He kept the assets. But he had no say in where Ethan lived, went to school, or received care. The court had approved our relocation.

“To Massachusetts,” I said. “Near my parents. Near Ethan’s new school.”

“You can’t take him,” Daniel snapped.

The judge replied evenly, “You already agreed to this arrangement.”

Daniel stared at me. “You planned this.”

“Yes,” I said. “For our son.”

By demanding everything except Ethan, Daniel revealed exactly how he valued him. The court noticed.

We left the courthouse separately. Daniel walked fast, furious. I walked slowly, shaken but steady.

The house he kept felt empty. Too big. Too quiet.

Ethan adjusted gently. We planned together. He liked being near his grandparents. I never spoke badly about his father. I didn’t need to.