Chapter 3

The next day, I moved Vanessa and her mother into Meadowcrest Postpartum Retreat.

As soon as they settled into the private suite, Margaret slapped a stack of forms onto the table in front of me.

"I already found out which documents Aldercrest County needs.

"The moment the hospital issues the birth certificate, you need to file everything and add him to the Raleigh family records."

Vanessa leaned against the headboard and nodded weakly.

"Daniel, the baby's already here. We'll all feel better once the paperwork is finished."

I looked at her and answered calmly.

"There's no hurry."

The room fell silent.

Margaret frowned.

"What do you mean, no hurry? Registering a child's birth is important!"

I picked up the forms and flipped through them.

"We haven't settled on his name."

Vanessa blinked, then stared at me with a crease between her brows.

"We chose the name months ago."

Her voice softened, as though she were gently reminding me.

"Noah Raleigh."

Something sharp seemed to pierce my chest.

I'd chosen that name long before the birth.

To me, it had meant peace, safety, and a lifetime protected from harm.

Back then, I'd truly longed for this child and for the home I thought I was building with the woman I loved.

Hearing the name now only made the betrayal more bitter.

I set the paperwork down.

"I don't want to use it anymore."

Vanessa's face went white.

"Why not?"

"I don't think he deserves it."

Vanessa's pupils contracted.

"Daniel, this is your own son, and you're saying he doesn't deserve your name?"

The raised voices drew people into the doorway.

"What's happening in there?"

"She just gave birth, and he's already fighting with her?"

"What kind of husband behaves like that?"

Vanessa lowered her head as tears rolled down her cheeks.

She looked exactly like a woman who'd suffered every possible cruelty.

Standing in the middle of the gathering crowd, I gave a quiet laugh.

"Mrs. Cole, Vanessa, aren't you being a little too sensitive?

"I said the name might not be right. When did I say I'd reject the child?"

Margaret choked on her response.

I continued.

"He'll carry that name for the rest of his life. What's wrong with being careful?

"The two of you are acting so desperate that anyone might think you're afraid I'll discover something."

The expressions around the doorway changed.

Someone murmured nearby.

"Choosing a name is a serious decision.

"The family is acting strangely frantic about it."

Vanessa's fingers tightened visibly around the blanket.

"What do any of you know? We're only thinking about the baby!"

I gathered the documents and softened my tone.

"Vanessa, your only responsibility right now is to recover.

"The name, the county filing, and every public acknowledgment the child is due will be handled properly.

"Caleb's already arranging the welcome reception, isn't he?

"When the day comes, in front of our relatives, employees, and business partners, I'll give out everything that ought to be given."

The anger in Margaret's eyes was instantly smothered by greed.

"Everything?"

I nodded.

"Of course."

I looked at Vanessa with the faintest smile.

"And while I'm at it, I'll give my wife a very special gift."