Chapter 3
504words
His coldness cut deep, but for Owen's sake, I'd swallow my pride.
"Thank you," I took the check, my voice barely a whisper.
"Don't thank me," Nolan said flatly. "This is business, nothing more."
I turned to leave, but Emma suddenly piped up: "Chloe, would you like me to visit your son at the hospital? I might be able to help."
I knew her offer was poison wrapped in silk, but I wouldn't stoop to her level in front of Nolan. "That won't be necessary, thank you."
"Don't be so cold," Emma linked her arm through mine with fake warmth. "We were friends once. We can be friends again."
Friends? The woman who'd circled my marriage like a vulture now wanted to play nice? I gently but firmly pulled my arm away.
"I really need to get back to the hospital," I said. "My son needs me."
"I'll go with you," Emma insisted, turning to Nolan. "Darling, I'll accompany Chloe to the hospital. You focus on your work."
Nolan nodded, not even looking up from the documents on his desk. His indifference cut deeper than his anger ever could.
The moment we were out of his office, I yanked my arm away from Emma. "What the hell do you want?"
"Relax, Chloe," Emma smiled, her eyes cold. "I'm just curious to see what your little bastard looks like."
Her gaze made my skin crawl. Did she suspect the truth?
"My son is very ill. He doesn't need strangers upsetting him," I said firmly.
"Strangers?" Emma placed a hand over her heart in mock offense. "I'm practically your child's future aunt."
I couldn't hold back anymore: "Emma, cut the crap. We both know you'd throw a party if my son and I disappeared off the face of the earth."
Emma's smile vanished, her eyes turning to ice. "Smart girl. Yes, I want you gone from Nolan's life. So take the money and disappear. Don't come crawling back."
"Don't worry, I have zero interest in your fiancé," I said coldly. "Once my son recovers, I'll repay the money and you'll never see me again."
Emma nodded with satisfaction. "Smart move. I hope your son recovers quickly."
She turned and strutted away, her heels clicking against the marble floor like a victory march. I stood there, feeling more alone than ever.
Back at the hospital, I rushed through the admission paperwork. Owen was transferred to the pediatric ward and began a battery of tests.
"Mommy, can the doctors fix me now?" Owen asked weakly.
"Yes, sweetheart," I fought back tears as I kissed his forehead. "The doctors are going to make you all better."
Owen managed a small smile, one that mirrored Nolan's exactly. My heart ached. If Nolan knew Owen was his son, would that cold mask finally crack?
