Page 126 of The Fiancé Hoax

Being with Felicity made me feel like we still had a shot. She gave me hope.

I had avoided looking at Gen’s side of the courtroom, but I snuck a peek now. She sat next to her lawyer. She had done her best to look competent, wearing a tailored suit with her blonde hair curling down her shoulders. She stared straight ahead, paying me no mind.

Behind her, her two brothers glared at me. Gen's older brothers thought their sister could do no wrong. They had never liked me, and the feeling was mutual. Based on the mean-spirited way they treated Eva and Lily—including cruelly teasing Lily about her shyness—I had hoped to never see them again after the divorce.

But the biggest go-to-hell look thrown my way came from Gen’s mother, Jackie. She’d been a thorn in my side during my time with Gen. I’d always suspected Jackie was a toxic influence on Gen, encouraging her to be a social climber.

I wouldn’t have been surprised if Jackie had pushed Gen to go after full custody… and the ample financial support.

Looking away from Gen’s family, I scanned the rest of the courtroom. Ruth sat in the back, clearly uncomfortable and regretful. Marsh sat in the row behind us.

My eyes flicked back to Gen, and this time, she was looking at me. She wore a smug smile on her face. Obviously, she was confident she was going to win custody.

“Don't worry about her,” Felicity whispered to me. “We're going to win this.”

I smiled and nodded, focusing on Felicity’s hazel eyes. I only hoped she was right. But I couldn’t deny that the cards were stacked against me.

The door to the judge's chamber opened, and we all rose to our feet.

Judge Graves emerged in his black robe. He was heavy-set with thick gray hair, and he moved slowly to his seat.

He looked stern. Not the type of guy to be very forgiving of mistakes.

After he settled in the chair behind his stand, he opened a folder and shuffled some papers. He gestured for us to sit down.

In a booming voice, he read the case number, and my throat closed up.

This was it—the hour I’d been dreading and anticipating for months. I made myself focus.

“Geneviève Barra versus Cooper Pierce,” the judge announced in a monotone. “Motion filed by Ms. Barra. I have reviewed the history of this case.”

Nick stood up. “Your Honor, my client would like to make a statement.”

The judge nodded with a bored expression on his face. “Go ahead.”

Gen jumped to her feet. “Your Honor, I would like to speak first.”

Judge Graves ignored her. “Go ahead, Mr. Pierce.”

I stood up. “Your Honor, I made a mistake. Three months ago, I asked this young woman beside me, Felicity Hayes, to pose as my fiancée. I thought it would help my case if I appeared to be in a committed relationship instead of a single father. I was reluctant to do so, but I felt it was my only recourse to protect my children. I know it was wrong, and I apologize for the deception.”

Before I could continue, Judge Graves raised his hand to stop me. “Mr. Pierce, I do not appreciate parents who attempt to lie in court to win custody.” He leveled me with an angry glare.

Gen's attorney stood up. “Your Honor, we have further evidence of Mr. Pierce's deception.” Beside him, Gen was gloating.

“Your Honor,” I continued, “the arrangement with Ms. Hayes began as a way to assure custody, but it is no longer a deception. I have since fallen in love with Felicity, and our relationship is now genuine.”

“Oh, for God’s sake!” Gen exclaimed, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest.

The judge silenced her with a wave of his hand. “Ms. Barra, no more outbursts from you. You'll have your chance to speak.” He turned to Felicity. “Ms. Hayes, please stand up to address the court.”

Felicity stood up. I knew she was nervous, but she kept a calm exterior. She wore a white jacket and matching slacks, and she looked professional and beautiful.

“Ms. Hayes, can you confirm what Mr. Pierce is saying?”

Felicity nodded. “Yes, Your Honor. Cooper and I are now in a committed relationship. In fact, he proposed marriage to me. For real, this time.”

There was some scattered laughter in the courtroom. But Judge Graves was not amused.

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