Page 127 of The Fiancé Hoax

“I’ve been living with the Pierce family for three months,” Felicity continued. “I’ve gotten close to his daughters, Eva and Lily, and I love them. The four of us have become a family.”

The judge looked between Felicity and me, unmoved by her words.

“How convenient,” he said sarcastically. “Mr. Pierce, how can you expect me to believe you or your alleged fiancée when you've already admitted to deceiving the court?”

My heart sank. I was going to lose the case.

“Your honor, Cooper and I are going to have a baby together,” Felicity said.

Beside me, Nick looked up sharply. We hadn’t practiced this.

Felicity opened the folder in front of her and held up an ultrasound image. “We're planning to get married soon, before the baby arrives. I assure you, our relationship is real. And Eva and Lily will have a home full of love if they stay with us.”

Judge Graves' eyes lingered on the ultrasound image, then flicked between me and Felicity once more before he turned to Gen's attorney.

The next several minutes passed in a blur. Gen and her attorney made their statements. Ruth was summoned to speak, and she repeated what she had heard Marsh ranting about. Her testimony made us look bad, and I listened to all the arguments with my pulse hammering in my head.

After everyone had gotten a chance to speak, the judge looked over the paperwork on his desk.

Nick had gathered statements from several of my business associates, friends and employees, including Marsh. Everyone had sworn that I was a good father to Eva and Lily.

The judge looked at us. I braced myself for the worst.

“In light of the news of Mr. Pierce's and Ms. Hayes’ statements, I've decided to issue a continuance. The children will stay in their current arrangement for the time being. We’ll postpone the hearing to see if you indeed get married, Mr. Pierce. But I'm warning you,” he said to Felicity and me, “do not enter into your vows lightly. And do not take further action to influence me. You are dismissed.”

With that, he collected his paperwork and stood to move slowly toward his chambers.

Felicity and I blinked at each other, both of us in shock.

We had been expecting a decision today. As painful as it was, I assumed Judge Graves would grant custody to Gen. And now he would decide later?

Nick slapped me on the back. “This is good news, Cooper,” he said under his breath.

“This is bullshit!” Gen exclaimed, causing the entire courtroom to go silent as everyone looked at her.

She charged over toward Felicity, pointing a finger at her. “You little floozy! You think because you spread your legs for him you have a right to raise my kids?”

I took a step forward, ready to intervene if Gen got any closer. “Back off, Gen.”

Gen's attorney was behind her, trying desperately to shut her up. “Gen, don't say another word,” he warned.

But Gen ignored him and directed her fury to me.

“And you! You got her pregnant to spite me! You just want to keep me from my money!”

“Gen, stop,” her lawyer said, nervously looking toward the judge’s chambers.

“That's enough,” Judge Graves bellowed.

Everyone froze, and all eyes turned toward him. I had been so dumbfounded that I didn’t notice he was standing in the door to his chambers. Gen apparently hadn't noticed him standing there, either.

He had heard everything.

He ambled back to his seat and motioned for everyone to return to theirs. Gen's face fell as she slunk back to the table beside her attorney.

“This court is back in session,” Judge Graves announced, his eyes fiery. “There will be no continuance on this case. I'm ready to make my judgment now.”

Felicity glanced at me nervously. I swallowed.

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