Chapter 6 - The CourtroomThe custody hearing became national news.
Gerald had forged documents.
Daphne had signed others under pressure.
Brandon was the biological father.
And Lily had lived with Evelyn for four years.
The judge ordered temporary protective custody.
Daphne was devastated.
But Brandon remained calm.
“We're going to do this properly.”
Daphne nodded.
For once, she wasn't fighting for attention.
She was fighting for her daughter.
I testified.
So did my mother.
My father.
Evelyn.
And eventually, Daphne.
The judge asked her:
“Why did you conceal your pregnancy?”
Daphne cried.
“Because I was nineteen and terrified.”
“And why did you allow your mother to arrange the guardianship?”
“Because I thought she was protecting me.”
“Did you love your daughter?”
Daphne looked toward Lily.
“With everything I have.”
The judge studied her.
Then asked:
“Why did you announce a pregnancy at your sister's wedding?”
Daphne lowered her head.
“I wanted everyone to stop looking at me like I was a failure.”
The courtroom became silent.
“I was jealous of Charlotte my entire life.”
She looked at me.
“I thought if I wasn't the center of attention, nobody would love me.”
I swallowed.
She continued.
“But when I found out Lily was alive, I realized I had wasted years trying to compete with my sister.”
I cried.
Because it was the first honest thing Daphne had ever said to me.
The judge eventually ruled.
Lily would remain with Evelyn temporarily while a reunification plan was created.
Brandon received legal recognition as her father.
Daphne received supervised visitation.
It wasn't perfect.
But it was a beginning.
After the hearing, Daphne hugged me.
“I'm sorry.”
I held her.
“I know.”
“I ruined your wedding.”
“Yes.”
She laughed through her tears.
“I really did.”
“You did.”
We both laughed.
For the first time, we were laughing together.
Not competing.
May you like
Not pretending.
Just sisters.
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