Ruthless Revenge

Chapter 24

Holden's POV

Nightfall cast a somber hue over the room as I sat on the edge of Kieran's bed, the echoes of his cries reverberating through the silence. It had become a nightly routine, his tears an unwelcome lullaby that plagued my dreams and stirred a profound sense of helplessness within me.

Earlier in the day, I had hoped that a trip to the mall, surrounded by colorful toys and distractions, would provide some solace for Kieran. I had watched him wander through the aisles, his innocent eyes filled with wonder, hoping that the allure of new playthings would quell his sorrow.

But as the day had waned, and we returned home, the familiar tune of his anguish resumed. His cries pierced through the air, a piercing reminder of the bond he yearned for, the connection with his mother that had been abruptly severed.

I sat there, my heart heavy with a mixture of frustration and sorrow. How I wished I could bring him solace, to erase the pain that etched lines upon his cherubic face. But the truth remained, I alone could not fill the void that his mother's absence had left behind.

With a heavy sigh, I gently stroked Kieran's back, my voice a soft murmur against the backdrop of his tears. "It's alright, buddy. Daddy's here. We'll get through this together."

But the words felt hollow, a feeble attempt to offer comfort in the face of an insurmountable void. Kieran's sobs continued, a heartbreaking symphony that resonated within me. I couldn't help but wonder if my victory in the courtroom had come at too great a cost.

As I sat there, enveloped in the darkness of our shared room, I realized the weight of my responsibility. I had wanted to provide a stable and loving environment for Kieran, shielding him from the tumultuous circumstances that had led to this. But as I gazed upon his tear-stained cheeks, the ache within me intensified. Was my desire for control and dominance blinding me to the emotional toll this custody battle was taking on my son?

Guilt gnawed at my conscience, a relentless reminder that even with all the material possessions I could offer, it was his mother's love that Kieran yearned for.  

Was keeping him away from his mother truly the best course of action? The signs of his distress were becoming more apparent with each passing day, his diminishing appetite and melancholic demeanor serving as painful reminders of the toll their separation had taken on his fragile spirit.

In search of solace and guidance, I reached for my phone and dialed the number of my best friend, Kris, who was still in Atlanta. As the call connected, I braced myself for the honest conversation that lay ahead.

"Hey, Holden. What's going on?" Kris's voice greeted me, filled with warmth and concern.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, the weight of my doubts threatening to crush my resolve. "Kris, I need to talk. It's about Kieran... I don't know if I'm doing the right thing by keeping him away from his mother."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line as if Kris was carefully considering his response. "Holden, it's not an easy situation, I understand that. But you have to consider what's best for Kieran's well-being. Is his depression worsening? Are there any signs of improvement?"

I leaned back against the wall, staring into the darkness of the room, my voice filled with a mix of frustration and sorrow. "It's getting worse, Kris. He cries every night, refuses to eat sometimes. I can't bear to see him like this. I thought I was protecting him, but now I'm not so sure."

Kris's voice held a note of empathy as he replied, "Holden, parenting is never easy, especially in situations like these. It's important to listen to your instincts, but also seek professional help. Maybe it's time to consider therapy for Kieran, and perhaps even family therapy. It could provide a safe space for him to express his emotions and work towards healing."