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.

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

Chapter 65

time and again. Cyrus was special, in ways that

did

the park. The unease I felt after the mention

Cyrus and I walked back toward home, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows across the path, I saw a figure

wrapped gift in his hands, his eyes lighting up when he saw us approach. "Doris, Cyrus," he called out with a wide smile. "I brought something for

don't like the way he smells." His words were enough to send a protective jolt through me, and I tightened my grip on

need to give him anything," I said, trying to keep my voice

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

front of Cyrus, my heart racing. "Cyrus doesn't want to get close

toward Cyrus. Without warning, he grabbed my wrist, not harshly, but

Nathan said, his voice softening with what seemed like

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