But because they were the most human words she had said since the beginning of the case.
I looked at the baby.
Little Emilia was sleeping soundly.
Yeah, I could've died.
I could get sick.
I could not be there for as long as I wanted.
But no parent has a guarantee.
Young parents are dying.
Healthy parents get sick.
Life is not a contract.
"I'm scared, too," I said softly. "Every day." But I didn't want that child because I believe I'm going to live forever. I wanted her because I knew I could still love. And because I have the opportunity to give her a home, care and security.
Todor stood up.
His cane rattled on the floor.
Your Honor, may I say something?
The judge nodded.
Todor turned to Sylvia and Michael.
I don’t expect you to know everything today. And I don't expect you to forgive me for showing up from your mother's past. But I want you to know this: I'm not here for Elena's money. I have my own resources. I have a home. I have a family, though a little. I have prepared everything necessary for Emilia to be protected if something happens to Elena or me.
Michael laughed bitterly.
So you planned everything.
“Yes,” said Todor. “Because unlike what you think, we are not two confused old men.” We are people who have made a decision.
He pulled an envelope out of his bag.
This is a letter I wrote about Emilia. There are also documents for trust fund, education, health care, guardianship. We left nothing to chance.
The judge took the papers.
Michael looked at his lawyer.
His face was no longer angry.
It was calculating.
And then I realized he's not finished yet.
"And who will be a guardian?" he asked.
Todor looked at me.
I said:
This is written in the documents.
The judge flipped through the pages.
Then he looked up.
"In case of death or impossibility of both parents, the child's guardian will be Mrs. Nadezhda Stoyanova.
Sylvia gasped.
Hope? This woman from Russia?
“Yes,” said Todor. “My daughter from my first marriage.”
The room was quiet again.
"You have another daughter?" asked Sylvia.
Todor nodded.
"Yes. It's fifty-two. He has two children. He knows Elena. He knows Emilia. She agrees to be a part of her life.
Michael turned pale.
"So you don't even believe us.
It hurt to hear him.
But I couldn't lie.
"You took me to court, Michael.
He opened his mouth.
Then he shut it down.
The judge leaned back.
"I see no evidence from the documents provided so far that Mrs. Mileva is mentally incapable of making decisions. On the contrary, there are clear medical assessments, legal training and financial organisation related to child care.
My children's lawyer stood up.
"Your Honor, we want an independent psychiatric examination.
The judge nodded.
