Chapter 3: A New Agreement
By dawn, the pediatric dermatologist had arrived, tested Mateo’s skin, and confirmed Sofía’s theory. The chemical preservative in the spray had caused a severe, compounding allergic reaction. With a mild topical steroid and pure cotton sheets, the angry red burns on Mateo’s skin were already beginning to fade.
Sofía packed her worn medical bag. The morning light filtered through the large windows, catching the dust motes in the now-stripped nursery. All the silk and gold had been removed, replaced by simple, safe cotton.
Nicolás stood by the doorway, watching her. "How much do you make at the General Hospital?"
"Enough to pay my rent," Sofía replied without looking up.
"I will multiply it by twenty. Move in here. Become Mateo’s private nurse."
Sofía paused, snapping her bag shut. She looked at the billionaire. "I am a trauma nurse, Señor Velasco. I save lives in an emergency room. I don't babysit for the elite."
"You saved my son's life," Nicolás said softly. "His spirit, at the very least. Valeria is terrified of doing something wrong. She needs someone she trusts to guide her. And I..." He hesitated, a rare vulnerability crossing his features. "I need to know he is safe."
Sofía looked at Valeria, who was sleeping in the armchair next to the crib, her hand resting on the wooden railing. The mother was exhausted, broken, but deeply loving.
"Six months," Sofía bargained. "I will stay for six months. Long enough for Mateo to heal completely and for Valeria to find her footing. After that, I return to my hospital."
May you like
"Agreed," Nicolás said, extending his hand.
Sofía shook it. The grip was firm, sealing a pact between two entirely different worlds.
