Chapter 30 Chapter 30
"Which truth, Ms Vale?"
The judge's question echoed through the courtroom like a gong.
My head turned to the judge but I couldn't move my tongue.
My throat tightened as if invisible hands were squeezing the breath out of me.
The "truth."
If I spoke it aloud, I would have to step back into a past I barely survived. I would have to admit what loving him had cost me.
What it had taken from me.
The truth would open the wounds that I have buried deep inside my heart but have never truly healed.
I could feel Lucien's heated gaze on me.
To the world, he was a simple man wearing his daughter's strawberry clip close to his heart but I knew his truth...
I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to speak.
"My lord, I don't want to discuss my past which isn't related to the case" I breathed "We were just in a secret relationship. I wasn't legally bound to him."
The judge froze for a second but he quickly composed himself.
"It was my choice with whom I wanted to spend my life with"
I swallowed again and turned my head to Adrian, who was sitting among the people.
"So I chose Adrian"
From my peripheral view, I could see Lucien's body going stiff.
"And I never regret my decision"
Adrian smiled softly at me
"In fact it was the best decision of my life"
Lucien thought that he could intimidate us with his power.
"Adrian has been more of a father to Aurora in four years than Lucien could ever be in a lifetime," I said, firmly "He was there with me in all my ups and downs. He stood for Aurora whenever she needed. He didn't need a DNA test or a court order to love her. He just did, selflessly. He is the best father I could have asked for my child, and no one could ever match his sacrifice"
There was so much silence in the courtroom that my every word echoed in the hall, crystal clear.
“Both of us,” I finished, “have given her the love of two parents.”
The judge leaned back, his eyes moving between me, Adrian, and Lucien.
Then, Lucien’s lawyer stood up with a mocking smile on his face.
"A father?" the lawyer scoffed, "A father provides and protects. From what we have gathered, Mr. Adrian is currently unemployed. He has no steady income, no property, and no standing. How can a man who can barely provide for himself be the 'best father'?"
My eyes narrowed at him sharply.
"Mr. Vaughn, on the other hand, can provide a lifestyle that most people only dream of."
I felt a flare of protective rage, but before I could speak, Adrian stood up. "That's wrong!"
"If you have to say something, say it in the witness box" The judge said.
Adrian nodded and came up to my witness box. He stood beside me, looking taller than ever. He confidently looked at the judge before saying, "My lord, I am more than enough"
My gaze shifted to Lucien who was now burning holes into Adrian. It seemed like he just wanted kill him with his mere gaze but Adrian didn't look at him. Not even once.
"Mr. Vaughn's lawyer is correct about one thing," Adrian continued "Mr. Vaughn is , his gaze never wavering from Lucien’s. "I don't have a 'job' in the traditional sense but that doesn't mean I cannot provide Aurora"
He inhaled sharply
"Aurora is my daughter. I was the one who took her in my arms for the first time. I was the one who raised her with Cynthia. I know every single thing about her. She is my daughter in every sense and I am more than enough to provide her with a lifestyle that anything that Mr. Vaughn can offer."
Suddenly Lucien chuckled.
No!
He laughed!
As if Adrian had just made some joke.
I knew Adrian may not have job right now but we are enough to handle Aurora's expenses.
We don't need anyone.
"A beggar calling himself a king, doesn't become one" Lucien remarked "You are jobless and have no previous wealth. I know the kind of school you have admitted my daughter into. She has cheap supplies when she deserves the world"
My fingers tightned around the box and jaw clenched but Adrian looked very calm. I was surprised by his body language.
"Your Honor, I am asking for a forty-eight-hour recess," Adrian spoke clearly. "In those two days, I will prove that I have more than enough to ensure Aurora never has to worry about a single thing for the rest of her life." He breathed while announcing "I will provide the court with the full proof of my assets."
This time, my head snapped to Adrian in pure shock.
Assets?
What is he talking about?
As far as I know he doesn't have anything as such except a home which was nowhere near enough to counter Lucien Vaughn’s empire.
Lucien's lawyer stood and started shouting something but I couldn't hear anything. I was waiting for Adrian to look into my eyes but he didn't.
"The court is adjourned for forty-eight hours" judge's voice boomed in the air.
His words gave me a hope of keeping my daughter with me forever but at the same time I felt restless.
If Adrian had money why did he not help me earlier with the money for Aurora's surgery?