"Please." The word ripped from her throat, raw and desperate, shaking with emotions she'd suppressed for far too long. "Help me."

Daniel's heart jolted. He quickly knelt, flustered, and helped her stand. "Isabella, what's happening?" His voice was urgent yet gentle. "I was told you were just ill." He held her arms, his steady grip attempting to calm her.

Isabella fought back tears, her voice quivering as she forced the words out. "Ethan has me trapped here... isolated from everyone. I need to escape. Please, can you help me?" Her eyes locked onto his, her desperation unmistakable.

Daniel froze, the weight of her plea pressing down on him. "Well..." He hesitated, torn between empathy and concern.

He knew exactly how ruthless Ethan could be. If Ethan discovered he'd helped Isabella escape, the consequences would be catastrophic. The mere thought of Ethan's fury made sweat bead on Daniel's temple.

Isabella saw the conflict in his eyes. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, her voice soft but firm. "Don't worry. I won't involve you more than necessary. Just... create a distraction for the guards downstairs. That's all I need. I'll handle the rest." Her tone was calm, but her eyes blazed with fierce resolve. She was prepared to risk everything.

Daniel wavered, logic warring with instinct.

It wasn't much—just a simple diversion.

Seemed harmless enough.

As if sensing his internal battle, Isabella pressed further. Her trembling hand moved to her abdomen.

"Yesterday..." she whispered, her voice cracking. "Ethan carried me back. It... it endangered the pregnancy." She swallowed hard, her words thick with emotion. "And today, I've been running a fever."

She lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes swimming with despair and silent pleading.

"If I stay here any longer... he'll either force an abortion when he finds out about the pregnancy... or I'll lose the baby from his neglect."

Her words hung heavily in the air. She squeezed her eyes shut, and the tears she'd fought so hard to contain finally broke free, tracing paths down her pale cheeks.

"Either way..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I can't keep the baby... For my child's sake... I have to leave."

Daniel stood motionless, feeling two opposing forces clash within him.

One screamed for self-preservation, to avoid entanglement in this dangerous situation. Ethan's wrath wasn't just dangerous—it was ruinous. Involvement could destroy him.

But the other voice, softer yet more persistent, tugged at his conscience. It was the voice of compassion, of duty, reminding him why he'd become a doctor: to save lives.

His gaze drifted to Isabella—her haunted, pleading eyes, the tear-streaked cheeks, her trembling hand protectively covering her abdomen. It felt like something pierced his chest, striking his very core.

Daniel remembered his oath, the promise he'd made to protect life at all costs.

The internal battle settled. Compassion outweighed fear.

"Alright, fine," Daniel said, his voice low but unwavering as he gritted his teeth. "I'll help you."

Isabella looked at Daniel, her eyes overflowing with gratitude, tears shimmering as if she'd grasped a lifeline in a raging storm.

"I won't forget this—I'll repay you when the time comes," she stated, her voice thick with emotion, each word laden with raw sincerity. Daniel saw the genuine appreciation in her eyes, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through his chest.