Fortunately, Ryan didn't go down that route.
Not to speak of other things, but Ryan and Faith were solid folks, through and through. Even after finding out who their biological grandchildren were, they didn't immediately push Hiram away.
Ryan grabbed Hiram's hand, his face breaking into a warm smile, "Come on, Hiram, why don't you play with your brother and sister for a bit?"
It was then that Hiram's face lit up with a smile, as if he was being welcomed back into the family fold. He began to play with Serena and Brandon like a little grown-up, and somehow, the atmosphere in the living room turned unexpectedly harmonious.
It wasn't until an hour later, with Serena and Brandon fast asleep, that Neil reluctantly handed them back to me. Since the kids were asleep, it was naturally time for them to leave.
Ryan and Faith's faces were etched with reluctance, a sentiment I saw but didn't voice a request for them to stay longer.
"Hiram, you're going back with your dad. Be a good boy, okay?" I handed Hiram over to Neil, as it seemed more fitting for him to be with Neil, especially with the looming court date against Karina. It was better for Hiram to stay with his father for now.
Hiram nodded obediently, his eyes flickering towards Neil with a hint of hesitation and unease.
Neil took his hand, reassuring me with the gesture.
He wanted to ease my worries, promising to help me win Hiram's custody, and I believed he would follow through.
---
After Neil and his party had left, my parents came downstairs, their expressions somber. Thankfully, they didn't chide me, though their occasional sighs spoke volumes of their concerns. For the moment, all I could do was trust Neil.
I had initially thought we'd go straight to the court day against Karina. She had been detained but was expected to appear in court with police escort.
But the day before the trial, my doorbell rang again.
Seeing Karina at my doorstep took me by surprise. She had only been detained for a couple of days, and now she was out?
"Surprised to see me?" Karina didn't seem angry or upset; instead, she looked at me with a smile.
"Yes, surprised. I thought you'd be locked up for a good while," I shrugged and stepped outside, closing the door behind me to prevent Karina from entering my home.
I didn't want her bringing bad vibes into my space.
Karina's smile cooled a bit, but she kept pace with me as we walked towards the park. To an outsider unaware of our history, we might seem like two friends enjoying a stroll and chat.
In reality, the air between us was icy. I didn't want to exchange another word with her, but I knew she sought me out for something related to Hiram. I had to endure and hear her out.
"Karina, is this necessary?" I forced myself to stay calm, asking, "If you're willing to give Hiram's custody to Neil, we can overlook your past actions. Once everything's settled, we can give you a sum of money. You can go abroad and continue your life as a doctor."
"Which actions?" Karina stared at me.
"You know what you've done. If it weren't for Hiram, I wouldn't let any of it slide. I'd find evidence and ensure you face the consequences. But for Hiram's sake, I'm willing to be the bigger person, as long as you agree and disappear from our lives forever." Our eyes locked, both filled with defiance, but I had the upper hand.
I hadn't wronged anyone, nor did Karina have any leverage over me. The only thing I needed from her was regarding Hiram.
For that poor boy, I was willing to set aside past grievances, provided Karina kept her word and vanished from our lives for good.
But I seriously underestimated how ruthless Karina could be. She actually burst out laughing. “Ha, Irene, you’re such a bleeding heart. Hiram means nothing to you, yet you’re willing to sacrifice so much for him? Fool!”
“Well, you’ve been able to look at that child for all these years and not feel a thing. I can’t do that, especially after I found out you’ve been mistreating him. I swore then I’d never let you hurt him again. Karina, for someone like you to have had Kate Aaron wrapped around your finger for so long, to have your mother beam with pride over you, thinking she could target me even in death, and then to run away when it all fell apart... you’re really not worth it.” My response was emotionless. Faced with such malicious mockery, I didn't take it to heart.
With a clear goal and someone I wanted to protect, the opinions of others couldn't shake me.
Karina's smile froze on her face, as if I had struck a nerve.
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