Chapter 3
"Is Ethan's birthday August 13th?" I asked.
Veronica nodded.
The last shred of denial in my chest snapped.
0813. The PIN to Alex's debit card.
I had asked him once whose birthday it was.
He told me it was just a random string of numbers.
Veronica pulled out her phone and shoved a photo in my face.
It was the three of them. Alex was holding Ethan, smiling at the camera with pure, unadulterated happiness.
My world collapsed in that single second.
The marriage I believed in, the husband I thought loved me—it was all a lie.
Veronica watched the color drain from my face, finally satisfied.
"Have the baby. Wait for the cord blood match. And once Ethan is cleared for the transplant, you need to stay the hell away from Alex."
"Otherwise, the second Ethan is stable, I can still make you lose everything."
She turned on her heel and strutted out.
I sat in that bed, wide awake all night.
The events of the last two days had ground me into dust.
But the more shattered I felt, the more I forced myself to survive.
The next morning, Alex walked in carrying hospital breakfast and hot soup. The second he saw the dark circles under my eyes, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Lillian, did you not sleep again?"
"I know you hate hospital food, so I brought your favorite oatmeal and toast."
I nodded, not pushing him away like I had the day before.
Seeing me calm, he visibly exhaled in relief.
The nurse checking my vitals smiled.
"Mr. Sterling is so thoughtful. Bringing you breakfast bright and early."
Alex offered a modest smile and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
"Because my wife is worth it."
My heart plummeted. I set my fork down.
"I'm full."
"Okay," he said, his tone endlessly indulgent.
He packed up the containers, saying he was going to wash them out. I quietly slipped out of bed and followed him.
Sure enough, Veronica was waiting for him around the corner of the hallway.
They had barely exchanged two words before I stormed right up to them.
"Alex, is this that woman you knew from college?"
Before either of them could react, I chucked the rest of my drink directly into Veronica's face.
Veronica shrieked and lunged at me.
Alex instantly threw himself between us, blocking her.
Caught in the middle, looking completely panicked, he turned to me first. "Lillian, what the hell? Why would you just attack her?"
I bit my lip, forcing my eyes to well with tears.
"I always thought you two were too close. And now she's just hovering around the hospital? Did you do something with her while I've been pregnant?"
Alex immediately shifted into damage control.
"Veronica and I just bumped into each other. She's here for a follow-up at the OB-GYN clinic to pick up a prescription."
"What prescription?" I demanded, staring him down.
Alex shot Veronica a desperate, warning look.
Veronica's face was livid. She practically choked on her rage.
"What medication I take is none of your damn business."
She was clutching a pharmacy bag.
The top wasn't sealed tight, and I could clearly see a prescription bottle inside, though I couldn't read the label.
I deliberately raised my voice. "That's not normal OB-GYN medication."
People in the hallway started turning their heads.
Veronica's face instantly drained of color.
Alex quickly interjected, "Lillian, you're not a doctor. You can't just look at a bottle and jump to conclusions."
"You're right," I said, grabbing his arm and putting on a terrified expression. "I was too impulsive. What if I made her mad and she tries to get back at me?"
Alex patted my hand reassuringly.
"You're pregnant. Your hormones are all over the place. She understands. Veronica isn't the type to hold a grudge."
I lowered my head and stayed quiet.
But the unease written all over his face was impossible to hide.