Chapter 65

Alice woke up to Charlie's soft cries. She quickly got out of bed and picked up her baby boy from his crib. "Shh, it's okay, sweetie," she whispered, rocking him gently.

As she changed Charlie's diaper and got him ready for the day, Alice couldn't shake off the worry that had settled in her chest. The threatening text from last night kept playing in her mind.

She looked at Charlie, now happily babbling in his high chair as she prepared his bottle. He was so small, so innocent. At just eight months old, he had no idea of the fears that kept his mother up at night.

Alice's phone buzzed. Her heart raced, thinking it might be another threat. But it was just Max.

"Good morning. Hope you and Charlie had a good night. See you at work?"

Alice smiled, feeling some of her worry ease. She quickly texted back a "Yes, see you soon" before finishing Charlie's morning routine.

At the daycare, Alice hugged Charlie extra tight before handing him over to Miss Laura. "Please," Alice said, her voice shak