She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 105

(Natasha)

I sit on the edge of the plastic chair, staring at the closed door, holding Lily’s printed chart.

Attending Consultant: Dr. James Bailey.

It’s a common last name, I tell myself.

The doorknob turns.

He walks in reading a file, his white coat crisp.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I was just reviewing the genetic-"

He looks up and stops dead.

The file dips in his hand. He doesn't drop it, but it’s a close call.

I stand up. Turns out the name isn't a coincidence.

The graying temples are new, and he holds himself with an educated, confident posture my father never possessed, but the jawline is identical.

The shape of the eyes.

It feels like I’m looking at the ghost of my father, but actually I’m looking at Will Bailey’s younger brother.

He’s effectively a stranger.

I think I met him twice before I turned six.

After my mother walked out, my father started drinking with the kind of quiet dedication that eventually ruins everything.

I got shipped off to my grandmother.

When she died, I went back to my father, who was living at the beach house by then, still drinking.

Then his liver gave up, unable to keep taking the punishment.

I was fifteen.

I stood at a cheap gravesite waiting for the uncle who was my only remaining family.

He never showed up.

That’s when I went to live with the Kellys and never heard from James Bailey again.

He stares at me.

"My God."

He blinks hard, visibly shaken, dragging himself back to the present.

He clears his throat, forcing the professionalism back into his posture.

"I apologize," he says, his voice rough.

"You just... you look exactly like Evie."

My spine goes rigid.

I haven't had anyone acknowledge my mother to my face in two decades.

"I'm Natasha," I say. My voice is completely flat.

"Of course. I didn't... the file said Warren."

"It’s my married name."

He stares at me for another second, looking rattled.

"I'm the new attending," he says finally, stepping toward the counter and setting the file down.

"Dr. Patel transferred your daughter's case to me this morning since I’m well versed in dealing with patients with her condition. I had no idea you were… you."

"You had no reason to." I cross my arms.

"Are you going to do the blood draw, or should I request a different doctor? I know being anywhere near family is difficult for you."

He flinches.

"I can do it," he says quietly, turning to the exam table.

Lily is wide awake now, kicking her legs lightly and gnawing on the edge of a plastic teething ring.

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