“Ours,” I repeated quietly, letting the word linger.
At that moment, Natalie entered with a tray, interrupting the conversation before it could deepen.
Benjamin stepped aside, but his gaze shifted briefly toward the intravenous pump beside my bed.
Natalie noticed immediately and spoke firmly.
“Please do not touch any of the equipment,” she said.
He straightened slightly, his expression tightening.
“There is no need to be so defensive,” he replied stiffly.
Later that afternoon, he was called to meet with the medical director, and I knew that part of the plan was already unfolding.
“Mr. Cole, we have identified irregularities in several medication orders connected to your wife’s treatment,” the doctor said in a neutral tone.
“I trusted the medical staff to make appropriate decisions,” Benjamin responded carefully.
“Interestingly, since those medications were discontinued, her condition has shown measurable improvement,” the doctor continued.
The silence that followed was heavy with implication.
“Are you suggesting something improper occurred,” Benjamin asked, his voice colder now.
“We are reviewing all relevant facts before drawing conclusions,” the doctor replied calmly.