Overworked
Chapter 81
Thursday 6th September, 2028
Maddie’s P.O.V
I was tidying up around the house in my pyjamas when my phone rang. “Hello?” I answered it.
“Can I speak to Madeline Styles please?”
“Speaking,” I said.
“Hi, this is the Divorce Court of California. You have been selected to join proceedings in the divorce of Niall James Horan and Annabel Natalia Horan and the custody of Andrew Benjamin Horan. Can you please be at court for 12pm to help us in our decision?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.”
“You’re supporting Niall correct?”
“I am.” I replied.
“His lawyer Mr Henry Dean will meet you at the doors and brief you on the situation that is currently occurring as I’m sure you are aware this has been going on for a few days now.” The woman informed me.
“Okay, thank you.” I said and she hung up. I looked at the time and it was 9.30. I’ll need to leave here at 10.30 because I need to drive there, there is so much security needed to get into a court and then Niall’s solicitor needs to tell me what’s going on so I’ve got an hour. I ran upstairs and went into my closet.
“What’s up?” Harry asked, walking in.
“I’ve been called to court for Niall.” I told him, picking out an outfit suitable for court.
“What did they say?”
“That I need to be there at 12 to help them make their decision on the divorce and custody of Drew,” I said and walked into the bathroom, turning on the shower. He nodded and I shut the bathroom door. Once I’d had my shower and got dressed I had 20 minutes. I sat down and did my make-up and jewellery quickly. Then I grabbed my bag, kissed Harry goodbye and ran out of the door, I still have to drive there and the divorce court is in Orange County which is about 45 minutes from LA. I got into my Mercedes and drove to the court listening to the radio.
“It is reported that the divorce of former One Direction star Niall Horan is well underway and getting very messy with his wife Annabel. Maddie Styles was seen rushing out of her house dressed for court this morning and driving towards Orange County where the Divorce Court of California is. Many believe that she will back Niall over her childhood friend due to an interview she did in Australia recently where she declared if she was called into proceedings, it would only be to support Niall.”
The newsreader on the radio stated. “No shit Sherlock,” I muttered driving into Orange County. Now to find the court. I looked at my satnav and eventually got to the court. I got out of my car and went inside.
“Ms Styles?” A man who I presume to be Niall’s lawyer walked over to me.
“Yeah,” I said. He led me to a sofa in the lobby of this place and we sat down.
“As I’m sure you are aware, this divorce is getting very messy with multiple claims on both accounts. It is clear that both Niall and Annabel would like custody of Andrew and due to the course these proceedings have been taking there will be no joint custody. Custody will have been decided by the 10th of this month and the divorce will be finalised. I’ll take you through security and you can see Niall under supervision for a maximum of 2 minutes purely to prevent him feeding you things to say. I understand you have had no contact with him since the start of proceedings as advised?” He spoke really posh and I felt so out of place.
“My husband has spoken to him but I haven’t.” I said and Mr Dean nodded. We walked through security and I was fine to continue. Mr Dean took me into a room and Niall was pacing up and down.
“Mr Horan,” His lawyer called him and he turned around rushing towards me.
“Thank god you're here.” He hugged me.
“I’d do anything for you Irish. I told you before all of this started that I would be there for you if you needed me.”
“I’m losing, I’m losing bad Maddie. I can’t lose that boy, he is all I’ve got left,” He said, still holding onto me.
“It’s okay Ni, I’ll help you through this,” I kissed his cheek and he pulled away.
“I’m so sorry I brought you into this.”
“If it helps you get Drew back I don’t care what happens. As long as you’re happy Niall, that’s all that matters.” I said and Mr Dean called time. I checked my phone and it was 11.55. I turned it off and Niall was led into court, me following shortly after.
“Hall rise,” Someone said and everyone stood up as the Judge entered. He took a seat and so did everyone else apart from Belle, Niall and me who had to stand up.
“We return for the third day in proceedings of the divorce between Niall James Horan and Annabel Natalia Horan and for custody of Andrew Benjamin Horan. I am Judge Hawthorn and today we are joined by Madeline Styles who will be standing in favour of Niall.” The Judge stated and as I was in a stand near both Niall and Belle I could hear what both of them were muttering.
“Traitor,” Belle muttered. Proceedings took off as they had been for the previous days and I was shocked to see both of them accusing each other.
“Madeline,” the Judge called on me and I looked up at him. “Please confirm that you are not a family member of either Niall or Annabel.”
“I am not.” I said and he nodded.
“Have you had contact with them since proceedings began?” He asked.
“No.” I answered honestly.
“Is it true that you are a childhood friend of Annabel?”
“It is.”
“And that you have been through custody proceedings on your daughter Brooklyn Faye Styles?”
“A long time ago but yes,” I confirmed.
“What was the result?”
“I didn’t get custody.”
“May I ask why?”
“I wasn’t in a stable condition to look after a child as young as she was.” I said and he nodded, going back to Niall and Belle’s case.
“Why are you in favour of Niall?”
“He’s a great dad and would do anything for Andrew. Annabel destroyed him when she aborted his baby and he doesn’t deserve that. I’ve known him for around 15 years now and he is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. He wouldn’t do anything to harm or upset anyone. Andrew is a massive part of Niall’s life and as soon as he was born Niall changed. Niall became a better person because of it and he was ecstatic about having a child. Previously he had only had his nephew Theo who he is amazingly close to and when his own child came into the world he adored him. Niall hated going out with the guys because he wanted to spend time with Andrew. He would watch him sleep purely because he could. Belle would just go out every night or work all the time, not caring what would happen. Ever since she met him through me she has liked his money not him as a person. They split up for a while and she had another boyfriend within weeks. It was ridiculous because Niall was still broken over it but she had already moved on. It became clear to me then that she didn’t love him, she just loved his bank account.” I said.
“Is this true Annabel?”
“No, she’s talking rubbish.” Belle lied.
“No she isn’t! That’s all true and you know it!” Niall screamed at her. I watched them have a screaming match before they were silenced. The day dragged on sooo long before we were finally dismissed. I walked out of the court and got into my car, ready for the long drive home. It was 10pm when I finally got home. I walked in, kicked off my shoes, and threw myself on the couch.
“I hate court.” I groaned and Harry laughed.
“Who likes it?” He asked.
“Lawyers and Judges,” I stated and he laughed again.
“How’s it going anyway?”
“In Belle’s favour and I have no idea how. She’s lying about EVERYTHING.” I emphasised ‘everything’.
“I’m sure Niall will power through.”
“You haven’t seen him Haz. He was pacing around when I got there and then he hugged me and wouldn’t let me go for ages. He’s destroyed, he really is. It’s going to kill him if he loses.” I said and he pulled me onto his lap.
“He’s a strong lad, don’t worry about him baby.” He kissed me and pushed my hair back. “C’mon, let’s go and get some sleep.” He said, picking me up and taking me upstairs.
Maddie’s P.O.V
I was tidying up around the house in my pyjamas when my phone rang. “Hello?” I answered it.
“Can I speak to Madeline Styles please?”
“Speaking,” I said.
“Hi, this is the Divorce Court of California. You have been selected to join proceedings in the divorce of Niall James Horan and Annabel Natalia Horan and the custody of Andrew Benjamin Horan. Can you please be at court for 12pm to help us in our decision?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.”
“You’re supporting Niall correct?”
“I am.” I replied.
“His lawyer Mr Henry Dean will meet you at the doors and brief you on the situation that is currently occurring as I’m sure you are aware this has been going on for a few days now.” The woman informed me.
“Okay, thank you.” I said and she hung up. I looked at the time and it was 9.30. I’ll need to leave here at 10.30 because I need to drive there, there is so much security needed to get into a court and then Niall’s solicitor needs to tell me what’s going on so I’ve got an hour. I ran upstairs and went into my closet.
“What’s up?” Harry asked, walking in.
“I’ve been called to court for Niall.” I told him, picking out an outfit suitable for court.
“What did they say?”
“That I need to be there at 12 to help them make their decision on the divorce and custody of Drew,” I said and walked into the bathroom, turning on the shower. He nodded and I shut the bathroom door. Once I’d had my shower and got dressed I had 20 minutes. I sat down and did my make-up and jewellery quickly. Then I grabbed my bag, kissed Harry goodbye and ran out of the door, I still have to drive there and the divorce court is in Orange County which is about 45 minutes from LA. I got into my Mercedes and drove to the court listening to the radio.
“It is reported that the divorce of former One Direction star Niall Horan is well underway and getting very messy with his wife Annabel. Maddie Styles was seen rushing out of her house dressed for court this morning and driving towards Orange County where the Divorce Court of California is. Many believe that she will back Niall over her childhood friend due to an interview she did in Australia recently where she declared if she was called into proceedings, it would only be to support Niall.”
The newsreader on the radio stated. “No shit Sherlock,” I muttered driving into Orange County. Now to find the court. I looked at my satnav and eventually got to the court. I got out of my car and went inside.
“Ms Styles?” A man who I presume to be Niall’s lawyer walked over to me.
“Yeah,” I said. He led me to a sofa in the lobby of this place and we sat down.
“As I’m sure you are aware, this divorce is getting very messy with multiple claims on both accounts. It is clear that both Niall and Annabel would like custody of Andrew and due to the course these proceedings have been taking there will be no joint custody. Custody will have been decided by the 10th of this month and the divorce will be finalised. I’ll take you through security and you can see Niall under supervision for a maximum of 2 minutes purely to prevent him feeding you things to say. I understand you have had no contact with him since the start of proceedings as advised?” He spoke really posh and I felt so out of place.
“My husband has spoken to him but I haven’t.” I said and Mr Dean nodded. We walked through security and I was fine to continue. Mr Dean took me into a room and Niall was pacing up and down.
“Mr Horan,” His lawyer called him and he turned around rushing towards me.
“Thank god you're here.” He hugged me.
“I’d do anything for you Irish. I told you before all of this started that I would be there for you if you needed me.”
“I’m losing, I’m losing bad Maddie. I can’t lose that boy, he is all I’ve got left,” He said, still holding onto me.
“It’s okay Ni, I’ll help you through this,” I kissed his cheek and he pulled away.
“I’m so sorry I brought you into this.”
“If it helps you get Drew back I don’t care what happens. As long as you’re happy Niall, that’s all that matters.” I said and Mr Dean called time. I checked my phone and it was 11.55. I turned it off and Niall was led into court, me following shortly after.
“Hall rise,” Someone said and everyone stood up as the Judge entered. He took a seat and so did everyone else apart from Belle, Niall and me who had to stand up.
“We return for the third day in proceedings of the divorce between Niall James Horan and Annabel Natalia Horan and for custody of Andrew Benjamin Horan. I am Judge Hawthorn and today we are joined by Madeline Styles who will be standing in favour of Niall.” The Judge stated and as I was in a stand near both Niall and Belle I could hear what both of them were muttering.
“Traitor,” Belle muttered. Proceedings took off as they had been for the previous days and I was shocked to see both of them accusing each other.
“Madeline,” the Judge called on me and I looked up at him. “Please confirm that you are not a family member of either Niall or Annabel.”
“I am not.” I said and he nodded.
“Have you had contact with them since proceedings began?” He asked.
“No.” I answered honestly.
“Is it true that you are a childhood friend of Annabel?”
“It is.”
“And that you have been through custody proceedings on your daughter Brooklyn Faye Styles?”
“A long time ago but yes,” I confirmed.
“What was the result?”
“I didn’t get custody.”
“May I ask why?”
“I wasn’t in a stable condition to look after a child as young as she was.” I said and he nodded, going back to Niall and Belle’s case.
“Why are you in favour of Niall?”
“He’s a great dad and would do anything for Andrew. Annabel destroyed him when she aborted his baby and he doesn’t deserve that. I’ve known him for around 15 years now and he is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. He wouldn’t do anything to harm or upset anyone. Andrew is a massive part of Niall’s life and as soon as he was born Niall changed. Niall became a better person because of it and he was ecstatic about having a child. Previously he had only had his nephew Theo who he is amazingly close to and when his own child came into the world he adored him. Niall hated going out with the guys because he wanted to spend time with Andrew. He would watch him sleep purely because he could. Belle would just go out every night or work all the time, not caring what would happen. Ever since she met him through me she has liked his money not him as a person. They split up for a while and she had another boyfriend within weeks. It was ridiculous because Niall was still broken over it but she had already moved on. It became clear to me then that she didn’t love him, she just loved his bank account.” I said.
“Is this true Annabel?”
“No, she’s talking rubbish.” Belle lied.
“No she isn’t! That’s all true and you know it!” Niall screamed at her. I watched them have a screaming match before they were silenced. The day dragged on sooo long before we were finally dismissed. I walked out of the court and got into my car, ready for the long drive home. It was 10pm when I finally got home. I walked in, kicked off my shoes, and threw myself on the couch.
“I hate court.” I groaned and Harry laughed.
“Who likes it?” He asked.
“Lawyers and Judges,” I stated and he laughed again.
“How’s it going anyway?”
“In Belle’s favour and I have no idea how. She’s lying about EVERYTHING.” I emphasised ‘everything’.
“I’m sure Niall will power through.”
“You haven’t seen him Haz. He was pacing around when I got there and then he hugged me and wouldn’t let me go for ages. He’s destroyed, he really is. It’s going to kill him if he loses.” I said and he pulled me onto his lap.
“He’s a strong lad, don’t worry about him baby.” He kissed me and pushed my hair back. “C’mon, let’s go and get some sleep.” He said, picking me up and taking me upstairs.
Notes
It's not looking good, who do you think will get custody?
Day 77
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@Hazza'sGirlxx
I know right! He is part of the One Direction Legend that is still living on and he is being carried along with it.
3/26/15