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

Chapter 65

Confused, I turned off the TV, feeling a strange mixture of disappointment and concern. Carlos was always dedicated to his work, so why hadn't he attended the

banquet? I tried to shake the feeling that something was off, but the uncertainty

lingered.

A few days later, I decided to take Cyrus out for some fresh air. The park we frequented was a good escape from the thoughts swirling in my head. We packed a small picnic and headed out, joined by a few neighboring families who often came along. The children, including Cyrus, ran ahead excitedly while the adults found a spot to settle.

As we spread out our blankets and began to relax, one of the women next to me started chatting. Her voice was casual as she shared bits of gossip, but then she leaned in slightly. "You know, I think I saw Sienna at the infants' hospital the other day."

I froze, my mind racing at the mention of her name. Sienna? That couldn't be right. "Sienna?" I repeated, trying to keep my voice steady. "That's not possible. She's in prison. She was sentenced to ten years."

The woman shrugged. "I thought so too, but it really looked like her. Could be someone else, though."

I forced a smile, dismissing the idea as ridiculous. Sienna couldn't be out. Nathan didn't take the bail money on the set date, and she was serving her sentence. There was no way she could have been at the hospital. Still, the mention of her name sent an uneasy chill down my spine.

other children. His energy and quickness set him apart, even among kids who were older than him. He was sharper, faster, more physically coordinated, and I couldn't help but notice how the other children struggled to keep up with him. It wasn't just

Chapter 65

special, in

did

went on pleasantly enough, but by the time it ended, I was ready to leave the park. The unease I felt after the mention of Sienna had stayed with

back toward home, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows across the path, I saw a figure up ahead. My heart

by the path, holding a brightly wrapped gift in his hands, his eyes lighting up when he saw us approach. "Doris, Cyrus,"

he smells." His words were enough to send a protective jolt through me, and I tightened my grip

need to give him anything," I

his smile faltering. "It's just a gift. I just want to be

heart racing. "Cyrus doesn't want to get close to you, and

still, reaching out toward Cyrus. Without warning, he grabbed my wrist, not harshly, but firmly enough to

what seemed like

he moved toward Cyrus. I tried to pull back, but his grip on my wrist tightened. My heart was pounding, my instincts screaming at me