Chapter 73 – I made my decision!

KIRA.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I thought about seeing Gabriel again in court. The citation had finally reached him, and we would have face off once more in our never-ending battle for custody of Maddie. It had been a year since I last saw her, and the pain of not being able to be with her on her sixth birthday still stung my heart.

But I wouldn’t let that get to me. I would fight tooth and nail to get her back, no matter what it took. This time, with the help of my new lawyer and the additional evidence we had gathered, I was sure we would come out on top.

It was not just about winning, though. It was about being reunited with my daughter, about being able to hold her close and tell her how much I loved her. Being a mother to her was what it was about, something he had denied me for a long time.

I couldn’t let myself get too emotional, though. I needed to stay focused, to keep my eye on the prize. Gabriel would do everything in his power to keep Maddie away from me, but I wouldn’t let him win. I would show the judge that I was a fit and loving parent, that Maddie deserved to be with me.

I was angry, yes, but it was a controlled anger, a fierce determination to do whatever it took to be reunited with my daughter. Whether that meant presenting more evidence or speaking from the heart in front of the judge.

This time, I was sure we’d win. And when we would, Maddie would be back where she belonged, in my arms, safe and loved.

I walked into the courthouse hallway and my heart dropped to my feet. There he was, Gabriel, standing just a few feet away from me. I knew he was supposed to be here as the court subpoenaed him. But seeing him, after all this time, just shook me to my core.

“I can’t believe you appealed the court’s decision from a year ago,” he said in anger.

I felt my own fury and pain rising within me. How dared he judge me? How dared he act like he knew what was best for my daughter?

But I kept my composure.

“I did what any other mother would do. For my child’s future, I fought for her rights. I won’t let anyone take that away from her and me. Not even you, Gabriel Bates!”

Gabriel just looked at me with those cold, piercing eyes. I could see the contempt in his expression. “Don’t get your hopes up that you’ll still be with Maddie,” I told him, my voice shaking with emotion. “I won’t let you win her this time.”

And with that, I walked away, my heart pounding in my chest. Seeing Gabriel again had stirred up so many painful memories. Memories of the day he walked out on me, leaving me to pick up the pieces of my shattered soul. Memories of the countless nights I spent crying myself to sleep, wondering how I was going to make it through another day.

But now, I was stronger. I had fought hard to get to where I was today. And I wasn’t about to let Gabriel or anyone else take that away from me. Not now, not ever.

“All rise!” the bailiff said, as Judge Miller entered the room.

That was the beginning.

Judge Miller sat in his chair, flipping through the legal documents placed in front of him. I sat to his left and to his right sat Gabriel, who had custody of Maddie. The courtroom was bustling with activity as the lawyers and the parties involved prepared for the hearing. It was quite a gripping environment.

Judge Miller sat in his chair, flipping through the legal documents placed in front of him. To his left sat Miss. Reed, the appellant, and to his right sat Gabriel, who had custody of Maddie. The courtroom was bustling with activity as the lawyers and the parties involved prepared for the hearing. Mr. Stone, the appellant’s lawyer, sat next to Miss. Reed, while Mr. Finn, Gabriel’s lawyer, sat next to him.

“Good morning everyone, please be seated,” Judge Miller said, looking up from the documents. “We are here today to discuss the custody of 6-year-old Maddie. Ms. Kira, I understand that you have filed an appeal to get your daughter back. Can you please state your reasons for the appeal?”

I stood up, nervously fidgeting with her hands.

“Your Honor, I want my daughter back. Gabriel is not a suitable parent. He has a history of violence with my ex-fiancé, and I’m concerned for my daughter’s safety. Maddie is at an age where she needs constant attention, and Gabriel’s busy work schedule doesn’t allow him to be there for her. I, on the other hand, can provide her with the care and attention she needs.” I said resolutely.

Gabriel rose, his face contorted with anger.

“Your Honor, I disagree with Miss. Reed’s accusations. My work schedule does not interfere with my ability to take care of my daughter. I love her, and I will do everything in my power to give her a good life. In fact, I don’t even understand Miss Reed’s intention to appeal to the final decision of a year ago. I have proven myself capable of taking care of my daughter.” Gabriel argued and I could feel my blood boiling.

And then my lawyer came to my rescue.

“Your Honor, we have evidence that shows Gabriel’s history of violence. This, coupled with his busy work schedule, makes it clear he is not fit to be a parent.”

“Your Honor, I object!” Gabriel’s lawyer cut in. “The evidence presented by the appellant is circumstantial, and it proves nothing. Gabriel is a responsible parent and has been taking care of Maddie for the past year. The court should not take away his custody rights without firm evidence.”

“Your honor, I would like to argue that this evidence is relevant because it speaks to Gabriel’s character and ability to provide a safe environment for Maddie.” my lawyer stated.

“Miss Reed, do you have some kind of evidence that sustains what you just said about Mr. Bates?” the judge asked and I knew on the spot this would be one of my flows.

“Unfortunately no, Your Honor. I was the only witness back then. But a year ago, my former fiancee said it was true”

I could see the judge grimacing and I knew he wouldn’t take anything I’ve said so far into consideration.

“Overruled, counselor! If there is no evidence of that violent outburst in the past, we should not include it in the record.” the judge said and my heart sank. One down for me. “Now, let’s discuss the issue of time and attention. Ms. Reed, you mentioned that Mr. Bates’ work takes away from his time with little Maddie. Can you provide more information on this?” He continued the interrogation, and I saw that as an opportunity to regain the jury on my side.

“Yes, Your Honor. Gabriel is always busy with work and he travels frequently. He doesn’t have as much time to spend with Maddie as I do, and I believe that this is detrimental to her wellbeing,” I said.

“Your Honor, while it is true I am busy with work, I have always prioritized spending time with Maddie. I have a neighbor who helps take care of her when I am away, but I spend quality time with her whenever possible,” Gabriel interfered.

I looked at him in disbelief.

“Thank you for your statements. I will take all of this information into consideration when making my decision. Does anyone have anything else to add?” the Judge asked.

“Your Honor, I would like to emphasize that Ms. Reed has always been a loving and attentive mother to Maddie. She has a stable home environment and the means to provide for her daughter.” My lawyer stated.

“Your Honor, I would like to remind you that Gabriel is also a loving and attentive parent. He has provided a stable home for Maddie and has always prioritized her wellbeing.” Gabriel’s lawyer attacked.

Judge Miller listened to us carefully, taking notes as we spoke. Every time he noted something my heart stopped beating. He asked questions and made sure he clearly understood the situation.

After a few hours, the hearing was over, and Judge Miller retired to his chambers to decide.

When he returned, the first thing he did was to look at me “I understand your concerns, Miss Reed. However, based on the evidence presented, I don’t see enough grounds to change the custody arrangement. I believe Maddie is better off with her father, and I’m ruling in favor of Gabriel.” he concluded, and I shattered into pieces.

I could not believe he won again. I broke down crying and shouting.

“You’re making a mistake, Your Honor. You don’t understand how much Maddie needs me. Please reconsider your decision.”

Judge Miller remained calm but firm.

“I understand your pain, Miss Reed, but I have made my decision. The hearing is now over.”