A reborn mother longs for her daughter's happiness.

Chapter 3 The Divorce Debate: The Division of Love and Responsibility

Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere was as heavy as the sky before a storm. Li Yuan, in the defendant's seat, looked slightly pale, her eyes a mixture of weariness, determination, and a barely perceptible sadness. Wang Qiang, in the plaintiff's seat, frowned, his expression complex, a mixture of anger, resentment, and helplessness. They both knew that today's negotiation would determine everything they had once shared—their marriage, family, house, and daughter's fate.

The judge sternly struck the gavel, and the trial officially began. Looking at both parties, the judge stated calmly, "Today we are here to hear and negotiate the divorce case between Ms. Li Yuan and Mr. Wang Qiang. First, we will discuss the division of property, especially the ownership of the real estate, and the issue of child custody. Both parties may state their views and reasons."

Wang Qiang cleared his throat and spoke first: "Your Honor, although Li Yuan's parents paid for the house, I paid for the renovations, and we have lived together since our marriage. I believe I also have a right to the house. The house cannot be simply awarded to her." His eyes revealed a firmness.

Li Yuan frowned slightly and retorted, "Wang Qiang, you know very well that the house was bought by my parents for our marriage, and the property certificate is in my name. Your renovation of the house was a voluntary contribution from you as a husband, so how can you use that to demand the house back? Besides, we are separating now, and the house should rightfully be mine."

The judge looked at them and asked, "Does either of you have any evidence to support your claims?"

Li Yuan took out the purchase contract and property certificate and handed them to the court staff: "Your Honor, this is the purchase contract, which clearly states that my parents paid for the purchase and that I am the owner of the property. This is sufficient to prove the ownership of the house."

Wang Qiang was not to be outdone. He produced the renovation contract and a series of renovation expense invoices: "Judge, these are my evidence of renovating the house. I spent a lot of money and effort on this house to make it our home. I can't just lose it like this."

A brief silence fell over the courtroom as the judge and jury members examined the evidence.

The judge spoke again: "According to the law, if one party's parents contribute to the purchase of a house before marriage and the property is registered in the name of their child, it is considered a gift only to that child, and the property should be recognized as the personal property of that spouse. However, considering the husband's investment in the renovation, we need to weigh the matter further."

Li Yuan said anxiously, "Your Honor, the renovation was his contribution to the family, that's true, but it can't be his reason to fight for the house. Besides, I also covered our living expenses during our marriage, so I didn't owe him anything."

Wang Qiang glared angrily at Li Yuan: "Li Yuan, how could you say that? I've sacrificed just as much for this family as you have. I have feelings for this house too; we have so many memories there. You can't just kick me out like this."

At this point, the argument over the house had reached a fever pitch, with neither side willing to back down. Meanwhile, the lawyers nearby were quietly exchanging ideas, analyzing the case's trajectory.

The judge struck the gavel again, signaling for silence: "We'll set aside the housing issue for now. Let's discuss child custody. The child is currently an infant; what are both parties' thoughts?"

Tears welled up in Li Yuan's eyes: "Your Honor, my daughter is the child I carried for ten months and have been taking care of all along. She is still so young and cannot be separated from her mother. Moreover, I am looking for a stable job and income so that I can provide her with a good environment to grow up in. I request the court to grant me custody of my daughter."

Wang Qiang quickly said, "Judge, I love my daughter too. Although I'm busy with work, I can afford to hire a nanny to take care of her. Besides, my daughter can't be without her father. I believe I have the right to raise her."

Li Yuan was somewhat agitated: "Wang Qiang, you're so busy with work, often working overtime and traveling for business. How much time do you spend with your daughter? You haven't fulfilled your responsibilities as a father at all."

………………

Looking at the two arguing incessantly, the judge said sternly, "Please calm down. The court will consider the custody issue from the perspective of what is in the best interests of the child. Both parties may continue to state their advantages in raising the child."

Li Yuan wiped away her tears: "Your Honor, I have my own plans for her education. I will cultivate my daughter's good character and study habits from a young age. Moreover, my parents can help take care of her, and we can give her a loving family environment."

Wang Qiang thought for a moment and said, "Judge, I can adjust my work schedule to spend more time with my daughter. I will also give her the best educational resources, and I have a greater economic advantage, so I can give her a better material life."

The atmosphere in the courtroom remained tense as both sides fought for custody of their child.

At this point, Li Yuan's lawyer spoke up: "Your Honor, according to psychological research, infants need their mothers' company and care more at this stage. Ms. Li Yuan and her child have already established a deep emotional bond, and her stable family environment is more conducive to the child's growth."

Wang Qiang's lawyer retorted, "Judge, although the child is young, the father's role is equally important. Mr. Wang Qiang has a stable and high income, which can provide better material security for the child, and he is also determined to adjust his work to spend more time with the child. The father's custody rights cannot be revoked simply because the child is young."

The judge listened carefully to the statements from both sides and then said, "The court will take into account the circumstances of both parties, including their economic situation, family environment, relationship with the child, and plans for the child's future. Now let's return to the issue of the house."

After a heated discussion and careful consideration by the judge and jury members, the judge announced: "According to the law and the evidence provided by both parties, the house was purchased with funds from Ms. Li Yuan's parents and the property is registered in Ms. Li Yuan's name, therefore it should belong to Ms. Li Yuan as her personal property. However, considering Mr. Wang Qiang's investment in the renovation, Ms. Li Yuan should provide Mr. Wang Qiang with certain financial compensation."

Wang Qiang's face turned grim, but he didn't say anything; he just clenched his fists.

The judge continued, "Regarding the issue of child custody, the court believes that the mother's presence is crucial for the child's development during infancy. Therefore, custody is awarded to Ms. Li Yuan. Mr. Wang Qiang is required to pay child support as stipulated by law and has visitation rights."

Li Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, tears welling in her eyes. She looked in her daughter's direction, as if she could already see the future she would be living with her daughter.

Wang Qiang looked dejected. He knew the outcome was unchangeable, but his heart was still filled with reluctance.

He looked at Li Yuan and said slowly, "Li Yuan, I hope you can take good care of our daughter and not let her get hurt."

Li Yuan nodded slightly: "I will, don't worry. I also hope that you can abide by the court's judgment, pay child support on time, and come to see your daughter when you have time."

After the court hearing, Li Yuan carried her daughter out of the courtroom. Sunlight shone on them, creating a warm yet somewhat desolate scene.

Wang Qiang stood at the courthouse entrance, watching their departing figures, and lingered for a long time. He knew that this time, he had lost not only a marriage, but also his beloved family.

Li Yuan, carrying a heart full of sorrow yet filled with hope for the future, began a new life. She knew the road ahead was long, and she would provide for her daughter, no matter how difficult it would be, but she was prepared.