Chapter 4
Julian entered the delivery room like he owned the air.
He did not ask permission.
He did not wash his hands.
He did not greet the nurses.
He looked at Vivian with the cold satisfaction of a man who had found what he believed had been stolen from him.
“You should have called me,” he said.
Vivian’s voice was weak.
“I didn’t want you here.”
Julian smiled.
“That has never been the deciding factor.”
One nurse glanced at Nathan.
Nathan shifted slightly, keeping the baby secure.
Julian’s eyes moved to the newborn.
His expression softened for exactly half a second.
Not with love.
With possession.
Then he extended his hand.
“Step aside. I came for my son.”
Vivian flinched.
Nathan noticed.
That mattered.
People reveal danger in reflex.
A mother who had just delivered should not look more afraid of her ex-husband than of birth itself.
Nathan turned, placing his shoulder between Julian and the child.
“Not yet.”
Julian’s smile vanished.
“Doctor, you do not want to involve yourself in a family matter.”
Nathan looked at him.
“This is a medical room. He is a newborn. She is my patient.”
Julian’s jaw tightened.
Vivian whispered, “Please don’t let him take him.”
The room went silent.
The nurses heard it.
Julian heard it.
Nathan heard the fear beneath it, and whatever uncertainty remained inside him settled into resolve.
He adjusted the blanket carefully.
The birthmark remained visible.
Julian’s eyes followed the motion.
Nathan spoke before Julian could reach again.
“Then explain the mark beneath his ear.”
It was not an accusation yet.
Not fully.
It was a key placed into a locked door.
Julian recognized the door.
May you like
His face told Nathan that before his mouth did.
Read the full story 👉 Julian tried to claim the newborn through authority, but Vivian’s fear made Nathan step between them.
