The bile in my throat rose so fast I nearly choked on it . I flipped through the pages , hoping this was some cruel mistake . But every line was deliberate . Zach's signature , the request for primary physical custody , and a clause buried halfway through : Co - guardianship requested with Ms. Celine Lovelet , long - term partner and medically authorized caretaker . " Caretaker ? " I laughed bitterly . She was a homewrecker in heels , not a damn nurse . The front doorbell rang again . For a second , I thought it might be Vega , but when I peeked through the peephole , it wasn't him . It was Neil Vega - the man I hadn't seen for years . My heart hammered so hard I thought Liam might hear it upstairs . I opened the door on trembling feet . Neil stood in the porch light , coat drenched from the rain , face pale and firm . He looked brittle - like a storm about to break . " Arianne ." I wanted to shut the door . Bolt it . Pretend he'd never shown up . But something clicked -fear , curiosity , the need for answers . I let him in but he stayed in the threshold . " What brings you here , detective ? " He cleared his throat . " I didn't want you to find out this way . " " Find out what ? " I said , voice as cold as the rain . Neil's eyes flicked to the kitchen counter , to the custody papers splayed out like a betrayal . Then back to me . " About the photo ... I took it . I sent it , " he said , his voice turning octave . My hands shook . " Why ? " He exhaled , muscles tense . " Because Zach was spiraling . I wanted to wake you up . Show you who he really was , before he could drag you and your son into the wreck . My agency had been tracking some of his associates during his PR fallout ; I noticed things . I didn't mean to pry in your private life , but your husband had been under our investigation for months . " My forehead scrunched . " What do you mean by investigation ? " " Embezzlement , sort of corruption in his business ," Neil shrugged . This - custody filing , betrayal , feeling like a stranger in my own life - made me want to scream . Instead I found my voice icy calm . " Your idea of saving me was sending evidence ... to myself ? Neil met my gaze . " I wanted to help you, Arianne , " he said , voice firm but gentle . " Why , Neil ? Do I look like a charity case to you ? " " I didn't say you are ... But I know you need my help , that's why I'm here . " I pulled out a heavy , frustrated breath . " I appreciate your help , but my lawyer will handle the legal matters prior to my case . " Neil gazed at me - with longing . We were silent for a second , just looking at each other like the first time we met . After a long beat , he exhaled a deep breath and gently held my hand . " Listen , I can gather everything - the evidence , statements , records . We'll build something real against Zach's custody filing ." He took out a card from his coat and put it on my palm . " I'm only one call away , Arianne . Don't shut me out of your life this time . " I swallowed hard . He was offering protection again - the kind I thought only a blade or a lawyer could wield . But now it came from regret and professional integrity . Without trusting myself to speak , I nodded faintly . My throat felt dry , raw . All the embers of hurt and hope flickered inside me , colliding . As he turned to go , I paused before stepping forward . Even in that second , I found myself stepping into familiar rhythms , calling back memories I'd tried to bury . Neil once saved me , in small ways that became big . Maybe he still can . He disappeared into the drizzle , but in my chest , something sparked : a fragile , dangerous , determined flicker . I was no longer watching from the sidelines . I was preparing to fight . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!