“You participated in a scheme to deprive a biological mother of her infant child.”

“This court finds that your actions constitute severe custodial fraud.”

The judge picked up her pen, marking a document on her desk.

“Under the Colorado Children’s Code, I am stripping you, Olivia Grant, of any and all parental rights.”

Olivia let out a sharp, choked sob, burying her face in her hands.

“Ethan Lawson,” Judge Myers said, turning her gaze to my ex-husband.

Ethan’s shoulders slumped, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths.

“You abused your position as a spouse and a co-owner of the marital estate to forge consent forms.”

“You helped your mother hide the child’s true identity from your former wife.”

“You have demonstrated a complete lack of moral fitness to parent.”

“Your parental rights are hereby terminated, effective immediately.”

Ethan closed his eyes, a single tear running down his cheek, but he said nothing.

The court clerk’s fingers flew over the keyboard, recording the orders.

I felt a cold sensation in my chest, a sudden release of pressure that had been building for eighteen months.