Mine to Mistake

POV of Victoria

The sterile scent of antiseptic burned Victoria's nostrils as her stiletto heels clicked against the linoleum floor, echoing down the deserted hospital corridor. It was nearly midnight, and the emergency wing was eerily quiet, save for the beeping of machines and the occasional hushed murmur from a nurse's station. Victoria's heart pounded in her chest, each beat fueling the simmering rage that threatened to consume her.

She rounded the corner, her designer coat fluttering behind her like a dark cloud, and spotted Nathan standing at the far end of the hall. His back was to her, broad shoulders hunched under his white coat, his hands shoved into the pockets as if he were trying to disappear into himself.

"Dr. Hart," Victoria called out, her voice sharp enough to cut through steel.

Nathan turned, his expression impassive, his eyes meeting hers with a cold detachment that made her stomach churn. He didn't even flinch at her presence, as if he'd expected her—or worse, as if he didn't care.

"Victoria," he said, his tone clipped and formal. Not "Vicky," not "my wife." Just "Victoria." The name hung between them like a challenge, a reminder of the growing chasm in their marriage.

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms. "You canceled our anniversary dinner," she stated, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. "For this? To play doctor to some nurse who couldn't handle a little fever?"

Nathan's jaw tightened, his gaze never wavering. "Emily is sick," he replied simply, as if that explained everything.

"Sick?" Victoria let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing harshly in the sterile hallway. "I'm sure she is. Sick with attention-seeking, maybe."

His lips thinned into a hard line, and for a moment, something flickered in his eyes—something Victoria couldn't quite place. It was gone before she could grasp it, replaced by that same infuriating calm.

"You're not her," he muttered under his breath, so softly she almost didn't catch it.

"What did you say?" Victoria demanded, stepping closer, her chest heaving with barely contained rage.

Nathan didn't answer. Instead, he turned on his heel and strode away, leaving her standing there, seething and confused.

***

Victoria's hands trembled as she gripped the steering wheel, her eyes fixed on the apartment building across the street. She'd followed Nathan here, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched him enter Emily's apartment. Over two hours had passed since he'd disappeared inside, and every minute felt like an eternity.

When Nathan finally emerged, his shoulders slumped and his expression unreadable, Victoria was out of her car before she could think. She stormed across the parking lot, her heels clicking on the asphalt.

"Nathan!" she called, her voice sharp and commanding.

He stopped mid-step, turning to face her. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them crackling like electricity in the air.

"What is she to you?" Victoria demanded, her voice low and dangerous.

Nathan