Chapter 3 - The Switch at the River Gate
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Rafael walked right past Alejandro, ignoring him as if he were nothing more than a stain on the rug. He knelt beside Elena, his tailored pants pressing into the cold marble without a second thought.
He looked down at the tiny bundle in her arms.
“Is Nicolás alright?” Rafael asked softly, his fierce eyes softening just a fraction.
“I think so,” Elena sobbed, pressing her forehead against her baby's soft head. “He’s breathing… but we need to get him checked. Please, Papa, get us out of here.”
“We are leaving right now,” Rafael said, extending a strong arm to help her up.
Alejandro suddenly surged forward, his face flushed with panic. “You can’t just take her! That’s my son! This is my house!”
Rafael stood up slowly, turning to face his son-in-law. Even though he was twenty years older, he towered over Alejandro with the weight of real authority.
“If you cared about your son, Alejandro, you would be the first person opening the door to get him to a pediatrician,” Rafael said calmly. “Instead, you’re worried about who is watching.”
Victoria hurried over, trying to intercept Rafael. “Rafael, please, listen to me! It was just a marital dispute! Postpartum emotions are running high, Elena isn't herself—”
Rafael turned a lethal glare onto Victoria.
“Tell me, Victoria,” Rafael interrupted, his tone sharp enough to draw blood. “Does a routine marital dispute leave a woman who gave birth six days ago bleeding on the floor?”
Victoria froze, her lips trembling, unable to form a coherent response.
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Elena looked up at her mother-in-law, a realization dawning on her through the haze of pain.
“You knew,” Elena whispered, her voice cutting through the silent room. “This isn't the first time you’ve seen him lose control, is it, Victoria?”
