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

I had begged Carlos to let me participate in the project he was working on, desperate to be part of something bigger than myself. Carlos had been reluctant, but I had convinced him. And when I begged him not to let anyone know how the baby was born, he had agreed. Back then, Carlos had understood the importance of secrecy, not just for scientific confidentiality, but for the sake of decency. He had kept that promise, protecting me and Cyrus. And now, as I looked into his eyes, I saw the same determination. Carlos had always been my silent protector, stepping in when I needed him the most, but never asking for anything in return.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

But Nathan wasn't ready to back down. He stood there, fists clenched at his sides, his chest heaving with frustration. I could feel the tension building between him and Carlos, and I knew Nathan's temper all too well. He was a powerful Alpha, driven by instinct and raw emotion. Carlos, on the other hand, was the complete opposite-svelte, calm, always logical, a scientist through and through.

Nathan took a step forward, eyes locked on Carlos, his voice low and threatening. You think you can just show up and tell me what to do? You don't know anything about this."

Carlos's expression barely shifted, but I could see the disdain in his eyes. That alm, measured look only seemed to enrage Nathan further.

quickly stepped between them, my heart racing as I looked at Nathan. "Stop it, Jathan. This isn't the way."

Nathan's gaze flickered to me, his anger softening slightly as he registered my vords. Since our divorce, he had always carried that sense of guilt, as if he owed ne something. I knew he was trying to make up for the past, but this wasn't how o do it. I needed him to leave, for his sake and mine.

"Nathan, just go," I said, my voice firm.

For a moment, I wasn't sure if he'd listen, but then, with a sigh, he stepped back. His shoulders slumped in defeat, and he gave one last look at Carlos before turning and walking away, his retreat heavy with unspoken words.

The silence that followed was thick with tension, but I felt a weight lift as soon as Nathan disappeared. I turned to Carlos, worry knotting my stomach. "Why don't you bring a bodyguard with you?" I asked, my voice full of concern. "Nathan could've hurt you." Carlos didn't answer me right away. Instead, he turned to Cyrus, who had been watching the entire scene unfold from a few feet away, his small face brave but tense. Carlos crouched down in front of him, his voice gentle. "Are you scared, Cyrus?"

Cyrus shook his head, standing tall despite his young age. "No, I'm not scared. I'm going to protect my mom.".

His words hit me like a wave, and I felt a lump form in my throat. I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over, my heart swelling with pride and love for my son. He was so small, yet so brave.

up at

Carlos looked me, his eyes soft, and I could see a flicker of something I hadn't noticed before-admiration, perhaps. He stood, brushing off the tension as if it were nothing. "Let me take you both home," he offered, his voice steady.

I nodded, still shaken but grateful for his presence. We made our way back to my house in silence, and when we arrived, I hesitated for a moment at the door. I. wasn't sure if I should ask, but the words slipped out before I could stop them. "Would you like to come in?" Carlos paused for a second, then nodded, following me inside. The familiarity of the house seemed to hit him as soon as he stepped in, his eyes scanning the space, taking in the small details. It felt strange having him here again after so long, yet somehow, it was also comforting.

09:34

I watched him quietly for a moment before my curiosity got the better of me.

"Why didn't you go to the Alpha King's banquet?" I asked, leanin

doorway.

against the

Carlos shrugged, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "It was boring."

I raised an eyebrow. "Boring? It was an event to celebrate your work."

He glanced at me, the smile widening slightly. "Those kinds of events aren't my thing."

Before I could respond, something on my desk caught his eye-a planner I had been using to organize everything for the business. He walked over to it, picking it up out of curiosity. "What's this?" he asked, flipping through the pages. "Oh, feel free to take a look," I said, motioning for him to continue.

Carlos scanned the pages, his eyes narrowing slightly as he read. After a few

moments, he looked up at me, surprised. "Your business was shortlisted for the technology and innovation exhibition?"

I smiled, feeling a rush of pride. "Yes, it's a huge opportunity. There will be a lot of

investors there."

Carlos nodded, clearly impressed. "Congratulations, Doris. That's quite an accomplishment."

"Thank you," I said softly, feeling a warmth in his words. "It's a lot of work, but I'm

excited."

Just then, the doorbell rang. It was Carlos's bodyguard, arriving to pick up Cyrus. I could see the disappointment in Cyrus's eyes as he realized it was time to go, but before he could protest, Carlos knelt down beside him. 09:34