At Amber’s request, Anthony goes to Shayla’s house to adopt Kai, even though the court has already declared he’s not the biological father. What will Shayla do now? What happens next?

   At Amber’s request, Anthony goes to Shayla’s house to adopt Kai, even though the court has already declared he’s not the biological father. What will Shayla do now? What happens next?

⚖️ The Final Verdict — But the Truth Still Hurts 💔

The courtroom fell silent as the judge’s voice echoed through the hall.
“According to the latest DNA test results, Anthony is not the biological father of Kai.”

The words hit Anthony like a cold wave. His hands clenched on the table as his heart sank. For months, he had fought to prove his connection to Kai — the little boy he had raised, loved, and called his own.

Shayla sat across from him, her eyes moist but her expression calm, almost resigned. Beside her sat her mother, arms folded with quiet satisfaction, as if everything had gone exactly according to her plan.

Amber, sitting next to Anthony, turned to him with concern.
“It’s over, Anthony. You’ve done everything you could. Maybe it’s time to let it go.”

Anthony didn’t respond. His eyes were fixed on Shayla’s mother, suspicion burning deep within him. He leaned forward slightly and whispered to Amber,
“You heard what the judge said, but I don’t believe it. Not this time.”

Amber frowned.
“Anthony, please. It’s the second report. Both say the same thing. You can’t keep fighting ghosts.”

Anthony shook his head.
“No. I know Shayla’s mother. She’ll do anything to keep me out of Kai’s life. She never wanted me involved. What if she tampered with the report again?”

Amber sighed heavily, placing a hand on his arm.
“You can’t prove that, Anthony. And even if you could — how many more times will you drag yourself through this? The lawyers, the money, the stress… this is eating you alive.”

Anthony’s jaw tightened. His heart told him one thing; the papers said another.

After the hearing, as they walked out of the courthouse, Shayla approached.
“Anthony,” she said softly. “I didn’t want this to happen either. I told you before, Kai deserves peace. But maybe now, finally, we can stop all this.”

Anthony’s voice broke slightly.
“You think I can just stop caring about him? He calls me dad, Shayla.”

Shayla’s mother stepped in sharply.
“Enough! You heard the court. You’re not his father, legally or biologically. So stop pretending. My daughter and Kai will move forward with Arby now — a real family, not this mess you’ve made.”

Amber’s eyes flared.
“Excuse me? You mean a real family built on lies? You think manipulating DNA reports makes you right?”

Shayla’s mother gave a cold smirk.
“Believe what you want, dear. But the papers speak louder than your emotions.”

Before Anthony could respond, Shayla pulled her mother away, whispering,
“Please, Mom, not here.”

That night, Anthony sat in silence on the couch. The report lay on the table, next to a half-empty glass of water. Amber walked over and sat beside him.

“Anthony,” she said softly. “You’ve spent months chasing the truth, but maybe… maybe it’s time to create a new one.”

He looked at her, tired eyes meeting hers.
“What do you mean?”

Amber hesitated for a second, then spoke with quiet determination.
“I mean we adopt him.”

Anthony blinked in surprise.
“Adopt Kai?”

She nodded.
“Yes. The court says you’re not his biological father, fine. But love isn’t defined by DNA. You’ve raised him. You’ve cared for him more than anyone. So instead of fighting for a title — let’s fight for his peace.”

Anthony ran a hand through his hair.
“But Shayla will never agree. You know her. She’ll fight me again.”

Amber’s tone hardened.
“Then let her. Let her fight alone. Because at the end of the day, she’s only hurting her own son. We’ll do it legally, properly. Even if she disagrees, the court can allow adoption if it’s in Kai’s best interest. And believe me, Anthony — you are his best interest.”

He stared at her, the idea slowly taking root.
“You really think we could do it?”

Amber smiled faintly.
“Not think. I know we can. And we should. Because I’m tired, Anthony. Every time this case comes back, it’s the same story — tests, money, accusations. We’ve lost sleep, peace, everything. If we keep living in Shayla’s shadow, she’ll keep controlling our lives. But if we adopt Kai… she’s out. For good.”

Anthony exhaled deeply.
“I don’t want to hurt Shayla. But maybe you’re right. It’s the only way to move on.”

Amber leaned closer, her voice soft but firm.
“Then do it. For Kai. For us.”

Anthony nodded slowly, as if finding clarity after a long storm.
“Tomorrow, I’ll call the lawyer.”

Amber smiled.
“Good. And this time, let’s end it on our terms.”

The next day, Anthony met with his attorney.
“I want to file for legal adoption of Kai,” he said firmly.

The lawyer raised an eyebrow.
“That’s a bold move, especially after the DNA ruling. Are you sure?”

Anthony nodded.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

Weeks passed. Papers were filed, hearings scheduled. Shayla objected, of course.
“You can’t take him away from me!” she cried during one of the hearings. “He’s my son.”

Anthony replied calmly,
“I’m not taking him away, Shayla. I just want to make sure he has stability. A home. Love.”

Shayla’s mother stood again, fiery as ever.
“You think a man who isn’t even his father deserves to raise him? You’ll never win this.”

Amber, standing beside Anthony, finally lost patience.
“We’re not trying to win, ma’am. We’re trying to end this endless war. For once, think about Kai — not your pride.”

Silence fell again. Even Shayla looked shaken.

When the judge finally spoke, his tone was measured but decisive.
“Given the emotional bond and the years of care demonstrated, the court will consider the adoption petition. Further review will determine what’s best for the child.”

Anthony closed his eyes, relief flooding through him. It wasn’t over yet, but for the first time in months, hope didn’t feel impossible.

As they stepped outside, Amber took his hand.
“Whatever happens,” she said softly, “we’re doing this together.”

Anthony looked up at the sky, a faint smile touching his lips.
“Yeah,” he whispered. “This time, no more lies. No more court battles. Just family.”