22. Rendal

CHAPTER 22

Rendal

I sit at my desk, staring at the legal documents in front of me. The weight of what I'm about to do feels like a boulder on my chest, but I know it's necessary. For Zola. For my own sanity. And maybe, just maybe, for a chance at a future with Chloe.

My hand is firm as I reach for my phone. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. The number of my lawyer is right there on the screen, but for a moment, I hesitate. Am I really ready to do this?

Zola's face flashes in my mind, her innocent smile and the way her eyes light up when she sees me. I think of all the times Valeria has used her as a pawn, manipulating our daughter for her own selfish reasons. My resolve hardens.

I hit the call button.

"Hello, Mr. Blackstone's office," a cheerful voice answers.

"This is Rendal. I need to speak with Mr. Blackstone urgently," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

There's a brief pause, then Mr. Blackstone's familiar baritone comes through. "Rendal, what can I do for you?"

I swallow hard, then force the words out. "I need to move forward with the custody case."

There's a moment of silence on the other end, and I can almost picture Mr. Blackstone leaning back in his chair, considering my words.

"Are you sure about this, Rendal? Once we start, there's no going back," he warns.

"I'm sure," I reply, my voice firm. "It's time to do what's best for Zola."

I hear papers rustling on the other end. "Alright, then. We have a strong case, Rendal. Your consistent involvement in Zola's life, your stable job, and the documented instances of Valeria's erratic behavior all work in our favor."

His words bolster my confidence. "What's the next step?"

"Let's meet tomorrow to discuss strategy," Mr. Blackstone suggests. "We'll go over the paperwork and prepare for the initial hearing."

As I hang up the phone, I let out a small sigh as I relax into my desk chair. This won't be easy, but it's necessary. I'll be damned if I let Valeria fuck up the one thing that's brought me so much happiness.

After work, I head straight to Valeria's house, knowing that this conversation will only piss her off more. But I don't give a damn anymore.

She opens the door and sends me a cold glare. "What do you want?"

"We need to talk about Zola and the future."

She huffs out a breath, shaking her head. "If this is about Chloe, you can forget it. I won't let you ruin Zola's life."

Valeria's words sting, but I refuse to let them derail me. This isn't about Chloe—it's about Zola and doing what's best for our daughter.

"Well, you're wrong. This isn't about Chloe," I say firmly, meeting Valeria's glare. "This is about Zola and what's best for her."

Valeria scoffs, her posture rigid with defiance. "And I suppose you think you know what's best?"

I clench my jaw, fighting to keep my temper in check. "I think we both want what's best for Zola. But using her as a pawn in our battles isn't it."

"I'm not using her?—"

"Aren't you?" I cut her off, my voice low but intense. "The constant manipulation, the guilt trips, the way you try to turn her against me and anyone else in my life? It stops now, Valeria."

Her eyes widen, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before it hardens again. "You can't dictate how I raise my daughter."

"Our daughter," I correct her. "And I'm not here to dictate anything. I'm here to tell you that I'm filing for primary custody."

The words hang in the air between us, heavy with implications. Valeria's face pales, then flushes with anger.

"You can't do that!" she hisses, fists clenching.

"I can, and I am," I reply, standing my ground. "I've already spoken with my lawyer. We have a strong case, Valeria. Your behavior, your instability—it's all documented. Did you really think you'd be able to get away with the shit you've pulled?"

Valeria takes a step back, her bravado faltering for a moment. "You wouldn't dare take Zola away from me."

"I don't want to take her away," I say, narrowing my eyes. "I want us to co-parent effectively, without all this drama. But if you can't do that, then I'll do whatever it takes to protect Zola."

Then, Valeria jabs her finger into my chest. "If you leave me for Chloe, I'll make sure you never see Zola again, you asshole."

I cock a brow. "You know you can't do that. I'm her father and I have every right to be in her life."

"Hah!" Valeria shoves me out the front door and I let her. "Watch me, you bastard."

When she slams the door in my face, I hum softly, already reaching for my phone. "We'll see about that."

The very next day, I'm walking into Mr. Blackstone's office with an air of resolve around me. Valeria's words are fresh on my mind, making this whole ordeal easier.

"Good morning, Rendal," Mr. Blackstone greets me, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. "Are you ready to proceed?"

I nod, taking a seat. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Mr. Blackstone opens a thick file folder, spreading out various documents. "I've reviewed all the evidence we've gathered. Valeria's erratic behavior, the documented instances of her using Zola as a pawn in your conflicts, and your consistent involvement in Zola's life all work strongly in our favor."

I lean forward, scanning the papers. "What exactly are we looking at here?"

"We're filing for primary custody," Mr. Blackstone explains, his voice steady and reassuring. "This means you'd have Zola for the majority of the time, with Valeria having visitation rights. Given the evidence we have, I believe we have a strong chance of success."

He walks me through each document, explaining the legal jargon and what each form means. As I listen, I nod along. This is a big step, but I know it's the right one.

"Now, Rendal," Mr. Blackstone says, his tone serious, "I need to make sure you understand what this entails. This won't be an easy process. Valeria is likely to fight back hard."

I nod, my jaw set. "I'm prepared for that. I'll do whatever it takes to protect Zola."

Mr. Blackstone gives me a small smile. "That's what I like to hear. Now, let's go over the details of the custody agreement we're proposing."

For the next hour, we pore over every aspect of the agreement. We discuss visitation schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making processes for Zola's education and healthcare. With each point we cover, I feel more confident in our case.

Finally, Mr. Blackstone leans back in his chair. "We have a strong case, Rendal," he assures me. "We'll file for primary custody and ensure you have legal protection. And trust me, we'll fire back on anything Valeria throws at us. I'm famous for a reason."

I take a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. This is for Zola. This is to give her the stable, loving environment she deserves.

"Where do I sign?" I ask, my voice steady.

Mr. Blackstone slides the documents across the desk. I pick up the pen, its weight feeling significant in my hand. As I sign my name on each dotted line, I know I'm doing the right thing. And Valeria can kick rocks if she thinks otherwise.

A few days later, I arrange to meet Valeria with our lawyers present. The neutral location—a conference room in a downtown office building—feels sterile and cold, much like the relationship between Valeria and me now.

"Valeria, this isn't about Chloe. It's about Zola and what's best for her," I state, my voice steady. I meet her gaze head-on, refusing to be intimidated by the fury I see there. "Our relationship is over, and I've taken legal steps to ensure my custody rights."

Valeria's face contorts with rage, but I can see the moment she realizes she's cornered. Her eyes dart to her lawyer, then back to me. The fight seems to drain out of her, replaced by a cold, calculated anger.

"Fine," she hisses, her voice dripping with venom. "But don't think this is over."

I feel a small sense of victory, but I know better than to let my guard down. Valeria's never been one to give up easily, and I'm sure this is just the beginning of a long, hard battle.

My lawyer clears his throat, drawing our attention. "Now that we've established Mr. Rendal's intent, let's discuss the terms of the custody agreement."

As he starts to outline the details, I watch Valeria carefully. Her jaw is clenched, her fingers drumming an angry rhythm on the table. I know she's plotting, trying to find a way to turn this situation to her advantage.

But I'm ready for whatever she throws at me. For Zola's sake, I have to be.