Sophia's fingers trembled slightly as she pushed open the hospital room door.

Grace immediately noticed her daughter's distress. "Sophia, who upset you?"

"It's nothing." Sophia forced a smile and sat by her grandmother's bedside.

The elderly woman's wrinkled hand gently grasped hers. "Darling, why are your hands so cold?"

Grace, ever impatient, pulled Sophia into the hallway. "What happened?"

"Ethan's father..." Sophia's voice cracked. "He wants us to divorce."

"What?" Grace exploded. "He kept quiet when Ethan was disabled! Now that he's recovered, he turns his back on you?"

Sophia lowered her lashes. "Ethan said...having a child would change his mind."

"Bullshit!" Grace stomped her foot. "With that man interfering, you could have ten children and still end up divorced!"

Sophia's eyes suddenly reddened.

Grace pulled her daughter into a fierce hug. "So be it! My brilliant girl deserves better!"

Sophia buried her face in her mother's shoulder, tears soaking the fabric.

The shrill ringtone shattered the moment.

Ethan Sullivan flashed on the screen.

"Getting the splint removed tomorrow. Scheduled with Dr. White." His voice came through the receiver.

Sophia swallowed a sob. "Thank you."

A pause. "You sound off."

"I want to stay with Mom and Grandma." Sophia clenched the phone. "Can you bring my things?"

After a long silence, Ethan simply said, "Fine."

He arrived that evening.

His black overcoat carried the night's chill. A thermal container dangled from his fingers.

"Maggie made soup." His gaze lingered on Sophia's splinted hand.

She took the container, recoiling when their fingertips brushed.

Ethan's eyes darkened.

Next day at the hospital.

Sophia waited outside radiology when Ethan arrived, disheveled. His tie askew, phone buzzing incessantly.

"You didn't need to come," she murmured.

He silenced the device. "See things through."

That word—"through"—pierced Sophia's heart.

Back in the room after splint removal, Dr. Julian Evans made rounds.

Grace suddenly raised her voice. "Doctor, are you seeing anyone?"

Julian smiled and shook his head.

"What do you think of my Sophia?" Grace shot Ethan a meaningful glance.

Julian's gaze softened toward Sophia. "Longed-for."

Ethan's expression frosted over.

The medical chart slammed onto the table.

In the hallway, Sophia hurried after Ethan's retreating figure.

The crowded elevator found him shielding her subtly.

The spring chill bit. When Sophia shivered, Ethan's still-warm suit jacket enveloped her.

"Stay still," he gritted out while buttoning it.

In the parking lot, he whirled around. "Is he why you're staying with your mother?"

Sophia met his gaze, hurt blazing in her eyes.

Ethan's throat worked. "I lost control." He stepped closer. "What does he have that I don't?"

Suddenly Sophia pressed against his chest.

Ethan stiffened briefly before crushing her to him.

"Prepare the divorce papers." Her whisper barely stirred the air.

His arms locked like steel around her waist.

"My father spoke to you?" Ethan's voice rasped.