Chapter 5 - Unexpected Cracks in the Armor
Hospital rumors spread faster than infectious diseases. By week three, whispers of Lena and Caleb’s sudden connection had reached every corner of St. Catherine’s Children’s Hospital.
While Tasha kept the gossips at bay with sharp jokes, outside forces were gathering. Elaine Porter, Lena’s wealthy aunt from Tacoma, hired a private investigator to look into Caleb and Lena's sudden arrangement.
On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, Elaine unexpectedly showed up at St. Catherine’s, demanding a meeting with Dr. Warren in his corner office.
Lena was coming off her shift when she saw Elaine marching down the administrative hallway. Panicked, Lena slipped into Caleb’s office just behind her aunt.
"A sudden marriage to a pediatric director?" Elaine was saying, her voice coated in sweet venom as she stood before Caleb’s immaculate mahogany desk. "It’s very convenient, Dr. Warren. My lawyers find it highly suspicious that a man of your stature married a staff nurse with debt in less than a week."
Caleb slowly stood up from his chair. He didn't look angry; he looked like a glacier moving toward a wooden ship.
"Mrs. Porter," Caleb said, his voice terrifyingly calm. "You are standing in a hospital where I manage the lives of hundreds of critically ill children daily. My personal life is neither your jurisdiction nor your concern."
"I am Maddie’s great-aunt! I can offer her a stable, high-class home!" Elaine snapped. "Lena is living paycheck to paycheck!"
"Lena is giving that child a home filled with unconditional devotion, safety, and love," Caleb replied, walking around his desk to stand right beside Lena. Without missing a beat, he reached down and laced his fingers through Lena’s hand. His grip was firm, warm, and entirely reassuring. "If you attempt to use Lena’s selfless sacrifices against her in court, I will personally fund the top family law defense team in this state to ensure you never disturb Maddie again."
Elaine gasped, her face turning pale. She glared at their entwined hands, gathered her designer handbag, and stormed out of the office.
Once the door clicked shut, Lena looked down at their connected fingers. Caleb didn't let go immediately.
May you like
"Thank you," Lena whispered, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"You don't need to thank me," Caleb said softy, looking down at her. "I meant every word."
