Chapter 36 The park buzzed with life on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Parents chatted on benches, children laughed as they played, and soccer balls zipped across the field.
Ryan leaned against a nearby tree, his gaze fixed on Damien as he dribbled the ball with growing confidence.
Amelia sat on the bleachers, her focus split between Debbys sketchpad and Damiens practice.
She had begun to relax, feeling a fleeting sense of normalcyuntil it shattered.
Damien chased the ball toward a cluster of trees at the edge of the park.
The area was partially obscured, and for a moment, he was out of sight.
Amelias heart skipped a beat.
Ryan, she said urgently, pointing toward the trees.
Ryan was already moving.
Stay here with Debby, he barked, his long strides quickly carrying him toward the tree line.
As he rounded the corner, his heart stopped.
A hooded figure loomed over Damien, gripping his arm.
Let me go! Damien yelled, struggling against the mans hold.
Hey! Ryan shouted, his voice like a thunderclap.
The figure froze, then attempted to drag Damien further into the shadows.
Fueled by pure adrenaline, Ryan charged, slamming into the man with a force that sent them both sprawling.
Damien scrambled back, his wide eyes locked on his father.
Dad! Run to your mom! Ryan yelled, pinning the man to the ground.
The assailant fought back, landing a punch that split Ryans lip.
But Ryan didnt falter.
He threw a punch of his own, his knuckles connecting with the mans jaw.
Amelia appeared moments later, clutching Damien tightly.
Her eyes widened at the sight of Ryan grappling with the hooded figure.
Call the police! she shouted, her voice trembling.
Debby clung to Amelias side as she fumbled for her phone, her fingers shaking as she dialed.
The scuffle ended when Ryan managed to twist the mans arm behind his back, holding him down as he panted heavily, blood dripping from his lip.
Police sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder with each passing second.
When the officers arrived, they cuffed the man and led him away.
Ryan wiped his bloody lip with the back of his hand, turning to Damien, who stood frozen with tears streaming down his face.
Ryan knelt, pulling his son into a tight embrace.

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

Its okay, buddy, he said, his voice breaking.
Youre safe now.
You saved me, Dad, Damien whispered, clutching Ryans shirt tightly.
Amelia watched the scene with a mixture of relief and gratitude.
Despite her complicated feelings toward Ryan, there was no denying his unwavering determination to protect their children.
As the sun set on the chaotic day, the family returned home, their bond strengthened by the ordeal.
But Amelia couldnt shake the feeling that this was only the beginningand that whoever was behind the threats wasnt finished yet.
________________ Next Chapter