Fatally Yours

Chapter 75

1 Year Later

•INDIANA•

I cradled Sofia in my arms, gently swaying side to side as her wails filled the backyard. The soft glow of the sunset bathed the garden in warm hues, creating a perfect scene for the family dinner—except for the piercing cries of my daughter, which seemed to overshadow the lively laughter and chatter around the table. 

I had tried everything. Singing softly to her, rocking her in different rhythms, even letting her clutch onto my necklace, which she usually loved. Nothing worked. My baby girl was inconsolable, and her cries were starting to fray the edges of my nerves. 

Everyone had tried to help.

Aunt Demitra had taken Sofia briefly to see if her husband James would also help try to calm her down. It didn't. Aunt Aleesa tried distracting her with a soft toy, making animated faces and noises, but Sofia's screams only grew louder.

I knew the only way to calm her down was to give her to Dominik. He had this unexplainable way of calming her, his deep voice and steady presence working like magic every time.

But Dominik wouldn't be home for another hour, and I was running out of time and patience. 

I held Sofia closer to my chest, whispering softly, "Shh, baby, it's okay. Mama's here." But my voice trembled, betraying my own unease. 

The backyard was lively, the long table filled with family and food. Plates clinked, glasses were raised, and laughter bubbled through the air.

Aunt Relia and her new husband Ricardo were lost in their own conversation, Aleesa was recounting a funny story that had everyone in fits, and Lee was busy teasing Alexa about her latest shopping spree. 

Standing in the corner with a screaming baby in my arms, I felt like an outsider. A growing knot of guilt formed in my chest.

What if Sofia's cries ruined the perfect atmosphere? What if everyone grew annoyed, silently blaming me for failing as a mother to keep her calm? 

Aunt Aleesa's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She walked over with a sympathetic smile, brushing her curly hair back as she cooed softly at Sofia.

"Oh, sweetheart, what's got you so upset, hmm?" she said gently, running a finger along Sofia's tiny arm. 

"Nothing works," I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady. "I've tried everything, and she just won't stop." 

Aleesa gave me a knowing look.

"It happens, darling. She's just a baby. It's not your fault." 

But it felt like my fault.

The sound of clinking silverware and bursts of laughter around the table only made me feel more overwhelmed.

The contrast was unbearable—everyone was enjoying the evening, while I was standing here on the verge of tears with Sofia's cries ringing in my ears. 

Aleesa's hand rested gently on my shoulder, grounding me.

"Nik will be home soon," she said with a reassuring squeeze. "And if I know him, he'll fix this in an instant. You're doing great, Indiana." 

I nodded weakly, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"I just... I just need him to hurry," I whispered. 

Sofia's cries felt like they echoed louder than ever, drowning out the happy voices in the background. I hugged her closer, rocking her with more urgency.