Chapter 36
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"Dr. Carter," he said, his tone condescending, "isn't it possible that your allegations against Mr. Carter are motivated by the bitterness of your divorce from his son?"
I met his gaze calmly. "My divorce was finalized the day before my car accident—an accident investigation has shown was caused by tampered brakes. The hemorrhage occurred the following day. The evidence of deliberate medical malpractice is documented in my surgical records. These are facts, not emotions."
"And yet here you are, reconciled with Mr. Carter's son, living together again, applying for guardianship of a child together. Quite a convenient reconciliation, wouldn't you say?"
I felt a flash of anger at the implication, but kept my composure. "There was nothing convenient about nearly dying twice in two days, counselor. Nothing convenient about learning I can never have children because someone deliberately botched a medical procedure. Nathan and I found our way back to each other despite your client's efforts, not because of them."
By the time I was excused from the stand, I was emotionally exhausted but oddly at peace. I had spoken my truth. The rest was up to the jury.
Nathan was waiting for me as I returned to my seat. "You were incredible," he whispered, taking my hand.
The remainder of the day passed in a blur of testimony—medical experts confirming my assessment of the D&C procedure, financial analysts tracing payments from Victor's accounts to Dr. Reynolds and others, Rebecca describing Victor's manipulation and threats.
When court adjourned for the day, Nathan and I slipped out a side entrance to avoid the press. The drive back to the lake house was quiet, both of us processing the day's events.
"How are you feeling?" Nathan asked as we turned onto the private road leading to the house.
"Drained," I admitted. "But... lighter somehow. Like I've finally set down a weight I've been carrying."
He nodded in understanding. "Whatever happens with the verdict, you've done everything you could. We both have."
As we pulled up to the house, I noticed a familiar car parked in the driveway. "Is that Marcus?" I asked, surprised.
Nathan looked equally puzzled. "He wasn't supposed to check in until tomorrow."
We found Marcus waiting on the deck, his expression uncharacteristically animated. "Sorry to show up unannounced," he said as we approached. "But I thought you'd want this news in person."
"What news?" Nathan asked.
Marcus smiled—a rare sight from the usually stoic security chief. "The judge approved your temporary guardianship petition. Effective immediately."
For a moment, I couldn't process his words. Then their meaning hit me, and I gasped, turning to Nathan. His expression mirrored my own shock and joy.
"We can bring Lily home?" I asked, hardly daring to believe it.
Marcus nodded. "As soon as tomorrow, if you're ready."
Tears filled my eyes as Nathan pulled me into his arms. After everything we'd been through—the loss, the pain, the fight for justice—this moment of pure happiness felt almost surreal.
"We're going to be a family," Nathan whispered against my hair, his voice thick with emotion.
"We already are," I replied, holding him tightly.
After Marcus left, promising to help with the arrangements for Lily's arrival, Nathan and I stood on the deck watching the sunset over the lake. The autumn air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and woodsmoke.
