never imagined sitting in a courtroom fighting for custody of my own child. The tension was unbearable as Damian, my ex-husband, sat confidently across the aisle with his lawyer. His polished suit and smug expression contrasted sharply with my anxious, sweaty palms. My son, Zaden, only eight, sat beside me, legs swinging nervously, eyes wide and cautious.

For months after our divorce, Damian had followed the custody arrangement. But gradually, Zaden returned from visits anxious, withdrawn, and with unexplained bruises. Teachers noticed his stress, and a child psychologist suggested gentle questioning. It became clear

something was wrong. Three months ago, Zaden came home with a suspicious bruise. While I prepared to request a custody modification, Damian preemptively filed for full custody, claiming Zaden wanted to live with him.

On the day of the hearing, Damian confidently told the judge that Zaden preferred living with him. My heart sank. I looked at Zaden, his small hands clenched, jaw tense. Then came the moment that changed everything. The judge turned to Zaden. “ Read more below