Chapter 6 - Vincent Romano’s Choice
The federal hearing lasted four hours.
Harper learned things about Vincent she did not like.
The prosecution described intimidation, illegal shipping arrangements, hidden financial interests, and associations with dangerous men.
But several of the most serious accusations depended on witnesses whose stories contradicted one another.
Samuel attacked every inconsistency.
Then the prosecutor mentioned Harper.
“This marriage occurred hours after Mr. Romano was advised that his public image would damage him at trial.”
Samuel stood.
“Marriage is not a federal offense.”
“No. But manipulation is relevant to character.”
The prosecutor looked toward Harper.
“Mrs. Romano needed money and housing. Mr. Romano needed respectability.”
Vincent’s expression remained still.
The prosecutor continued.
“A transaction disguised as a family.”
Harper felt those words.
Because once, they had been true.
The judge ultimately refused detention but imposed strict travel restrictions.
Outside the courthouse, Samuel smiled.
“You’re going home.”
Harper exhaled.
Vincent did not celebrate.
He looked toward the street.
“Samuel.”
“Yes?”
“Prepare documents transferring my interest in the Romano Foundation.”
Samuel frowned.
“To whom?”
“An independent board.”
Harper stared.
“What are you doing?”
Vincent looked at her.
“Removing myself from anything prosecutors can characterize as leverage over you.”
“Why?”
“Your custody hearing is Friday.”
Samuel understood first.
“If Vincent’s financial support becomes the foundation of your stability argument, Richard can claim Lily’s welfare depends on a defendant.”
Harper’s stomach tightened.
Vincent continued.
“You need your own foundation.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I bought a building this morning.”
Harper stared.
“You what?”
“Three apartments above Lou’s Diner are vacant.”
Her mouth fell open.
Vincent continued.
“One will be placed in a housing trust for you and Lily. Not controlled by me.”
“You bought Lou’s building?”
“Yes.”
“Without asking me?”
“Yes.”
“Vincent!”
“Lou was going to lose it to the bank.”
“That isn’t the point.”
“What is the point?”
“You can’t solve every problem by buying a building!”
Vincent considered this.
“It solves a surprising number.”
Harper almost screamed.
Then she saw Samuel trying not to laugh.
“Don’t encourage him.”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
---
Friday morning, Richard’s guardianship case collapsed.
Reeves testified.
Bank records were introduced.
The forged document was authenticated.
Richard’s wife admitted notarizing Harper’s forged signature.
Judge Ellis stared at Richard over her glasses.
“You represented to this court that your petition concerned the welfare of a child.”
Richard shifted.
“It does.”
“No, Mr. Bennett. It concerned money.”
His attorney whispered urgently.
Richard ignored him.
“Harper married a criminal!”
Vincent’s expression hardened.
Judge Ellis struck her gavel.
“Sit down.”
“He’s under federal indictment!”
“And yet the evidence before me shows Mr. Romano has not attempted to access Lily’s assets.”
Richard pointed at Harper.
“She can’t raise that child!”
Harper stood.
“I already have.”
Richard laughed.
“You’re a waitress.”
“Yes.”
“You live on tips.”
“I did.”
“You dropped out of school.”
“To care for my dying mother.”
“You married a stranger.”
Harper looked at Vincent.
“Yes.”
Richard spread his hands.
“And somehow I’m the unstable choice?”
Lily’s advocate stood.
“Your Honor, Lily has repeatedly and consistently identified Harper as her primary caregiver, emotional parent, and home.”
Richard’s face changed.
The advocate continued.
“Lily has also expressed fear that Mr. Bennett will send her away after obtaining control of her money.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“We have an email stating exactly that.”
Richard stopped.
Judge Ellis removed her glasses.
“The petition for guardianship by Richard Bennett is denied.”
Harper closed her eyes.
“The court confirms permanent guardianship of Lily Bennett to Harper Bennett Romano.”
Harper began crying.
Lily ran to her.
Richard stood abruptly.
“This isn’t over.”
Vincent stepped forward.
Harper caught his arm.
“No.”
He looked at her.
She shook her head.
“We won.”
Vincent stopped.
Richard was escorted from the courtroom.
For once, Vincent let someone else handle the problem.
---
Outside, Lily threw her arms around Harper.
“We’re going home?”
“Yes.”
“Forever?”
Harper kissed her forehead.
“Forever.”
Lily turned to Vincent.
“Are you coming?”
Vincent’s expression changed.
Harper remembered the contract.
Twelve months.
A temporary marriage.
A solution.
Vincent crouched so he was level with Lily.
“You and Harper need to talk.”
Lily frowned.
“About what?”
“Grown-up things.”
“That means boring things.”
“Usually.”
Lily walked toward Samuel.
“I’m getting a vending-machine cookie.”
When she was gone, Vincent handed Harper an envelope.
“What is this?”
“Divorce papers.”
Her smile disappeared.
“You said twelve months.”
“You don’t need twelve months anymore.”
“And your trial?”
“My problems are mine.”
Harper stared at the envelope.
“You’re letting me go.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Vincent looked toward Lily.
“Because Richard was right about one thing.”
“What?”
“My life can hurt your custody.”
“Richard was a thief.”
“He wasn’t wrong about the danger surrounding me.”
Harper stepped closer.
“So that’s it?”
“You have Lily.”
“Yes.”
“You have a home.”
“Yes.”
“You can return to school.”
“Yes.”
“You don’t need me anymore.”
Harper’s voice became quiet.
“Is that what you think marriage is?”
Vincent looked at her.
“Needing someone?”
“I think ours was.”
Harper pushed the envelope back into his chest.
“Then you weren’t paying attention.”
Vincent caught it.
“Harper.”
“No.”
She walked away.
May you like
For the first time since they met, Vincent Romano had absolutely no idea what to do next.
---
