Chapter 74 – You’ll regret it, Gabriel Bates!

KIRA.

The only company I had while I sat alone in my living room was the sound of the clock ticking. The room was still, silent, and heavy with the weight of my thoughts. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. Gabriel had won custody of Maddie again.

I felt sick to my stomach as I thought about it. How could this be happening? I had done everything in my power to prove to the court that Maddie was better off with me, but it seemed like none of it had mattered. Gabriel had won, and there was nothing I could do about it.

I tried to overcome the sense of helplessness that had taken hold of me. For Maddie’s sake, I knew I had to maintain my composure, but it was challenging when all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and sob.

I reflected on all the occasions I had spent with Maddie, the times we had had together, and our love and respect for one another. Everything seemed very genuine and real. I didn’t know how the court could disregard that.

But then again, Gabriel was a skilled manipulator. He had always twisted things to his advantage, to make people believe his lies. I had seen it happen before, and I knew he could do it again.

I couldn’t help but feel as though I was in a bad dream as I sat here, lost in thought. A nightmare from which it seemed impossible to wake up. Yet I was aware I had to keep battling and looking for a method to win Maddie back. I couldn’t give up on her, no matter how hard it seemed.

So I wiped away my tears and took a deep breath, determined to keep fighting for Maddie. Because she was worth it. And one day, I knew we would come back together again.

And the only way I could achieve that was going to Gabriel’s house and getting Maddie.

He opened the door on my first knock.

“Kira…”

“Where is she?” I asked looking past his shoulder.

“Maddie is not here!” he answered back, making room for me to come into his house.

“What do you mean she is not here? Where is she?” I asked again this time angrier.

Gabriel looked at me puzzled.

“How about we calm down and talk like two adults? Maddie’s at a neighbor’s. Something told me you were going to show up around here and I didn’t really want Maddie to be around,” he explained walking to the living room.

I could feel the blood boiling in my veins. Maddie wasn’t with him and he said it so easily.

“Calm down? Are you serious now? You are asking me to calm down?” I said with a sarcastic tone.

“Why are you so upset, Kira?” he asked like nothing just happened.

I gazed at him with an angry look.

“You know exactly why I’m upset, Gabriel. You won custody of Maddie again.” I yelled.

“Yes, I did. And for good reason. Maddie has adjusted very well to living with me over the past year.”

“That’s because you kept her away from me! You’re always trying to turn her against me!” I told him, throwing my hands in the air.

“That’s not true, Kira. It is not my fault you were the one who kept her hidden first. I’m not the one trying to keep her away from you.”

“Oh, how generous of you admitting you didn’t manipulate me against me!” I shouted.

“Kira, you need to take responsibility for your actions. I didn’t make you keep her hidden for five years. You messed up again, and Maddie’s safety and well-being had to come first.”

“I didn’t mess up! I made a mistake, and I took responsibility for it. You’re the one who’s always trying to make me look like a terrible mother.” I explained, but all I could see was his angry gaze.

“Made a mistake and took responsibility? More likely, the court has made you amend that error. And I’m not trying to make you look like anything, Kira. I’m trying to do what’s best for Maddie. And right now, that means she’s better off with me.”

“You’re just using her as a pawn to hurt me! You don’t care about her at all!” I yelled.

“That’s not true, Kira. I love Maddie, and I’m doing everything I can to take care of her. You need to accept that and start making changes if you want to be a part of her life again.” He said, and it just shattered my heart. He spoke like it was a possibility I would never see her again.

“I just don’t understand why you can’t see that Maddie needs her mother in her life, too.” I sighed.

“I know that, Kira. Like I said, I’m not trying to keep you away from her. But you need to show me you can be a responsible and reliable parent. I know what you’ve been through hasn’t been easy, but not once have I seen you walking aimlessly around town. You said it yourself you’ve been in therapy. I’m sorry to remind you, but you started this war, but you still have the power to end it.”

“I just miss her so much…” I said, collapsing on the couch.

“I know, Kira. And I want Maddie to have a good relationship with both of us. But it’s up to you to make that happen. We both want what’s best for Maddie, I am sure of that,”

What Gabriel was saying were just empty words dressed up nicely to sound important. He didn’t fool me so easily anymore.

I couldn’t believe I was so naïve back then. Gabriel had me wrapped around his finger, and I was too blind to see it. He would tell me what to do, how to think, and I would obey him like a trained puppy. But not anymore.

Now I was a mother, and I had a responsibility to protect my child. And when Gabriel took my baby away from me, that was the ultimate betrayal. I would never forgive him for that.

I used to think that Gabriel had my best interests at heart, but now I knew better. He only cared about himself and his own desires. He didn’t care about anyone else, especially not me.

But I was not the same gullible Kira that he could manipulate so easily. I was stronger now, and I wouldn’t let him get away with what he had done. I wouldn’t rest until I got my baby back, and Gabriel would pay for what he did to me.

“Listen here, Gabriel Bates! You have three days to give me back my daughter! Not more, not less!” I said gazing into his eyes.

“Kira, you know that’s not possible. I have full legal custody. Two judges decided it,”

“I don’t care about the legalities, Gabriel. You took my daughter away from me, and I want her back. I’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.” I yelled at him.

“Kira, please calm down. We can talk about this rationally.” he said.

“I am calm, Gabriel. But I’m also serious. If you don’t give me my daughter back, I won’t be responsible for what happens next.” I warned him.

“Kira, what are you saying? Don’t make this harder on yourself” “

“I’m saying that I’ll do whatever it takes to get my daughter back. Even if that means taking legal action again, or going public with our story, ruining your reputation as a respectable CEO. I couldn’t care less,” I said.

“Kira, please don’t do anything stupid. I am sure we can work this out.” he tried to reason with me but I was way too angry at this point.

“No, Gabriel. We can’t. I’ve given you enough time to do the right thing, and you haven’t. So now I’m giving you an ultimatum. Give me my daughter back, or face the consequences.” I warned him again.

“Kira, I can’t just give her back like that. It’s not that simple. But we can reach an agreement that benefits us both. I get it, you’re not interested in legalities. Then let’s ignore them, but we can work it out like two adults for Maddie’s sake.”

“Then make it simple, Gabriel. Do the right thing and give me my daughter back. Or else you’ll regret it! I swear it to you, Gabriel Bates!”