Chapter 92

"He was an angel," Renata beamed, placing the baby in his arms. "Hardly cried at all. Look at this little traitor, smiling as soon as he sees you."

The baby gurgled happily, his toothless mouth stretched into a wide grin. But Santino's smile didn't change. Even looking at his own son, the mask remained perfectly in place.

Latisha watched the picture of their happy family, her hand instinctively drifting to her own flat stomach, where an empty ache always resided. She had wanted that child so desperately, had protected it from Clifford, from those thugs... she had endured so much, only to have it all taken away by the Lamberts.

Renata twisted the knife. "You're still young, Latisha. You can always have another baby."

Latisha met her gaze. Renata's smile was dripping with mockery.

She forced a faint smile in return and said nothing, moving to the sofa to pour herself a glass of water.

Her silence seemed to infuriate Renata. She stood up abruptly. "Santino, you watch Jaden. I'm going to the restroom."

"Alright."

Santino held Jaden, adjusting the blanket around him.

Latisha sipped her water on the other side of the room. The silence in the living room was thick and heavy, broken only by the baby's soft coos.

Suddenly, Santino glanced over at Latisha. As if sensing his gaze, she looked up, and their eyes met. She quickly looked away, focusing on her glass.

“Latisha,” Santino began, "where's Clifford?"

She paused, then looked back at him and shook her head, indicating she didn't know.

“He wasn't at the office today," Santino said. “I thought he might be with you."

Latisha lowered her eyes. When had he ever skipped work to be with ker? That was a privilege reserved for Yesenia Yesterday was New Years Day, he had undoubtedly spent it with her.

On impulse, Latisha took out her phone and opened Instagram. If she wanted to know where Clifford was, she just had to check Yesenia feed. It was like a personal tracking device for him.

To her surprise, Yesenia hadn't posted anything yesterday.

Latisha refreshed the feed several times, but there was nothing new. Her last post

was from days ago. She checked Twitter; it was the same story.

Santino seemed about to say something else when his phone rang. It was Clifford.

He paused, placed the baby back in his bassinet, and answered the call.

"Clifford?"

His expression grew serious. "Now? Alright, I understand."

Latisha instinctively turned to look at him, a knot of anxiety forming in her stomach.

After hanging up, Santino pushed the bassinet closer to Latisha. "Could you watch him for me? I have to go out."

Latisha froze, her eyes falling on the

infant He was so perfect-plump with round eyes and chubby cheeks Every little movement was a

testament to his vibrant life.

She looked away, unable to bear it. Every time she saw this baby, she was haunted

by the image of her own child, reduced to a bloody mess.

Santino, noticing her discomfort, subtly moved the bassinet a little further away. “I'll

just leave him here. Just keep an eye on him."

At that moment, Renata returned from the restroom. The first thing she saw was Santino entrusting her son to Latisha.