Nicole's POV
The hospital's antiseptic smell hit me as I rushed through the doors at 10 AM. My mind raced, torn between relief at paying for Mom's surgery and dread at facing her with my new disguise.
In the billing office, the clerk eyed me suspiciously. "Name?"
"Irene Goodall," I said, pulling out the cash. "For my mother's surgery."
Her eyes widened at the amount. "This is... quite a sum. May I ask where-"
"It's all there," I cut her off, heart pounding. "Please, just process it."
As I approached Mom's room, a nurse exited, frowning. "Are you family?"
I nodded, pulling my hood lower.
"She's been asking for Nicole," the nurse said. "Are you-"
"I'm her," I interrupted, brushing past her into the room.
Mom's eyes lit up as I entered, then narrowed in confusion. "Nicole? Is that..
