Chapter 12 "Wait - please don't pass judgment yet ... " Brandon lurched forward and grabbed my wrist , his fingers ice - cold and shaking . Desperate , trembling , his voice cracked . "Claire , please ... I'm sorry . I know I was wrong - I swear I'll change . " " I'll be a good husband . I won't betray you again . " " We - we have a child together . A little boy . He just turned one . He needs her mom ... ' " Even if I've done terrible things , she's innocent . " At the mention of the child , murmurs of pity stirred in the courtroom . A few heads turned , whispering that I should at least fight for custody . I sighed and looked down , eyes misting over . " No , Brandon . You still don't understand . " " You're right - the child is innocent . " " But she's not mine . " Gasps echoed through the room . People stared at me in disbelief . Beside me , Daniel handed a sealed folder to the judge . " This is a court - certified DNA report . The child in question has no biological relation to Ms. Claire Whitmore . ' Silence fell - followed by another explosion of outrage , Thomas's face twisted with rage as he coughed up a mouthful of blood . Every eye turned toward Brandon - once again , full of disgust . Everyone had thought he'd repented . No one expected him to still be lying . I finally broke down in tears , my voice shaking with fury as I looked at him . " You switched our baby , Brandon ... " Chapter 12 25.83 % " He hadn't even opened his eyes yet - and you let him die . " " You were his father . How could you ?! " A collective cry of horror swept through the courtroom . People began yelling . Swearing . Calling him a monster . Brandon broke into a cold sweat and dropped to his knees . " Claire , please - I didn't mean to . I was ... I was confused . It was a mistake ! " " What happened with Madison - it wasn't planned . I was drunk . I didn't even know - she seduced me ! Lied to me ! " I slapped him - so hard it echoed . " One lie might've been a mistake . But this ? This is evil . " Madison may have tricked you , what about Lillian ? What about that bear suit - was that also an accident ? " " There are dozens of videos , Brandon . Dozens . And you are still lying . " " And what about the baby ? " " You killed our child . " " If I hadn't been suspicious ... if I hadn't had him tested ... we'd never even know . " " I would've been left with nothing . No justice . No child . And all because I trusted you . " " You're not the man I married anymore . I don't know who you are . " I remembered it clearly now . Two weeks ago , I'd come home early - unannounced - only to find Brandon and Madison wrapped around each other in the bathroom . I'd hidden . Listened . And heard everything . From that moment on , I knew I had to protect myself and survive . I'd cried behind locked doors , made plans , gathered evidence - and asked Daniel for help . Thank God I had . Otherwise , I would've lost everything . 25.83 % Even my son would've been erased . " I'm sorry ... I'm sorry , Claire ... I'll do anything . Just don't leave me ... " Brandon sobbed , clutching my legs like a broken man . " I can't live without you ... " Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.