Natalie and I exchanged a brief glance, and in that moment we both understood what was happening.
Benjamin returned the following day, dressed perfectly as always, wearing the same refined cologne and the same carefully practiced expression of concern that he used in public.
“How is she doing today,” he asked at the nurses’ station with a calm voice.
“Her condition is stable at the moment,” Natalie replied evenly, watching him closely.
I noticed the slight tightening in his jaw when he heard that answer, though he quickly masked it before entering my room.
“My dear, you look so pale,” he said softly as he approached my bed, his tone filled with false tenderness.
I kept my breathing shallow and allowed my eyes to open only slightly.
“I feel tired,” I murmured, letting my voice sound weak and distant.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice.
“I spoke with the attorney earlier today, just in case things take a turn for the worse,” he said carefully.
I opened my eyes a little more and studied his face, taking in every detail.
“You are always thinking ahead,” I replied calmly.
For a brief moment, his composure faltered.
“I am only trying to protect what belongs to both of us,” he said quickly.