His Ex-wife Betrayal

CHAPTER 7

The morning of the final hearing finally arrived. Damien had barely slept, running through every possible scenario until his mind blanked out.

Emma had spent the night at Mrs. Patterson's house. Damien couldn't risk her overhearing anything before the hearing. He'd picked out her favorite outfit and left it with a note: "See you tonight, princess. Love, Daddy."

Richard Jeff met Damien outside the courthouse at eight-thirty. He wore a charcoal suit that probably cost more than Damien's monthly salary.

"How are you feeling?" Richard asked.

"Terrified."

"Good." Richard adjusted his tie. "Remember, let me do the talking. If Judge Morrison asks you a direct question, answer honestly but briefly. Don't volunteer extra information."

They entered the courthouse together. Lisa was already there with her attorney Patricia and Judge Harrison. Derek stood slightly apart, looking uncomfortable in a suit that seemed too tight across the shoulders.

Damien noticed Derek's wife wasn't present. According to Richard's investigator, the reconciliation had failed after she discovered Derek was still seeing Lisa. Another lie about to blow up.

Lisa caught Damien's eye and smiled, but there was desperation underneath. She knew her support system was crumbling.

Judge Morrison's courtroom filled quickly. Besides the principals, Jennifer Reeves sat in the back with her report, and several law clerks occupied the front rows, studying the case for academic purposes.

"All rise."

Judge Morrison entered, her expression unreadable. She settled at the bench and surveyed the room.

"We're here for a final custody determination in Webb versus Webb. I've reviewed all submitted materials including the home study reports. Let's proceed. Ms. Valdez, you may begin."

Patricia stood, confidence radiating from her posture. "Your Honor, my client has been Emma Webb's primary caregiver since birth. While Mr. Webb has provided financially, Mrs. Webb has been the constant presence in Emma's daily life. She knows her teachers' names, her friends' parents, her dietary preferences, and schedule."

Richard stood. "Objection. Mrs. Webb knows these things because she hasn't worked outside the home while Mr. Webb supported the family financially. That's a division of labor, not evidence of superior parenting."

"Sustained. Ms. Valdez, focus on relevant distinctions."

Patricia pivoted smoothly. "Mrs. Webb provides stability that Mr. Webb cannot match. She has family support through her father, retired Judge Harrison. Mr. Webb works excessive hours and relies on paid childcare."

"Mrs. Webb also engaged in an extramarital affair that resulted in hospitalization and exposed Emma to her paramour," Richard countered. "That hardly demonstrates good judgment."

"Personal mistakes don't negate parenting ability," Patricia shot back. "Judge Morrison, surely you don't believe one error should cost a mother her child?"

"I believe patterns of behavior matter, Ms. Valdez. Continue."

The next hour felt like being pulled apart piece by piece. Patricia painted Lisa as a devoted mother unfairly punished for human weakness. Richard portrayed her as reckless and selfish, prioritizing her affair over her daughter's stability.

Jennifer Reeves was called to testify about her home study findings.

"Both environments are suitable," she said carefully. "Mr. Webb's home is modest but clean, organized, and child-friendly. Emma has her own room, age-appropriate toys, and books. Ms. Webb's apartment is larger and more luxurious, though I noted that Mr. Campbell's belongings were visible despite claims he doesn't live there."

"Did you ask about Mr. Campbell's presence?" Richard questioned.

"I did. Mrs. Webb stated he's a frequent guest but maintains his own residence. However, Emma mentioned 'Uncle Derek' has his own toothbrush in the bathroom and keeps clothes in the closet."

Damien saw Lisa's face tighten. Another lie exposed.

"And Emma's preferences?" Judge Morrison asked.

Jennifer hesitated. "Emma expressed love for both parents. When pressed, she said she wants to live with her father but doesn't want her mother to be sad. It's clear she feels responsible for their happiness, which is concerning."

"Why concerning?"

"Children shouldn't bear that burden. Emma's showing signs of anxiety. She's started biting her nails, and her teachers report decreased concentration in school. The conflict is affecting her emotionally."

Judge Morrison made notes. "Anything else?"

"Yes, Your Honor. I observed interactions between each parent and Emma. Mr. Webb was natural, affectionate, and engaged. He knew details about her current interests and friends. Mrs. Webb seemed more performative, asking questions about things she should already know. At one point, she couldn't remember Emma's current reading level."

Lisa whispered urgently to Patricia, who stood. "Mrs. Webb has been under tremendous stress during this separation. A momentary lapse doesn't indicate she's forgotten her daughter's education."

"It indicates she's not as involved as claimed," Richard responded. "The home study clearly shows Mr. Webb is the more consistent, engaged parent."

Judge Morrison held up her hand. "I'd like to hear from Mr. Webb directly. Please approach."

Damien's legs felt unsteady as he walked to the witness stand. He was sworn in, hand shaking on the Bible.

"Mr. Webb, why should I award you primary custody?"

Damien looked at Judge Morrison, then at Emma's empty seat in the gallery. "Because I know my daughter, Your Honor. I know she hums when she's doing homework and bites her lip when she's concentrating. I know she's afraid of thunderstorms but won't admit it, so I stay near her room on stormy nights. I know she wants to be a veterinarian because she thinks every animal deserves love, even the scary ones." His voice caught. "I know her not because I've been performing parenthood, but because I've been living it every single day. And I'll keep living it, whether or not I have custody, because she's not a prize to win. She's my daughter and I love her."

The courtroom was silent. Even Patricia looked momentarily affected.

"Thank you, Mr. Webb." Judge Morrison's expression softened slightly. "Mrs. Webb, please approach."

Lisa took the stand, composed and elegant. Damien had to admire her control.

"Mrs. Webb, tell me about your relationship with Mr. Campbell."

"Derek and I... we developed feelings over time. I'm not proud of how it happened, but I can't change the past. What I can promise is that Emma will have a stable, loving home with both of us."

"Both of you?" Judge Morrison's eyebrow rose. "Are you planning to marry Mr. Campbell?"

Lisa faltered. "We've discussed it."

"Has Mr. Campbell discussed it with his wife? Because according to court records, they're still legally married."

"They're separated."

"As of three days ago, according to the filing. Very recent." Judge Morrison looked at her notes. "Mrs. Webb, you brought Mr. Campbell around your daughter while conducting an affair with him. You lied about his presence in your home during the custody evaluation. You've made multiple questionable decisions. Why should I trust your judgment regarding Emma's welfare?"

Lisa's composure cracked. "Because I'm her mother! That has to mean something!"

"It means you have a responsibility. The question is whether you're fulfilling it." Judge Morrison closed her folder. "I'm ready to make my determination."

Damien's heart pounded so hard he thought everyone could hear it.

"Based on the evidence presented, the home studies, and testimony, I'm awarding primary physical custody to….”

The whole courtroom fell silent.