TW SH
The courtroom was cold, both in temperature and in atmosphere. The beige walls felt suffocating, the fluorescent lights above harsh and unflattering. I sat in a stiff chair, my hands clasped tightly in my lap, trying not to shake as the tension wrapped around my chest like a vice.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4bzo9ZuDS
Evie and Axel sat across the room, looking bored more than anything. Axel leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, while Evie scrolled through her phone like this was nothing more than a waiting room.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QNzJiBjvy
Meanwhile, Sam and Colby sat beside me, their presence grounding me. Sam gave me a reassuring smile when he noticed my leg bouncing nervously. Colby leaned forward slightly, his expression serious, as if he was prepared to go to war for me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFIvRH616A
“Court is now in session,” the judge declared, and the room fell silent.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ02X95iA5
The judge, an older man with kind but sharp eyes, shuffled some papers before addressing the courtroom. “We’re here today to determine custody of Miss Roxy Stars. After reviewing the submitted reports and testimonials, I will now hear statements from both parties.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXFCyjLonA
Evie was the first to speak. She stood, her usual fake charm plastered on her face. “Your Honor, I don’t see why we’re even here. Roxy is my daughter. Sure, I’ve had my struggles, but what parent hasn’t? She belongs with me, her *real* family.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhKFAbGDgV
I clenched my fists under the table, fighting the urge to scoff out loud. The only thing “real” about Evie was her talent for pretending to care when it suited her.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaXIbvw8BO
Axel didn’t even bother standing. “Yeah, what she said,” he muttered, earning a sharp glare from Evie.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4sUswpw6q
The judge didn’t look impressed. He turned to Sam and Colby. “And your statement?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rrnVjq4Yg
Colby stood first, his voice calm but firm. “Your Honor, Roxy deserves a chance at a stable, loving home—something she hasn’t had with her biological parents. We can provide that. We’re financially secure, and more importantly, we’re emotionally prepared to support her through everything she’s been through.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl7h46UXRX
Sam picked up where Colby left off. “We also understand Roxy’s struggles with anxiety, Vasovagal syncope, and self-harm. I know what she’s going through because I’ve been in the same boat. That’s why we’ve created a system where we can support each other.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0rPBxvPhS
Colby added, “I’ve made it my job to keep them both occupied when things get tough. Whether it’s new projects, going on adventures, or just talking it out, we’ll handle things calmly and constructively. We don’t make a big deal out of bad days. We make sure Roxy eats and feels supported—and we don’t plan to take away the pocket knife she carries. It makes her feel safer, and we trust her.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPYmvg6qW2
Their words felt like a warm blanket, wrapping around me in the cold courtroom. I glanced at the judge, trying to read his expression, but his face was unreadable.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f96Yao9bn
The judge turned to me next. “Miss Stars, is there anything you’d like to say?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMyffXCPUu
I stood on shaky legs, my heart pounding so hard I could barely hear myself think. “Your Honor, I’m sixteen, and I love my parents, but they don’t love me the way they’re supposed to. They don’t make me feel safe, and I don’t think they ever will. Sam and Colby…they make me feel like I matter. Like I’m worth something. That’s all I want.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYnoq2DUKU
I sat back down, my legs feeling like jelly, but I kept my head high.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdWNTOg0nN
The judge took a moment before speaking again. “After reviewing the evidence and hearing from all parties, it’s clear to me that Miss Stars’ biological parents have failed to provide a suitable environment for her. Therefore, I grant full custody of Roxy Stars to Samuel John Golbach and Cole Robert Brock.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxrlv7oh5D
Before the room could even settle, Axel jumped to his feet, his face flushed with anger. “You can’t do that!” he shouted. “They don’t even have the same last name! How are two random guys supposed to raise a kid?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEse9ZN7dXf
Colby stood calmly, his eyes locked on Axel. “With respect, Mr. Stars, Sam and I have been business partners and lifelong friends for over a decade. We run a successful business together and have built a strong foundation of trust. A last name doesn’t define a family. What does is love, support, and stability—all things Roxy deserves, which you’ve failed to provide.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRfSFR2yoV
Axel sneered, but before he could say anything else, the judge’s gavel slammed down. “Enough. This court has made its decision.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe07de8bKAA
As we walked out of the courtroom, Sam and Colby led me to a quiet bench in the hallway. Sam leaned forward, looking at me with a smile.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw34PV5jiw
“Roxy,” Sam began softly, “this is probably the last big decision for today. What last name do you want? Brock or Golbach?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUT5klm8eM
Colby laughed gently. “Pick wisely. There’s a lot riding on this choice.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxoBK1feBf
I hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by the enormity of the question. Then I looked at Sam, whose steady presence had been my rock through all of this, and smiled. “Golbach,” I said. “I want to be Roxy Golbach.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4ACRY1UFA
Colby gave Sam a playful nudge. “Guess you win this one.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlrsX2qU1i
Sam grinned at me. “Roxy Golbach it is. Welcome to the family.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbPmxxqWQo
Tears welled up in my eyes as relief flooded my chest. For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovM26awLxo
“You’re safe now,” Colby said softly, wrapping his arm around me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexOZg8sdIO
And for the first time in my life, I believed it.
ns216.73.216.209da2
