Page 77 of Now Their Starlet

“Do you understand today’s proceedings?”

“I think so, Your Honor.”

“Your counsel has stated you oppose the continuation of a conservatorship. Why do you object?”

“I—I didn’t push my mom down those stairs,” I say quietly, my nails biting into my palms as I clench them into fists on my lap. “She even admitted it on the recording.”

“Unfortunately, I cannot take that recording into consideration,” Judge Harvey says, his expression twisting into one of genuine remorse. “It is obvious to me that you’ve had a very... difficult childhood. Given the prior ruling of the emergency conservatorship and the evident lack of any mental health support recorded over the past month, I cannot just dismiss it at this time.”

Even though I knew this was probably the result, disappointment so thick I’m practically choking on it still washes over me.

“That does not mean that the continuation of your conservatorship is permanent, though. Do you have any mental health providers you have a preference for?”

“I have—had—a therapist. Nancy Clemmins.”

“I will add into the court order that you are to see her a minimum of once a week. Along with an omega specialist. A month of those conditions can have long-lasting effects on your hormones.” Judge Harvey says. “Do you have a preference for where you’d like to live?”

“Yes,” I nod confidently, my voice steady for the first time since I’ve been addressed. “With my dad. Edison Wade.”

“Very well.” He turns his gaze to the court reporter, who’s been dutifully noting down everything. “The court finds substantial evidence that Miss Andi Sterling presently requires assistance managing her personal affairs. However, the court is deeply troubled by the petitioner’s conduct. It is clear that Miss Andi Sterling’s mother, Gina Sterling, is not an appropriate conservator at this time. The conservatorship shall continue, but Mr. Edison Wade is appointed conservator effective immediately.”

I let out a deep exhale, flexing my hands and staring down at them. There are deep crescent marks in my palms.

“The next review hearing is in ninety days,” Judge Harvey says with a nod toward me.

Ninety days.

Does that mean I’ll be free—truly free—then?

The bailiff, who has returned from escorting Gina out of the courtroom, stands at attention. “The matter is concluded.”

I sit there in my seat, too afraid to move. I’m barely breathing, terrified that this is all a dream I’ll wake up from.

Edison is the first to make his way over to me. Probably because he’s seated at the table directly next to mine.

“Andi,” he murmurs, kneeling beside my chair. His hand trembling ever so slightly as he lays it over mine. His gaze roams over my face like he’s trying to drink in every detail of my features.

“Dad,” I breathe out.

His expression crumples when I call him Dad. It takes him a moment to collect himself.

“You’re safe now, I promise,” he whispers.

“Thank you. That—that must’ve been hard.”

“Worth it for you, Andi.”

Worth it.

The idea that I’m worthy enough for someone to suffer for me makes something ugly and prideful twist in my gut.

Gina always made “loving me” seem like it was torturous for her. Like I was simultaneously too much and too little all at once.

Now it’s my turn for the threat of tears to burn behind my eyes. They cling to my lower lashes, threatening to spill over.

“Everything will be alright,” Edison murmurs, reaching up and shakily wiping away the first tear with the back of his knuckles. “I—I will admit, I’m not very good at this.”

“You’re doing a great job,” I say, a sharp huff of laughter bursting from my chest as I wipe at my other cheek.