THE PRICE OF A NIGHT: HIS SECRET HEIR

Episode 3: Spilled Secret

Nora's POV

"I’m so sorry I am late, Olivia!" I gasped as I burst through the front door of the daycare.

My lungs burned. I had run to the daycare so I could meet up.

“It is okay, Miss Ellison," Olivia replied. She looked up from her desk and smiled. "You will not believe what happened today. A generous elite stopped by for a donation. He wants to personally sponsor Kyle.”

I froze. My hand stopped halfway to my hair. "What? Are you serious?"

"Yes," Olivia nodded as she looked toward the playroom. "He saw Kyle. He felt a connection and promised to cover food, clothes, toys and medical bills."

Relief washed over me like a stone had been lifted from my chest. My chest has never felt this light.

"That is amazing. Where is he? I need to thank him for his generosity."

"Oh, you just missed him," Olivia said as she packed a bag of toys. "He left fifteen

minutes ago. Maybe you will meet him some other time.”

I leaned against the wall. My heartbeat slowed.

Finally, I can leave that arrogant jerk behind. I will get my paycheck at the end of the month and start afresh. I will go far away to a place where Xander cannot reach us. I thought.

"That reminds me." Olivia's voice pulled me back. She looked concerned. "Kyle refused artificial milk today. He keeps pushing the bottle away. Do you have extra breast milk I can store in the fridge?"

I looked at Kyle playing in his trolley. He sucked his thumb and his eyes were red. My heart twisted with guilt. I felt the ache in my chest.

"I am so sorry. My schedule today was a mess. I will pump at work tomorrow and bring a full supply. I promise."

I picked up Kyle, kissed his head and headed home. My mind was already planning the next day.

The next morning, I woke up with energy. The news of the sponsor felt like a shield. I walked into the Rhodes Suites. I worked hard and scrubbed the floors until they shone. I wanted to finish quickly to find a private corner where I can pump.

"Where have you been, Nora?" A sharp voice cut my peace.

I flinched and turned to see Jane standing in front of my cart. She crossed her arms over her blouse with a sneer on her face.

"Loafing around as per usual?" Jane asked as she stepped closer.

"No. I just finished cleaning my assigned floor," I replied. I kept my voice steady, refusing to shake.

"Finished? You call this finished?" Jane asked, looking at the trash bin.

She grabbed the trash bin and tossed it. The bin hit the floor with a crash. Paper and food scraps spilled across the floor.

"Oops. My bad," Jane said as she let out a laugh of pure mockery.

"Why would you do that?" I asked as rage ignited in my stomach.

"You think you can snatch Xander Rhodes from me?" Jane asked, grabbing the collar of my shirt. “I saw what you did in his office. You pathetic husband snatcher.”

"I am not trying to snatch anyone," I replied, shoving her hand away. "I am here to work. That's all.”

"Go ahead, play dumb."

Jane gave me a wicked smile. "But you've just earned trash pickup on ten more floors."

"That is impossible," I said, looking at the hallway. "I'm done with my shift. I need my break."

"Well, no breaks. I’m not asking." Jane snapped. She turned and walked off. "Finish before lunch or you are fired!”

I stood in the mess and watched her leave. My vision blurred with tears of frustration.

I took a deep breath. “Nora, breathe. You just have to survive her for one more month,” I whispered.

I bent down and picked up the trash. I headed to the next floor dragging the cart behind me.

My chest felt tight. It was a sharp pain. I looked at my uniform. Two damp circles formed on the fabric.

"My chest." I whispered. “It hurts.”

I did not pump all morning. The pressure became unbearable, and it felt like my skin would tear.

“I must find a place to pump before anyone sees me,” I said to myself.

I looked around the empty hallway. I hurried toward the storage room. I pushed my cart inside and locked the door.

I grabbed my bag, sat on a stool and pulled out my manual pump. I worked quickly.

Then my phone buzzed. It was the daycare. I packed my bag, clicked the ziplock shut and held it in my hand.

I picked up the phone. "Hey, Olivia. Is Kyle okay?" I asked.

I walked through the storage room door. I was focused on the phone and thinking about my baby.

"Nora, he is crying. He will not take water." Olivia sounded worried.

"I am coming. I have the milk," I said.

I stepped into the hallway. I moved fast and just as I turned the corner, I slammed into someone.

The impact sent me back. My grip slipped, and the liquid splashed all over my face and that of the person I had bumped into.

"No!" I shrieked.

I dropped to my knees. My heart shattered. Kyle needed my milk and this was everything I had for him.

I looked at the mess, the wasted effort, my son's meal spilled on the ground and fury rose up in me. I did not care about my job. I was ready to attack the person who spilled the milk.

I looked up, prepared to scream.

Then I saw the silver watch and the cold, piercing blue eyes.

Xander Rhodes stood over me. He touched the liquid on his face and looked at me with disgust.

I stopped breathing. My baby's breast milk was gone, my chest was empty.

And the man who wanted an heir stared at the proof that I had one.