Chapter 348

Serena's POV I held Rancy close, gently swaying back and forth as her sobs gradually quieted. How could I possibly explain any of this to a child? Some things were just too complicated for her little mind to comprehend. Her crying had turned to hiccups now, but my own thoughts were spiraling. Ryan's face kept flashing through my mind with disturbing clarity. Beyond the obvious anger and fear I felt, there was something else—something unexpectedly painful that made my chest tighten. Before I could process this feeling, I felt a tiny finger brush against my cheek. I hadn't even realized I was crying until Rancy was wiping away my tears with her small hand. "Mommy, Rancy sorry," she whispered, her eyes wide with concern. "Rancy was bad. Please don't cry anymore, okay?" Her bottom lip trembled. "When Mommy cries, I get scared." God, what was I doing? She was just a child. My child. This wasn't her burden to carry. I pulled her closer, walking slowly around the room while trying to find the