The hatred and anger

"I even called her in the afternoon," Riya went on, her tone laced with faux concern. "Just to see if she planned to go to the hospital. I was willing to go with her, but she completely ignored my call. After that, I didn't bother trying again. She never called back… and she didn't even check in on Zane."

She paused for effect, then added pointedly, "Zane was so heartbroken last night. Grandma had a hard time getting him to sleep."

A sharp ache settled in Nathaniel's chest. The image of Zane waiting by the door, hopeful and wide-eyed, only to be let down—it gutted him. His worry for Zara still lingered, but now it was tangled with concern for his son.

"I'll go see him," he said quietly and made his way toward Zane's room.