Isabella felt a wave of relief. It wasn't a serious situation after all.

She asked Emily to return home and care for Eleanor.

She would remain at the hospital with Liam.

Night fell. Isabella dozed off in the chair beside her son's bed.

Morning light filled the room.

Liam stirred, letting out a soft moan before his eyes fluttered open.

"You're awake, sweetheart?" Isabella sat up instantly, her hand gently touching his forehead. "How are you feeling? Any discomfort?"

"Mommy, I'm a little hungry," he murmured, his voice weak and pleading.

"Of course. I'll get you something to eat right away," she replied, softly running her fingers through his hair.

The door to the private room opened.

The doctor entered with a nurse for morning rounds.

Isabella's gaze immediately landed on the young physician in the white coat.

He looked vaguely familiar.

The doctor paused, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Isabella?"

Her heart gave a sudden jolt.

"Daniel?"

"It really is you." Daniel's voice held a mix of surprise and something deeper, more complex.

The nurse behind him glanced curiously between them, her expression intrigued.

"Yes, it's been a long time," Isabella managed a polite smile.

Daniel's eyes then drifted to the small boy in the bed.

Liam's rosy cheeks and long, dark lashes seemed to trigger a moment of stark recognition in the doctor.

He quickly composed himself, masking the sudden turmoil in his gaze.

The air grew thick with unspoken tension.

"Shall we talk in the hallway?" Isabella suggested, breaking the heavy silence.

They stepped out into the quiet corridor side by side.

"Thank you for what you did for me three years ago. I don't know what I would have done without you. Liam might have..." Her voice trailed off, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She forced a strained smile.

Daniel's heart ached seeing it.

Three years ago, she had been a shattered, despondent figure, her eyes hollow with despair.

The woman before him now was transformed. Vibrant. Full of life and resolve.

"How have you been these past three years?" he asked quietly.

"I've been well," she replied with a genuine smile. "I started my own business. I'm raising Liam. It's a challenging life, but a fulfilling one."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Once Liam is fully recovered, I'd like to properly thank you. Let me take you to dinner," she offered earnestly.

Daniel nodded. "I'd like that."

He checked his watch. "I have other patients to attend to. I should go."

"Of course. Don't let me keep you," Isabella said, watching him walk away down the hall.

Her smile slowly faded once he was out of sight.

Liam's fever broke completely. Watching her son sleep peacefully, Isabella released a deep, weary sigh.

After his discharge, she returned directly to her studio without resting.

The grand opening was looming. She immersed herself in work.

Managing a small team meant she oversaw every detail, striving for perfection.

Julian had proven to be a surprisingly diligent worker, securing a batch of new clients. It was a tremendous relief.

"Miss Scott, please review this. I've contacted these clients and compiled their requirements," Julian said respectfully, handing her a file.

"Thank you for your hard work, Julian." Isabella quickly scanned the documents. "These are demanding clients. We'll need to exceed their expectations."