“why didn't you inform us about your situation? Did you want your father and I to worry ourselves sick?"

Janiya approached the bedside, taking a seat. Her tone held a note of reprimand, yet it was saturated with concern

Sanford offered a smile cause any undue worry."

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want to

Janiya Robles, his mother, studied him for several seconds before shifting her gaze onto Maggie.

“Were you concerned about your father and I worrying about you, or did you simply not want us to meet her?"

The moment Maggie heard Sanford address the woman as his mother, a wave of unease washed over her.

Janiya, with her short curly hair and dignified air, must have been quite the beauty in her youth

However, the way she was scrutinizing Maggie was less than friendly.

Maggie swallowed, politely extending her greetings.

“Hello, Mrs. Robles."

Janiya's gaze bore into her as she rose, approaching Maggie.

“Are you Maggie Shear?"

“Yes, I am," Maggie replied, the note of obedience clear in her voice.

“Mom...”

Sanford attempted to intervene, but Janiya cut him off, “Quiet.”

Her focus returned to Maggie as her hand lifted, Landing a slap on Maggie's face.

Taken aback, Maggie brought a hand up to her stinging cheek, staring at Janiya in disbelief.

Why did his mother slap her?

Sanford, lounging on the bed, was taken aback as well.

He shifted his position, pulling back the covers, intent on rising from the bed.

"Mom, why did you slap her? Ahem!"