Andrew drove home, the engine's roar matching the storm brewing inside him. He parked his car, but instead of stepping out, he sat there, fists clenched on the steering wheel. He couldn't shake the memory of Chantel hitting him and Henry jumping to her defense. The anger surged within him. "This battle has just started. Chantel and Henry better be ready for the consequences," he muttered, slamming the car door behind him as he stormed into the house.
Inside, he walked straight to the living room bar. The familiar sight of the whiskey bottle offered a quick escape from his thoughts. He poured himself a generous glass and downed it in one go. Just then, Claire and her mother rushed downstairs, concern etched on their faces.
"What's wrong, Andrew? Why do you look so angry?" Claire's mom asked, stepping closer.
He set the glass down with a clink. "Henry and Chantel don't want me to have my kids. It's like they're determined to keep them away from me."
Claire's eyes widened. "What do you mean? They want to take the kids away?"
Andrew raked his fingers through his hair. "Chantel hit me! And Henry? He wants to adopt them after I told him the truth about Claire and me. I thought being honest would help."
"Are you serious? How could you tell him the truth? You're such a fool!" Claire shouted, her anger boiling over.
"I thought it would make things better! I didn't want to hide anymore," Andrew replied, frustration creeping into his voice.
Claire shook her head in disbelief. "You really messed up. Henry is not going to want anything to do with you after hearing that. We're fighting for our lives here!"
Andrew sighed heavily. "Chantel and Henry are engaged. They're going to adopt my kids legally, and I'll have no rights left. I saw them earlier, Claire. They look just like me!" His voice softened, revealing his deep concern.
Claire's mom chimed in, trying to bring some hope. "There's always a way out, Andrew. We just need a plan. Maybe you could offer Chantel some money for the kids?"
"Are you kidding me? Chantel wouldn't take money for her children! You should've made up a story to put the blame on her, and Henry would believe you. He'd kick her out and hand the kids back to you!" Claire snapped.
"I couldn't just lie like that! When I saw my kids, I couldn't hold back. I had to be honest!" Andrew replied, his voice rising again. "All I want is to hold them in my arms."
Claire's mom took a step closer. "Maybe we can cancel the divorce for now? We can all work together to keep the kids safe."
"Absolutely not!" Claire yelled, her face flushed with anger. "I'm not canceling the divorce. We're ending this, and you can't stop me. I'll leave this house soon enough, and nothing will change that!"
Andrew looked at her, his eyes narrowed. "You think I need your help? I'll fight for my rights, and if a divorce is what you want, then you'll get it. The kids are mine. You have no claim over them because you can't even have children!"
Claire's face turned red with rage, and she lunged at him. "Don't you dare bring that up!" she shouted.
Andrew caught her wrist, holding her back. "Chantel hit me once, and I won't let you hit me, too!" he said, releasing her hand.
He took a deep breath, his mind racing with ideas. "I know what I need to do," he said, looking determined. Claire's mom leaned in, curious.
"What do you have in mind?" she asked.
"I'll sue them. I'm taking this to court," Andrew said firmly.
Claire smirked, crossing her arms. "You better not, Andrew. If you do, we'll both end up in jail. What we did was illegal, remember? You're just a fool for confessing everything!"
"Those kids are mine!" Andrew yelled again, his voice echoing through the room.
Claire rolled her eyes. "You can say that all you want, but Henry and Chantel will win. Henry's powerful, and you already told them everything."
Angry, she turned and marched upstairs, leaving Claire's mom and Andrew standing in silence. Claire's mom, deep in thought, was desperate to find a solution that would keep Claire and Andrew together. "This is all Chantel's fault," she said, a glint of determination in her eyes. "I'll make sure she pays for what she did and for trying to ruin everything for you and Claire."
Meanwhile, Chantel arrived home with Henry, the nanny, and the kids. They all got out of the car and headed inside, the nanny taking the kids upstairs. Chantel slumped onto the couch, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Why is this happening to me? Why did Andrew and Claire do this? Now he wants the kids!" she sobbed.
Henry sat beside her, holding her hand gently. "We'll fight this together. I promise to help you get justice for what they did," he assured her, wrapping his arms around her.
Chantel leaned her head on his chest, feeling comforted for a moment. "I can't be weak. My kids need me. I have to be strong and fight for them."
"Chantel, you and the kids are never a burden to me," Henry said firmly. "I won't abandon you now, especially when you need me the most."
Chantel took a deep breath, wiping her tears. "We should be happy, celebrating our engagement. But instead, Andrew's in the picture, trying to act like he's their father. I won't let my kids think of him that way. They will know you as their dad."
Feeling a surge of maternal instinct, she stood up. "I need to check on the kids." As she headed upstairs, Henry followed closely behind her. They tiptoed into the kids' room, where Vincent and Vivian were fast asleep. Chantel sat beside them, brushing her fingers over their foreheads.
Henry leaned against the doorframe. "You need to get some rest, too. Come with me," he said softly.
Chantel placed gentle kisses on her children's foreheads before standing up. Together, they walked back to their room.
Meanwhile, Andrew had entered his bedroom, exhaustion weighing heavily on him. He lay down on the bed, closing his eyes. Claire turned away, staring at the wall, still upset. The memory of Andrew calling her barren echoed in her mind, fueling her anger. "I will never let him be the father of those kids," she vowed silently. "I need to make sure Henry kicks Chantel out. Then I can step in as the kids' mother."
Determination hardened her resolve as she plotted her next move. Claire's ambition was clear, and she was ready to fight tooth and nail to secure her future.