Chapter 71

Sarina

I cried uncontrollably, my sweat, snot, and tears mixing together as I continued to shield Chase with my body, who was also crying non-stop. I felt Ralph kneel before me, so I curled up more tightly to protect our child.

I felt his hand on my head, and I braced myself for him to hurt me again. But I was shocked when he gently stroked my head instead and, with tears in his eyes, said, "I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, babe..." I looked up at him, and our eyes met.

Regret, sadness, and pity were all there, likely for me and our child. "I’m really sorry; I don’t know what came over me," he continued as he gently lifted my head. I thought he might just be pretending and would suddenly let go of me or slam my head onto the floor. The thought frightened me, and he noticed my fear. "Please, babe, don’t be scared. I’m really sorry. This is not going to happen again."

He helped me sit up, and we both turned to look at Chase when he suddenly started crying again. "I’m sorry, my son, if I scar