Chapter 46

RAINA

First day of the court hearing. My stomach churned with nervous energy, the kind that clings to your bones and refuses to let go. Nathan had assured me everything would be fine, but I couldn’t shake the nagging doubt clawing at my thoughts. This wasn’t just about paperwork or legalities—this was my life, my freedom, and my son’s future on the line.

Dominic squeezed my hand as we rode from the hotel to the courthouse. We’d left New York for California, the state chosen for the trial. His support was a quiet strength beside me, though my mind drifted to Nathan. He’d spent weeks pouring over my case, flipping between his place and mine, sometimes crashing on my couch just to keep working. But now, on the most critical day, he wasn’t here yet.

Family emergency, he’d explained. He promised to meet us at court, but worry prickled at me. Was he okay?

The courthouse loomed ahead, its imposing structure adding weight to my already heavy heart. As we stepped out,