He Lied in Court About Our Son—Until an 8-Year-Old Exposed Everything (2 of 3)

“Mr. Harris,” he began, addressing Damian, “You’re requesting a change in custody. According to your statement, your son has expressed he wishes to live with you. Is that accurate?”

Damian nodded without hesitation. “Yes, Your Honor. Noah”—he never called him Zaden, never liked the name I chose—“told me last night that he’s not happy living with his mother. He said he wants to stay with me full-time.”

I felt my stomach tighten into knots. My vision blurred for a second. Zaden didn’t look at me. His small hands were clenched together tightly, resting in his lap. I could see the tips of his fingers turning pale from the pressure.

“Zaden,” the judge said, his tone gentler now. “Would you like to say anything? You don’t have to, but you may if you want.”

Zaden stood up slowly. His voice was soft but clear. “Yes, sir,” he said.

The room went dead silent.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. “May I play something?” he asked, his eyes never leaving the judge’s.

The judge blinked, caught off guard. “Uh… yes, go ahead.”

Zaden tapped his screen, then held up the phone. Damian shifted uncomfortably. The audio started to play, crackling slightly at first—and then we heard it.

Damian’s voice.

“You need to say you want to live with me,” it barked through the speaker. “I don’t care what your mom says. You’ll get used to it. Just tell the judge what I told you to say.”