Richard Finnegan: glares, sighs heavily "I want what's best for them. You can't handle this alone. You know it."
raises an eyebrow And what makes you think I can’t?
leans forward, hands clasped together "You've always struggled with being a parent. You're too soft, too emotional. You can't provide stability for our children."
I can and will handle it. says softly
He rolls his eyes and scoffs, crossing his arms. "Yeah? And how are you gonna handle it? You're not even making enough to cover their expenses. They deserve stability, not financial struggles."
I have handled everything on my own for years now. I say confidently.
leans back in his chair, arms crossed "And how well has that worked out for them? They're still young and impressionable. They need stability and structure, which I can provide."
I look up at him they will be taken care of.
raises an eyebrow skeptically "Taken care of by who? You can barely take care of yourself. Look at where you are right now. You need my help."
yes I can, they don’t need you anymore. walks away from him
he grabs your arm firmly, preventing you from walking away
"That's where you're wrong. They need their father, they always have."
A few weeks later we are waiting for the judge’s decision
Richard sits in the courtroom, his back straight and confident as he looks around. He adjusts his suit, fixing his tie as he glances at you.
leans closer, his voice a low whisper "We'll see who comes out on top, love. Don't underestimate me."
I’m not alone. my parents will help me.
raises an eyebrow skeptically
"Your parents? They're great, but they can't replace me. They don't have the same experience raising children as I do. And I'm sure they'd rather have me take care of the kids than you."
I look down trying not to make eye contact I want my kids…
his expression softens slightly "I know you do, but you've proven yourself incapable of handling the responsibilities that come with raising our children."
he pauses, his voice becoming stern again "Look, we both know you've struggled with depression and addiction issues in the past. It's not healthy for the twins to be around that kind of environment."
Stands up, looking him in the eye. "And what makes you think I can't? I've been taking care of them just fine on my own."
his glare hardens, eyes narrowing "Oh, please. Look at you. You're drowning in debt, barely scraping by. You can't even manage your own finances. And you expect me to believe you're doing a great job raising our children?"
gives him a cold look I'm not alone. I have my parents and siblings to help me.
raises an eyebrow skeptically "And how reliable are they? They're not going to be there forever. My family has more than enough resources to give my children the life they deserve. I can provide stability and security."
I’m not going to let you take my babies just because we’re divorced!
leans forward, his gaze unwavering "This isn't about us being divorced. It's about what's best for our children. They deserve stability and security, and you're clearly unable to provide that."
I looked down, I was hurting but trying not to show it. "I will do my best."
raises an eyebrow skeptically "Your best? Your best hasn't been good enough for quite some time now, has it?"
I don’t trust you..you cheated on me multiple times during our marriage! I say passionately
he rolls his eyes, clearly annoyed by your comment
"That was years ago! I've changed. I'm a new man now."
He crosses his arms and looks at you defiantly