"Hey, sorry I'm late. I got your message just a couple of minutes ago," I apologized as soon as Lexi opened the door.
"Slow, aren't we?" She glared at me.
I wasn't that late. I wasn't even late at all. "I'm sorry, okay? What do you want to talk about? I have all the time in the world."
"...Don't you have to go back to work?" Lexi leaned on the doorframe.
"Davenport doesn't mind, Lexi. He said since it's you...he'll give me all the time I need."
"In other words, you're fired. Why is Davenport still there? I thought he got fired."
"Guess not. Can I come in now? The reporters are getting brave again."
"Let them get brave. It's not like I have anything they'd like to see. The house has been quiet all night and I don't know what to do." Lexi finally let me in. "I never knew the definition of depression until now. It won't be long before I hit rock bottom and never be heard from again."
"Stop talking like that. It's not that bad, Lexi." I smiled.
"It's not that bad? Asher, have you been living under a rock? My entire life has been a living hell since I was born. Nothing's been going my way recently. Not since before my birthday. I guess my outburst in court was recorded, because I've been seeing videos about it all day. I hope you rot in Hell isn't really something I should have said in court."
"No one knows what you said. Not unless they have friends who know French or they took the time to find out what it meant from the news or Google Translate."
"Of course. Google Translate will be your friend until you ask to translate something for real."
"So...how'd it go? I know he got everything, but I want to hear everything from your perspective."
Lexi looked at me like I'd asked something dumb. Maybe I had but I did need to hear it from her. Luca was probably just as hurt as her and wanted to hide it. I've done it before and look how I turned out.
"Why? It's not like my story would be different from his."
"I think it might."
"...What'd he tell you?"
"He said you were yelling about how life wasn't fair and how you were begging the judge to change his decision. They caught the rot in Hell part on camera. He also said you were crying. Like full on sobbing. Your lawyer looked ready to bail on you and it seemed like you were mad nothing was going your way. Sounds a little too exaggerated for me. I don't believe any of it."
Lexi scoffed. "When have you ever heard of me crying because he took something from me?"
"Never."
"Exactly. I was calm the entire time. The jury went to look over whatever evidence he sent them and I was busy talking to my lawyer like a civilized human being. I didn't say anything to the judge. Other than denying anything Luca said that wasn't true. The jury came back and after they declared Luca their sole guardian...I just said okay. Nothing to it."
We were quiet for a moment before Lexi remembered something.
"Let's go. My father's family is here and I don't want them to be nosey."
⭕⭕⭕⭕⭕
Luca smirked as Lexi tried to shimmy past him. Just because she had a bad past didn't mean she didn't know how to take care of her own children. She's more than capable of raising children who love her. Ugh, he's so full of himself.
"I see you're still hanging in there," he pointed out. Lexi stopped and glared at him. "You can never see your kids again."
"Just because it seems like you have full custody doesn't mean you can't let me see them," she growled. "They're not yours. They'll never be yours."
I was going to step in, but she would ever forgive me for fighting her battles. It's time Luca figured out that he wasn't the only guy in the world for her.
"Did you hear what the judge said?"
"What about it?"
"Lexi, he specifically said that I have the right to refuse your want to see the kids if you don't get the help you need."
"That's so unfair!" Lexi's kids didn't want to go with Luca. They didn't need to go with a cheater. I've told Lexi many times that Jasmine has been asking about her every chance she gets. "You can't take a 4 and 1 year old away from their mother like that!"
"I already have."
Lexi bit her lip and watched as Luca shoved the doors open and practically skipped away. I can't believe that evil bastard! He disappeared into the crowd of reporters who seemed eager to brew up a new scandal. They turned to Lexi and I as we exited the building less enthusiastic.
I wrapped a protective arm around her and guided her to my car. How could he do that to her? Her kids need her now more than ever. You can't just rip apart a family you barely cared existed. If he says something too scandalous about Lexi, it's going to be harder for her to climb back up the social ladder.
"Good evening, Mr. Monteil. Ms. Daniels," Ari greeted. "Is there anything you need me to do?"
"Could you search for places Lexi and I could talk in private?" I asked.
"Of course, sir. Do you want me to call Brad Roberts after?"
"Yes, please."
Lexi stared at me as I drove off. What? It's not odd to have her step-father on speed dial. If you know her, you know her family.
"What?" I finally asked.
"...Why do we need my dad?" she asked.
"He knows a lot when it comes to the government. I know he'll help you sort out the Luca problem."
"Of course he will, but do you know that he'll ask for payment?"
"...He's your dad. I know lots of things about him no one else probably knows."
"What is it this time, Monteil?" Brad growled. "Last time you wanted to blackmail me."
Lexi hit me in the arm. I grimaced, but otherwise pretended I didn't feel a thing.
"I have Lexi with me. We just stopped by the courthouse and the judge refused to see Lexi. I had another guy who shadows judges look into it and the jury were people Luca has come in contact with at least three times," I said. "If that's not enough to convince you Luca doesn't really want your grandkids, then I don't know what else to tell you."
"It's more than enough. I was looking into it late last night and I traced the videos of Lexi back to at least five of them who were present as jurors."
"That's only enough to prove illegal judging. You'd have to have an inside man."
"He's never without an inside man. Once it's safe enough," Lexi started. "they'll get in contact with him."
"Right. I'll meet up with you all later," Brad said. "Don't talk to anyone else about this. Lexi, I expect payment for my help."
"Whatever."
The ride out of the city was quiet. Lexi had turned off her phone, but was constantly checking it to see if anyone said anything to her. What made me extremely uncomfortable and worried was when she looked at me like she didn't know who I was. Her head tilted like she was trying to figure out what she was doing in the car with me. A possible stranger.
"What are we doing again?" she finally asked.
"What?" I glanced at her.
"I thought you said you had something to tell me."
I did. I told her everything I knew. What more is there to say to her? I shrugged. "Marry me."
"What?"
Shoot. Why'd I just say that? Of all the things to say, I ask her to marry me? I'm such an idiot. Of all the things in the world...
"...It-it's been too long since I asked. I know you've just gotten out of a relationship, but I need you in my life. Vincent needs you."
"Yes!" Lexi exclaimed. "I don't care what anyone else thinks. That's the best thing I've been asked all year."
I lost control of the care for a second and swerved off the road. "Really? My heart's literally trying to claw it's way out my chest." I got the car back under control. "I'm not being too...desperate?"
"What? No. Of course not. You said it's been too long since you asked me the first time. Let's do it."
No. We can't do it. And I won't.