Chapter 2
I jerked awake to the sound of Leo's whimpers coming through the baby monitor. The digital clock on my nightstand glowed 2:17 AM. James's side of the bed was empty—his third night this week at Amanda's apartment.
Leo's whimpers escalated to a cry as I hurried down the hallway. When I pushed open his bedroom door, the heat radiating from his small body alarmed me before I even touched his forehead.
"Mommy, it hurts," he mumbled, his eyes glassy with fever.
My heart raced as I felt his burning skin. "Where does it hurt, sweetheart?"
"Everywhere." His little voice cracked as tears spilled down his flushed cheeks.
I fumbled for the thermometer in his bathroom. 103.4°F. Too high. I tried James's cell—straight to voicemail. Of course.
"We're going to the hospital, Leo," I whispered, wrapping him in his favorite dinosaur blanket. "Everything's going to be okay."
His small arms clung to my neck as I carried him to the car, his heat seeping through my nightgown like a warning.
* * *
The private hospital where James worked was all polished marble and hushed efficiency, even at three in the morning. I'd called ahead, so they were expecting us—the perks of being Dr. Hayes's family, even as that title felt increasingly hollow.
"Mrs. Hayes," the receptionist nodded with practiced sympathy. "We'll take Leo right back."
They whisked us into a private room in the pediatric ward. A nurse I didn't recognize took Leo's vitals while I hovered nearby, answering questions about his symptoms. The doctor ordered blood work and fluids for dehydration.
"Leo will be in good hands," he assured me. "We've assigned our best pediatric nurse to his case."
I was stroking Leo's hair when the door opened. My stomach dropped.
"Hello, Victoria." Amanda Collins glided in, her blonde hair pulled back in a perfect ponytail, her scrubs immaculate despite the early hour. "I'll be taking care of our little man."
Our little man. The casual possessiveness in her voice made my skin crawl.
"I'd prefer another nurse," I said quietly, not wanting to upset Leo.
Amanda's smile didn't waver. "I'm afraid that's not possible. We're short-staffed tonight, and Dr. Meyers specifically requested me for Leo." She turned to my son with a sugary voice. "We're going to make you all better, aren't we?"
Leo nodded weakly, too sick to sense the tension crackling between us.
I watched her like a hawk as she checked his IV line. When she reached for a syringe to administer medication through his port, her movements seemed unnecessarily rough. Leo winced.
"Careful," I said sharply.
"These ports can be tricky," she replied, her voice professionally neutral. As she leaned closer to Leo, she whispered, "Sorry, sweetie. Sometimes it pinches a little."
But I caught the glance she shot me over Leo's head—smug, challenging.
Leo's face contorted in pain again as she adjusted the IV.
"Stop," I stood up. "You're hurting him."
"Mrs. Hayes," Amanda straightened, her voice dropping to a condescending whisper that only I could hear. "Children's veins are delicate. Perhaps you should wait outside if this is too distressing for you."
"I want you removed from my son's care," I said, my voice trembling with barely controlled rage. "Now."
"Is there a problem?" James's voice cut through the tension. He stood in the doorway, white coat belted over his clothes, authoritative and distant.
"She's hurting Leo," I said, moving to stand between Amanda and my son.
James's expression hardened. "Victoria, you're being irrational. Amanda is one of our most skilled pediatric nurses."
"I saw her—"
"You saw a medical professional doing her job," he interrupted coldly. "Your anxiety is making Leo more upset."
As if on cue, Leo began to cry softly.
"See?" James gestured toward our son. "Amanda will continue to care for Leo. This isn't up for discussion."
Amanda's face was a mask of professional concern, but I caught the slight upturn at the corner of her mouth—victory.
"James, please," I whispered.
"Enough." His voice was low but final. "Amanda, please continue. Victoria, a word outside."
As he guided me firmly toward the door, I looked back at Leo. Amanda was already leaning over him, her hand resting possessively on his forehead, her eyes meeting mine with a look that sent ice through my veins.
My son was now under her care, and there was nothing I could do about it.