Page 61 of A Toxic Redemption

"So Ms. Bell here is asking for physical sole custody of Khalil Merciano Simmons, Jr. Is that correct?"

"Yes, Your Honor," she spoke from her seat. "I would like to have full custody of my son with supervised visits when it comes to his father. I am also seeking child support payments in the amount of twenty thousand dollars a month."

"I see." The judge nodded as he looked over a few documents in his hand. "What do you have to say about that, Mr. Simmons?"

"Well," Grayson eyed me intently and let me know it was okay to answer but reminded me to tread lightly. "I feel like twenty thousand dollars is a bit much, but I will pay what you feel is necessary. Also, I have an issue with her having sole and physical custody of my son. I won't tell you how I feel about the visitation arrangement she spoke of. If I do, you're going to kick me out of here."

"Tell me what you want, Mr. Simmons," the judge requested.

"I want to be a father to my son," I honestly answered. "I want rights just like any other active parent. I want to be able to love and provide for my son without restraints and stipulations."

"I see." The judge nodded and gave his attention back to Mia and her attorney. "State your case."

"Your Honor, Mr. Simmons just recently learned that he has a son because the mother felt that if he knew about her being in a relationship with his brother, her life would be in danger. He's been in the streets for years, and he was even shot recently. He has the money to pay the amount she is requesting despite wanting to refuse."

Hearing the things Mia's lawyer was saying was making me want to go over there and knock fire from both of their asses. I know Grayson told me it was possible for her to come here today and do some shady ass shit, but I didn't think she would take it this far. Mentioning me being shot further let me know she knew what Kaine had been up to.

"Do you have medical records or anything to state this claim?" Grayson asked as he looked from Mia to the judge. "To be making that type of accusation as long as the one about Mr. Simmons being in the streets is pretty serious."

"I mean, n-no, I don't have proof," Mia nervously stuttered, "but look at him." She gestured in my direction. "He lives in a high-rise downtown. He came waltzing in here, dripped in jewels and designer. Where do you think the money is coming from to afford all of that?"

"I see," the judge spoke and looked over to me and Grayson. "What do you have to say about that?"

"Your Honor, the documents here show that my client has been part owner of Monarch Projects and Development since the age of twenty-one. He has real estate in his name, as well as various stocks and bonds. Mr. Simmons' net worth is in the upper millions, Your Honor. These accusations against him are malicious and invalid. What isn't invalid?" He approached the bench and handed the judge a folder before retaking his place beside me. "Ms. Bell doesn't have a physical address. She's been living in a hotel for the past few weeks that has been known for drugs and prostitution. Now, if we're deeming anyone unfit here today, it is not my client."

I sat there shocked as I listened to Grayson give the run down on Mia and her living arrangement. After blowing up their spot, Ceaser's people always followed her to the nicest hotels in the city. They staked out the place all day and night, making surethey followed her every move. My father even paid people off on the inside to keep tabs on her.

"Because he blew up my home!" Mia exclaimed as she jumped up from her seat. "I know he did. I hate you, Khalil! I hate you!"

"Order! Order!" the judge continuously yelled as he banged his gavel. "Bailiff, remove Ms. Bell from my courtroom and lock her up!"

We all watched in shock as Mia kicked and screamed as she was dragged from the courtroom. On the inside, I was happy as a muhfucka because I knew this shit was going to work out in my favor.

"Your Honor," her attorney began, "please excuse my client. She is under a great of stress and—"

"And that's more than enough reason for that little boy to be with his father. Mr. Simmons is as legit as they come, and I am disappointed that you all tried to take his rights away from him today." The judge shook his head in disappointment before bringing his eyes back to me. "All of your documents and his birth certificate state you're the biological father and have more than enough income and resources to take care of your son. I'm going to grant you full physical and sole custody until Ms. Bell gets her act together. She has sixty days. This court is adjourned."

At the sound of him banging his gavel, I couldn't help the wide smile that spread across my face. Mia thought she was going to come in here and do a nigga dirty today, and thankfully she messed her own self up.Dumb ass.

"Congratulations, baby." Luck smiled and kissed me when we headed back into the hallway. "I'm proud of you for keeping your composure in there."

"Yeah, son, I'm proud of you," my father came and patted me on the back. "You went in there and handled business today."

After Grayson informed me the proper documents were being filed and I was free to get my son, we all decided to head back to my mother's and celebrate. She wanted to cook, and who was I to turn down her home-cooked meals?

"Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" I stopped my father before he could get into his car. He'd just helped my mother inside, and I did the same for Luck. I felt her looking at us through the tinted windows of his Bentley, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, thanks to you." I nodded as I stuffed my hands in the pocket of my slacks. "I appreciate you coming through for me the way you have. You didn't have to help me with any of this shit, but you did."

"You're my son, Khalil." He placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled. "As long as I have breath in my body, I am going to look after you and your mother." He looked over his shoulder before bringing his attention back to me. "I love her. I never stopped, and if she lets me, I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

I wanted to feel a way about Ceaser wanting to marry my mother after all the things that have happened over the years, but who am I to tell them who not to love? I know mama still loves him because if she didn't, he wouldn't be around as much as he's been.

"Just don’t hurt her." I nodded toward his ride. "I need to holla at you about your sister. She's been helping Kaine."

"Are you sure?" He sighed. "I suspected that, but I hoped I was wrong."

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