part 7
PART 7
The nurse called security before Ethan asked.
That was how Serena knew she was not imagining the danger anymore.
Harper’s injury required an X-ray.
A small fracture.
Consistent with forceful twisting.
Not a simple fall.
Serena documented it carefully.
Another doctor signed the report to avoid any conflict of interest.
Hospital protocol began moving around them.
Child safety consult.
Social work.
Security notice.
A call to the police.
Ethan sat beside Harper’s bed with his head in his hands.
“I let her watch Harper.”
Serena stood across from him.
“You trusted a grandmother.”
“I trusted guilt.”
Harper looked at them.
“Am I in trouble?”
Ethan lifted his head so fast it hurt.
“No.”
Serena moved beside the bed.
“No, sweetheart.”
Harper’s eyes filled.
“Grandma said Daddy would be mad if I talked about the picture.”
Ethan looked like he might break.
He reached for her uninjured hand.
“I am not mad at you.”
Harper looked at Serena’s belly.
“Is there a baby in there?”
Serena’s breath caught.
“Yes.”
Harper’s eyes moved to Ethan.
“Is it my brother?”
The room went still.
Ethan looked at Serena.
Serena looked at him.
There was no simple answer that did not cut someone.
Serena crouched carefully beside the bed.
“We don’t know everything yet.”
Harper frowned.
“But Daddy asked if it was his.”
Ethan swallowed.
“Harper…”
She looked suddenly worried.
“Did I say something bad?”
Serena shook her head.
“No.”
“You told the truth.”
Harper nodded seriously.
“I think secrets make grown-ups worse.”
Ethan almost smiled through the pain.
“She may be right.”
Serena stood slowly.
The baby moved beneath her palm.
Ethan saw it.
His face changed again.
Not shock this time.
Wonder.
Then grief.
“I should have known.”
Serena’s voice was quiet.
“You should have listened.”
He nodded.
No defense.
No excuse.
Just the sentence sitting between them.
Then the hallway outside grew tense.
A nurse stepped in.
“Dr. Cole?”
Serena turned.
“Mrs. Hart is at the front desk.”
Harper grabbed Ethan’s hand.
Serena’s face hardened.
Ethan stood.
May you like
“Not near her.”
Read the full story 👉 Vivian arrives at the hospital after injuring Harper, and Ethan finally has to choose between guilt and protecting his daughter.
