My heart shattered as I realized Nolan was involved in this betrayal. I took photos of every document with my phone before returning everything to the envelope. When they returned from the store, I slammed the envelope on the dining table and demanded answers.
“What is this?” I asked, my voice shaking.
Nolan’s face went pale. “Where did you find that?” he stammered.
Ruth, unfazed, stepped in. “Now, Emma, let me explain. This is all for Ethan’s well-being.”
“His well-being?” I snapped. “You mean your control. You’ve been plotting to take my son away from me!”
Nolan sighed, as if I were being unreasonable. “Emma, I don’t think we thought this through when we had Ethan. Mom can give him a better environment. We can focus on ourselves.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “You want to take my baby because you don’t get enough attention? Are you serious?” Ruth scolded me for raising my voice, saying, “See? You’re too emotional to be a mother.”
I couldn’t stay another second. I grabbed Ethan, his diaper bag, and my purse, and stormed out. Ruth tried to block me, threatening to call the police. “Go ahead,” I told her. “I have proof of your manipulative plans. Let’s see what the police think.” I left and drove to my friend Angelina’s house, where I finally felt safe.
That night, I called a lawyer and sent her the photos of Ruth’s documents. The following weeks were a whirlwind of legal battles. Ruth tried to argue she was just a concerned grandmother, but the evidence painted a different story. Nolan confessed to everything in court, further damaging their case. The judge not only denied Ruth’s custody claim but also issued a restraining order against her. Nolan received only supervised visitation rights, which he didn’t even bother to fight. A week later, I filed for divorce.
Ethan and I returned home, and I began anew. I repainted the walls, rearranged the furniture, and reclaimed our space. Life as a single mom isn’t easy, but it’s peaceful without Ruth’s interference and Nolan’s selfishness. On the long days, I look at Ethan’s sweet smile, and it gives me all the motivation I need. We’re finally free, and our little family is stronger than ever.