“That you won’t be able to do it. That you’ll get sick. That you’ll die. That this girl will be left without a mother.”
Her words hurt me.
Not because they weren’t possible.
But because they were the most human words she had spoken since the lawsuit began.
I looked at the baby.
Little Emilia was sleeping peacefully.
Yes, I could die.
I could become sick.
I might not be there for her as long as I wanted.
But no parent has a guarantee.
Young parents die.
Healthy parents become sick.
Life is not a contract.
“I’m afraid too,” I said quietly. “Every day. But I didn’t want this child because I believe I’ll live forever. I wanted her because I realized I can still love. And because I have the ability to give her a home, care, and security.”
Todor stood.
His cane tapped against the floor.
“Your Honor, may I say something?”
The judge nodded.
Todor turned toward Silvia and Mikhail.
“I don’t expect you to understand everything today. And I don’t expect you to forgive me for appearing out of your mother’s past. But I want you to know this: I’m not here for Elena’s money. I have my own resources. I have a home. I have a family, small as it may be. I have prepared everything necessary so that Emilia will be protected if something happens to Elena or me.”
Mikhail laughed bitterly.
