A sharp rap echoed against the hospital room door, startling Aria. She jumped, a half-eaten sandwich forgotten on the bedside table. Hope had been a fragile bloom in the sterile air, following Leo’s miraculous improvement. Now, a fresh wave of anxiety washed over her. Pushing the door open, Dr. Albright stepped in, a familiar clipboard clutched in her hand. Her smile was professional, but her eyes held a keen, observant glint that always made Aria feel scrutinized. “Good morning, Aria. Leo,” Dr. Albright greeted, her gaze sweeping over the sleeping child. “Remarkable progress, truly. The new treatment seems to be working wonders.” Ethan, sitting by the window, offered a tight smile. He’d insisted on being here for Leo’s check-up, a silent, comforting presence. His hand instinctively reached for Aria’s, a brief, reassuring squeeze before he pulled away, remembering their public front. Aria managed a weak smile in return. “He’s been much better. Less pain, more alert.” “Indeed.” Dr. Albright pulled up a stool. “I’d like to run through his updated family medical history. Just routine, to ensure we’re not missing any underlying predispositions that might impact long-term care.” Aria’s breath caught. This was it. The moment she dreaded. Her mind raced, a thousand scenarios flashing. How much did Dr. Albright know about her and Ethan’s real relationship? Or rather, lack thereof? “Of course,” Aria said, her voice a little too high. She cleared her throat, trying to sound nonchalant. “What specifically are you looking for?” Dr. Albright clicked her pen. “Any history of autoimmune disorders, rare genetic conditions, or even severe allergies on either side. We want to build as complete a picture as possible.” Her eyes flickered to Ethan, then back to Aria. Ethan shifted in his seat, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. He knew what this implied. Their fabricated story of a sudden, whirlwind romance and an unexpected pregnancy was flimsy enough without genetic inquiries. “My side is quite clear,” Aria began, recounting her own family’s unremarkable health history. She spoke quickly, trying to fill the silence, to control the narrative. “No significant issues.” Dr. Albright nodded, making notes. “And Mr. Thorne’s side? Any family history you’re aware of?” Aria’s heart hammered. This was the trap. She couldn’t speak for Ethan’s family. Not truly. And Ethan, as the 'father,' would be expected to know. A bead of sweat trickled down her temple. “Ethan’s family has a very extensive history,” Aria started, improvising wildly, “—a lot of distant relatives, you know how it is with large, established families. It’s hard to keep track of every branch.” She shot a quick, desperate glance at Ethan. Ethan caught her cue. He leaned forward. “Indeed. My grandmother’s side, for instance, had a rather obscure condition that was never properly diagnosed. It’s all quite… muddled. Nothing that seems relevant to Leo, though, thankfully.” His voice was smooth, confident, betraying none of his inner turmoil. Dr. Albright’s brow furrowed slightly. She tapped her pen against the clipboard. “I see. A complete genetic panel might be beneficial then, just to rule out any blind spots, given the unusual nature of Leo’s initial presentation.” Aria’s stomach lurched. A genetic panel. That would be undeniable. It would expose everything. Leo’s true parentage, the entire lie they had built. She had to shut this down. Suddenly, Leo stirred in the bed, letting out a small, fretful whimper. His eyelids fluttered open, revealing drowsy, confused eyes. “Oh, sweetie, are you awake?” Aria exclaimed, her voice flooding with exaggerated concern. She practically lunged for the bedside, fumbling with the water cup. “You must be thirsty. Let me help you sit up.” She hoped her sudden movement and focused attention on Leo would derail the conversation. Dr. Albright watched, her expression unreadable. Aria’s hands trembled slightly as she adjusted Leo’s pillows. “Mommy…” Leo mumbled, his voice hoarse. Aria’s eyes welled with manufactured tenderness, her fingers brushing his hair. Dr. Albright observed the interaction, her gaze intense. “It’s good to see him responding so well. The attachment is clearly very strong, Aria.” She paused, then added, almost as an afterthought, “He certainly has your eyes, doesn’t he? That same shade of hazel.” Aria froze, her heart seizing. Leo did have her eyes, but his other features, the delicate curve of his nose, the shape of his chin… those were undeniably like his biological father. Not Ethan. “Yes,” Aria whispered, forcing a smile that felt brittle. “He does.” She avoided Ethan’s gaze, knowing he was likely holding his breath too. Dr. Albright scribbled a few more notes. “Alright. We’ll skip the full genetic panel for now, given his current improvement. However, I will schedule a consultation with a pediatric geneticist for a more detailed review of his specific markers. Just a precautionary measure. It’s always best to be thorough.” Aria managed a nod, her relief immense but short-lived. A consultation was still dangerous, but it bought them time. She offered Leo the water, her hand still shaking. “Thank you, Doctor,” Ethan interjected smoothly, stepping forward. He extended his hand, a polite but firm gesture. “We appreciate your thoroughness.” His presence seemed to subtly usher Dr. Albright towards the door. Dr. Albright shook his hand, her gaze lingering on Aria, then on Leo. “Of course. I’ll see you both next week for another follow-up.” She offered a small, knowing smile that made Aria’s skin prickle. Walking out, Dr. Albright cast one last look over her shoulder. Her questioning gaze lingered, sweeping from Aria to Leo, then to Ethan, making Aria’s heart pound against her ribs. Every nerve screamed with a chilling certainty. They were moments away from discovering the truth.

Chapter 14: A Close Call