Flames of Betrayal

My little girl was under the weather, so I took some time off work to take her to the hospital.

Without thinking, I gave the cab driver an address. Only after we arrived did I realize it was the Hoffman family's hospital.

My daughter, Nicole Scott, was getting her blood drawn, her face all scrunched up. I gently rubbed her head, trying to soothe her.

Out of nowhere, the hospital erupted into chaos. I looked up to see a familiar figure heading my way.

It was Simon.

It hit me then.

After Ella's accident a few days ago, Simon's mother, Julia Parker, had insisted she rest up at the hospital. She was right upstairs.

Simon looked like he had just seen us, his eyes wide with surprise. "What happened to Nicole? You didn't even give me a heads-up."

With a scoff, I whipped out my phone and flashed the chat at him, highlighting the message I had sent three hours earlier, still unanswered.

Simon squirmed, lost for words, and after an awkward pause, he clumsily steered the conversation elsewhere.

"Actually... My mom's asking for you upstairs."

I scooped up my daughter and nodded for Simon to show the way.

Ella's room was a private sanctuary at the top of the hospital, reserved for the Hoffmans.

Stepping inside, I caught sight of Ella, heavily pregnant, trying to edge out of bed.

Simon was at her side in an instant, his face a mask of soft worry.

Julia's eyes, sharp as daggers, cut to me, dripping with her usual scorn.

The Hoffman elders had never taken a liking to me.

I had tried to explain that a non-cohabiting partnership was my family’s tradition, but they clung to the idea that I was irresponsible and flighty.

Julia's face transformed when she looked at Ella, her grin so wide it could split the sky.

"Ella had a scare recently... but thank goodness, everyone's okay. With that settled, it's time to put things right."

She gave her son's shoulder a reassuring pat, her eyes flicking to me with revulsion.

"That child of yours won't be any good, dragging our family name through the mud. Just make sure everyone knows the baby Ella's carrying is yours, Simon."

Simon's brow creased with concern. "Mom, that's a bit harsh. Lily is, after all…"

I inhaled deeply, my daughter in my arms, and stepped closer to Simon.

"Nicole, listen up. From now on, he's Mr. Hoffman to you, not 'Daddy'."

I turned back to Julia and gently whispered, "Your wish is my command."

Simon's eyes widened in shock, his gaze fixed on me.

Nicole, confused, could only pout and let her tears fall.

I did not look at Simon. Instead, I gently squeezed Nicole's cheek, coaxing a smile from the little one.

Ella's shy smile was directed at me as she said, "Lily, you know how terrified I was. We nearly lost the baby."

Ella dabbed at her eyes, the picture of vulnerability. "Simon mentioned your bracelet has healing powers, that you wore it when Nicole was born."

Her eyes drifted to my wrist, her silent plea evident.

Simon had given me that bracelet on our third anniversary.