I fell for Molly the moment I saw her. When her boyfriend left after she got pregnant, I stepped in and married her, hoping to build a family.

Molly hated pregnancy and, even after Amelia was born, showed little interest in motherhood. For five years, I raised Amelia with love while Molly grew resentful. One day, she demanded a divorce, saying she regretted having our daughter.

She soon reunited with her ex, Tanner, and disappeared—until she came back, demanding Amelia.

In court, I feared I’d lose. Then Amelia stood up, tiny but brave. “I want to stay with my daddy,” she told the judge. “He’s my real mommy and daddy.”

The courtroom was silent. The judge, moved by her words and our bond, granted me full custody.

Outside, Amelia clung to me. Life wouldn’t be easy, but we had each other. As Molly faded into the crowd, I knew our story was just beginning—this time, on our terms.