Jenifer's POV
The question almost slipped out—why was Romano here by himself? Where was Reed? But I caught myself before the words could escape.
I gave Romano a detached look, stayed silent, and walked right past him.
Natalia watched me brush off the child like that. Worry flickered across her face as she glanced between Romano and me, then hurried to catch up, clearly wanting to offer some comfort.
"Mommy, why are you walking away from me?" Romano's voice rose with anger as he saw me step around him. He chased after me, his small feet quick on the ground.
When Romano looked up, he found me staring down at him with blank eyes. Gone was the warmth and tenderness he was used to seeing. The change seemed to shake him.
Still, he gathered his nerve and declared, "Hmph, Mommy, what if I get really mad and decide I don't want you as my mother anymore?"
