’t Want Custody of the Child
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After a quick treatment at the hospital, Marcus’s wound healed, and his face regained its color. Michelle led him out once the doctors cleared him.
“Michelle, can I call you directly next time?” Marcus asked.
Michelle knelt to his level. “Marcus, that would upset your
mom.”
His face twisted at the mention of Abigail. “Who cares if she’s upset? She doesn’t deserve to be my mom. When I called her today, she said she wasn’t my mom anymore and told me to stop calling her.”
A fleeting smile appeared on Michelle’s lips. “Marcus, did your mom really say that?”
Marcus nodded. “Yes, I didn’t want her as my mom anyway. After what she said today, I’m done with her. Michelle, what do I have to do for you to be my mom?”
Michelle ran her fingers through Marcus’s hair. “Sweet Marcus, I’d love to be your mom, but I can only marry your dad and become your mom if your parents divorce.”
“When will that happen?” Marcus asked anxiously.
“Is that what you really want?” Michelle asked.
Marcus nodded without hesitation.
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Chapter 5 I Don’t Want Custody of the Child Michelle let out a soft laugh. “I’ll show you how, but promise not to tell your dad I taught you, okay?”
Marcus could barely contain his excitement.
Michelle looked around. “Let’s go somewhere else. I’ll take you for ice cream and then teach you. It’s our secret, okay?”
Abigail, concerned about his health, never allowed Marcus too many cold treats. Hearing about ice cream, Marcus couldn’t contain his joyful smile.
Abigail arrived thirty minutes early for her appointment, not wanting to keep anyone waiting.
To her surprise, someone was already there.
A man in light casual sportswear lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, leafing through a fashion magazine.
As she drew closer, she took in his appearance – refined features, neat hair, sharp brows, and bright eyes. A slight scar on his forehead gave him a handsome, rakish look.
This was Felix, though he hardly fit her image of a typical lawyer.
Felix lowered his magazine and waved as she approached.
“Mr. Rowe, hello. I’m Abigail,” she said, extending her hand.
He studied her hand with an amused smile but didn’t take it, his
Chapter 5 I Don’t Want Custody of the Child eyes lingering on her face. “Abigail, I know you.”
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She withdrew her hand awkwardly and sat down. “Amy must have told you about me.”
“Not from Amy,” he smirked.
“Then how?”
“Have you heard about the two legends from our law school?” he asked.
Abigail shook her head. “I’m all ears.”
Felix took a sip of his coffee. “The first one, Professor Swift’s star pupil – got offered a court position before even graduating. Then shocked everyone by turning it down to start his own practice. Never lost a case since. Quite a legend, isn’t it?”
Abigail recalled the rumors about Felix back in school, describing him as a cold and aloof senior. Seeing him today, his smugness reminded her of Amy. They truly were cousins: that confidence ran through the family.
“Are you talking about yourself, senior?” she asked.
Felix nodded with a hint of pride. “The second one, Professor Swift’s other prized student after me. She had a shot at a combined master’s and PhD. Gave it all up for a man. Became a housewife instead.”
Abigail’s coffee cup quivered in her hands.
Chapter 5 I Don’t Want Custody of the Child She was that student.
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She could still see Professor Swift’s face, etched with disappointment, warning her not to throw everything away for
love.
“It’s worth it,” she had declared then, so sure of herself.
Now those words tasted bitter in her mouth.
Felix slid a dessert across the table, noting her unease. “Look, I’m just saying it’s not too late to change course. The real mistake is staying on a path that leads nowhere.”
Abigail put down her cup, took a deep breath, and said nothing.
“Amy told me your situation. I’ll be direct – getting custody will be extremely difficult,” Felix said.
“You misunderstand,” Abigail replied calmly. “I’m not seeking custody.”
“Then why file for divorce?” Felix asked, surprised.
“I know the Robinsons. They won’t give me anything in a peaceful split. I’m filing to get what I deserve. Every cent of it.”
Felix’s eyes lit up with interest, a smile playing at his lips as he stroked his chin. Finally, he offered his hand. “To my next successful case, then.”
Chapter 5 I Don’t Want Custody of the Child Abigail shook it, and after ordering, they began discussing
strategy.
It was at this moment that Diana entered the restaurant.
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Tired from shopping, she intended to grab a bite, but as soon as she walked in, she saw Abigail dining with a man, chatting and laughing.
Michelle’s words from the morning still echoed in her mind, and Diana’s anger flared up instantly.
She stormed over and slammed her hand on the table.
“Abigail! You little tramp, how dare you sneak around with another man behind my son’s back!”
