His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

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Chapter 34

in years.

As unapproachable as he seemed, something about Carlos intrigued me. His dedication to the medical organization, his relentless focus-it all felt like a world I wanted to be part of. And the children in the kindergarten had stirred something inside me, something I hadn't felt I cleared my throat, feeling awkward under the weight of his silence. "Dr. Carlos, I... I wanted to introduce myself properly. I'm Doris, a friend of Vesta's."

He gave the faintest nod, but his eyes drifted downward again, as though my words were an interruption he could barely tolerate.

I wasn't sure why I continued talking, but the words spilled out before I could stop them. "I saw the kindergarten earlier, and I was really moved. I'd love to be a part of it, to help with the children. I used to be a teacher, and I thought maybe I could work there part-time. For a moment, I thought he hadn't heard me. He stood completely still, his eyes still fixed on the ground, his face as cold and detached as ever. But then, without looking up, he spoke.

"The kindergarten is not a place for volunteers without proper clearance," he said, his voice flat, devoid of warmth.

"I understand that," I said quickly, trying to keep a hopeful tone. "But I'm not just any volunteer. I have experience with children, and I-"

"It's not about experience," he interrupted, his voice cutting through the air like ice. "There are protocols. The child

are part of a delicate program. It's not a

someone who

words stung. I felt my throat tighten, my heart sinking. I had expected some resistance, but this-this was a total

Chapter 54

voice smaller now, the

make a difference," I said, my voice smaller confidence fading with each

need," he said sharply, turning his

watching him walk away. The tears burned at the

refused to let

I had been so sure this could be my chance-a fresh start, al way to contribute to something bigger than

hands, letting the tears spill out now that I was alone. I had wanted this so badly, and now it felt as though all my hopes had shattered in an instant. The weight of

as I was about to give in to despair, I heard footsteps approaching.

voice said, and when I looked up, there

I had heard him right. His face was as unreadable as ever, but something was different-something softer in his posture, though his coldness

to speak with a staff member who handles applications," he said, his voice low but steady. "I don't

tissue, speechless. Carlos-this man who had just rejected me so completely-was now offering me a path

thank you," I managed to say,