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

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.

As we talked, I watched Cyrus playing with the 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 parental pride-l

had seen it time and again. Cyrus was special, in ways that even I didn't fully understand.

did

The picnic 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 me, and I wanted to get back home and settle into something more familiar.

As Cyrus and I walked back toward home, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows across the path, I saw a figure up ahead. My heart sank as I recognized him-Nathan.

He stood by the path, holding a brightly 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 him."

Cyrus instinctively moved closer to me, his nose wrinkling as he whispered, "T don't like the way he smells." His words were enough to send a protective jolt through me, and I tightened my grip on his hand.

"Nathan, you don't need to give him anything," I said, trying to keep my voice even.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Nathan took a step closer, his smile faltering. "It's just a gift. I just want to be part of his life."

I stepped in front of Cyrus, my heart racing. "Cyrus doesn't want to get close to you, and neither do I," I said firmly, hoping Nathan would take the hint.

But Nathan didn't back down. His expression darkened as he stepped closer still, reaching out toward Cyrus. Without warning, he grabbed my wrist, not harshly, but firmly enough to make me tense.

"I just want to hug him," Nathan said, his voice softening with what seemed like sincerity. "He's my son too, Doris. I'm not trying to hurt anyone."

Panic shot through me as 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 to Chapter 65

protect Cyrus. Nathan's words were soft, almost affectionate, and for a split second, I hesitated. Maybe he really did just want to connect with Cyrus. Maybe- "No."

The voice that cut through the tension was cold, firm, and unmistakable. Carlos.

I turned to see him standing just a few feet away, his eyes fixed on Nathan, his expression unreadable. He stepped forward, his presence commanding, and his voice carried an edge that sent a shiver down my spine. "You have no right to touch this boy." Nathan's face twisted in confusion and anger. "What do you mean, I have no right? He's my son."

Carlos's gaze didn't waver. "Since this woman has nothing to do with you anymore, you certainly don't have free access to her child," he said, his voice steady.

Nathan's eyes flicked between Carlos and me, the frustration evident on his face. "What are you talking about?"

I felt my breath catch in my throat, and memories came flooding back-memories, of the day I found out I was pregnant.