You sat on the bench outside the courtroom, elbows on your knees, eyes stinging with tears threatening to drop.

Another day of getting cross-examined like you were some homewrecker who’d brainwashed Christian and stole someone else’s baby. Another day of Naledi’s lawyer throwing shade with a polished smile.

“She’s not the mother. She’s a fan. A teenager playing house in a fantasy that doesn’t belong to her.” Naledi's lawyer said.

You didn’t cry. You wouldn't give Naledi the satisfaction. Well, at least you tried not to.

But God, it hurted.

That night, Christian didn’t said anything. He just walked into the living room holding Louis-Jules, still in his little blue pajamas with yellow stars on them, and said. “Pack a bag. Something warm.”

You blinked. “What...?”

“We’re leaving. Tonight. Just for the weekend.” He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. But his eyes were clear. Sure. He was going to take you and Louis-Jules for the week-end. Either yiu thiught it was reasonable or not.

“Christian, the custody hearing is Monday... They’ll-” You started, but Christian cutted you off.

“I don’t care. Let her dig for drama. We’re not running, we’re breathing. She’s turning this into a warzone and I need him," He said as ge looked down at Louis-Jules in his arms. “And you to feel normal for once.”

You stared at him.

But then you nodded, even if slightly reluctant.

The cabin was somewhere near the coast. Quiet, no paparazzi, no lawyers, no judges. Just the sound of waves crashing and wind against the windows.

You built a pillow fort in the living room using bedsheets and every pillows of the cabin. Louis-Jules stacked blocks and handed you random snacks while Christian wrapped you both in a blanket.

He leaned his chin on your shoulder.

“Do you think they’ll let her win...?" You whispered worriedly. “The judge... Her lawyer... She keeps twisting everything I do...”

“She’s trying to scare you. But you’re stronger than she’ll ever be.” He said. Then he hesitated, but added softly.

“You didn’t just help me raise him. You saved both of us...”

You looked down at Louis-Jules, sleeping between you on the couch. Little hands tucked under his cheek, peaceful. Safe.

And then, Christian kissed you. Slow, gentle... Real.

“I’m not losing either of you.” He whispered. “Even if I have to fight every day of my life.”