Like a gunshot, the gavel's slap resounded in Lorna's chest.
As the judge verified the formal filing of Michael Hudson v. Lucas and Lorna Madden, the courtroom was silent and tense. A custody dispute that would reveal all of the secrets.
A calm storm in a navy suit, Michael sat across from her, his eyes unreadable but fixed on her. Since entering, he hadn't taken his eyes off the screen.
Lorna felt her heart twist.
This was not intended to occur.
Her little boy was named Jason. Her whole world. He had now turned into a pawn in a conflict she had no desire to engage in.
"You need to stay focused," Lucas said harshly in her ear as he leaned closer. "We'll take care of this. He is unable to provide any proof."
However, Lorna was aware that was untrue.
The DNA was in Michael. He had the best attorneys available. And he had conviction, which was perhaps the most dangerous of all.
A stuffed animal Jason had given the name Leo when he was three years old was held by Lorna as she sat on the edge of their bed later that afternoon.
She said quietly, "I don't know how we got here."
Lucas crossed his arms and stood close to the window. "Lorna, you withheld it from him. That call was yours.
Her voice faltered. "At the time, I did what I believed to be right."
"But was it?" he said sharply before softening instantly. "I cherish you. I adore Jason. However, he will notice if there is even the slightest doubt about our foundation. He will make use of it."
Lorna shut her eyelids. Lucas was correct. Michael always managed to see right through her barriers and into her fears.
And inwardly, the guilt had become thick, tangled, and unavoidable like a weed.
In order to prevent her life from collapsing, she had buried the truth. In any case, it was unraveling now.
That evening, Lorna drove to a peaceful overlook that she hadn't been to in years, escaping the comforts of her home.
She was surprised to learn that she wasn't alone.
Michael moved out of the darkness. "I hoped you would come here."
Lorna didn't inquire how he found out.
Between them, there was a thick, personal silence.
"Why now?" she said in a voice that was hardly audible.
"Because I was broken five years ago." You were also afraid. Now, though? I've put up too much of a fight to be denied him.
Michael, he's more than just your son. I own him. In a sense, so is Lucas's.
Michael tightened his jaw. However, I am his father. I've missed everything, too. His initial steps. His initial remarks.
She muttered, "I was attempting to keep him safe."
"Were you?" Michael took a step forward. "Or were you defending yourself against falling in love with me again?"
Her eyes filled with tears. "It's not that easy."
"But, Lorna, it is." His voice broke. Tell me. Now. Are you still in love with me?
The question hung between them like a blade.
She didn't answer.
She couldn't.
Because to say yes would shatter the life she'd built, and to say no would be a lie.