Page 87 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

“We have few witnesses willing to testify,” Mr. Taylor added.

“Let’s bring in one,” the judge announced.

Mr. Taylor left the room and I was freaking out. Somehow the judge was onto us. He knew our marriage was fake. Alexander pulled me closer to him, his arm wrapping around me. The judge watched the move and I felt like he wasn’t fooled.

Mr. Taylor came back with James from Alexander’s castle. I stared in confusion. Why was he here? He wasn’t even at the wedding.

I watched in haze as he was sworn in and Mr. Taylor spoke up.

“James Dodds,” he started, “is Mr. Caldwell’s chief of staff and he manages his estate in France where Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell went for their honeymoon.”

“Very well,” the judge sounded unimpressed. “Mr. Dodds, we are working to attest to the actuality of Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell’s marriage.”

Mr. Dodds looked confused and I swore my heart sank. Things were going bad, very bad.

“We want to make sure they didn’t make an arrangement to get married just for the sake of obtaining custody and then plan on dissolving their marriage.”

“I don’t know about that,” Mr. Dodds spoke up. “If they have a fake marriage going on, they sure shag a lot. That wasn’t fake for sure. We found their clothes everywhere.”

I looked confused around the room.

“What does shag mean?” I asked, confused. There was certain British slang that threw me off to this day.

“We even ran into them starting their… hmmm… you know what during their picnic,” Mr. Dodds continued.

This time the judge coughed uncomfortably, and I finally understood perfectly what shag meant. I was embarrassed, heat coloring my cheeks. Alexander was perfectly calm, completely unbothered by the conversation.

I took my hand out of Alexander’s and uttered softly to Brandon who was glancing around confused.

“I”m sorry, honey,” I told him. “I have to say something that children shouldn’t hear.”

I covered his ears and hissed at the entire courtroom.

“Is this really necessary?” I was furious. “What does it matter if we,” I had a hard time spitting the word out so I added in a lower voice, “shag, as you say it, or not. I thought this was a court hearing about Brandon’s well-being and appointing me as his full-time, legal guardian.”

I lifted my hands from Brandon’s ears and smiled. “I”m so sorry, sweetie.”

I glared back at the judge who looked completely uncomfortable now. At least I wasn’t anxious anymore, anger was much better.

“You are right,” he agreed. “We received the concern that you were struggling and it would be an impossible task to ask of you to care for this child. Also, there was the question of the nonexistence of your British citizenship and financial status but due your marriage to Mr. Caldwell, I’m sure that would come along.”

I guess not being a British citizen and caring for a child that only had British citizenship put some potential bumps on the road but thankfully Alexander was ahead of that. I didn’t even want to think about my financial status… I really had none to speak of.

“Mr. Caldwell,” the judge continued on. “I understand your assets are extensive but I would like evidence for court’s records. Can you please provide a financial statement? We need to make sure Brandon will be in a financially stable situation under your care.”

“Absolutely,” Alexander’s voice was firm.

Thank God I married him, I thought to myself. If the judge would have asked to see my financial statement, it would have been game over. Because I had barely enough in my bank account to cover one month’s rent.

Alexander’s lawyer handed the evidence of financial stability, and the judge glanced at it for validation. “Let it be noted for the record Mr. Caldwell’s financial statement has been received. There has been an extensive trust fund established for both Mrs. Caldwell and her nephew.” I glanced at Alexander in surprise at the mention of the trust fund. It was first I heard of it. The judge met Alexander’s gaze and added, “I can see that you and your wife have Brandon’s well-being under control.”

My heart was thumping wildly and Brandon grabbed my hand, understanding the judges words as well.

“Brandon,” the judge turned to him. “Are you happy to be with Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell for forever?”

He nodded happily. “Yes, sir,” he replied happy. “I want to stay with Livy and Alexander.”

“Very well,” the judge agreed and I wanted to jump with joy. This was really happening.

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