Chapter 14 - Legal Papers Arrive Too Soon
A hospital courier walked into the NICU waiting area holding a thick manila envelope addressed directly to Maren Mercer. He handed it to her along with a digital signature pad, waiting patiently while she confirmed receipt of the emergency court summons.
Maren tore open the envelope, pulling out temporary custody orders, financial injunctions, and property division notices filed by Dean’s attorney. Dean wasn't just divorcing her; he was petitioning the court for sole custody of Jonah to protect him from the fallout.
“He’s trying to take Jonah away from me too,” Maren gasped, clutching the papers as panic gripped her chest. Just then, Jonah walked back into the waiting area after checking on Theo through the glass doors.
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“What is that?” Jonah asked, noticing the panic in his mother’s posture and voice. “Your father filed emergency papers... he wants sole custody of you, Jonah,” Maren explained, holding out the legal documents for him to read.
Jonah took the papers, scanned the first page, and tore the top corner of the document in sheer adolescent anger. “I’m fifteen years old, I get to choose who I live with,” Jonah snapped. “And I am not leaving you or Theo.”
