Soraya's POV
Jenny's voice was already tearing through the compound before I even finished fastening the button of my blouse.
"MARIA! COME OUT! WE'RE LATE!"
"I'm coming!" I yelled back, nearly tripping over the small luggage by my door.
I dragged it along and hurried downstairs—only to find Liam standing there at the bottom step, his small face crumpled, eyes glassy with unshed tears.
My heart squeezed painfully.
"Oh, sweetheart…" I knelt immediately.
He sniffed, rubbing his fist against his eye. "You're going to work again?"
His voice wobbled.
God. This child was going to break me.
"I have to, baby," I said softly, brushing his hair back. "Mommy has to do this. But… I promise I'll come home sometimes, okay? And when I do…" I tapped his nose, "I'll get you your favorite ice cream."
His lower lip trembled. "Strawberry?"
"The very one."
