The words "your husband" cut through Isabella like a shard of glass.

She forced a tight smile, hiding the raw ache those words ignited inside her.

Dr. Brooks had just finished treating her injury when he approached Ethan to discuss necessary precautions. As he spoke, his eyes kept drifting toward Isabella, her distant expression stirring his concern.

Something felt deeply wrong about the evening's atmosphere.

Daniel leaned closer to Ethan under the pretense of confidentiality. "Did you and your wife have an argument? She seems... detached tonight."

Ethan hesitated, shadows crossing his features. After a moment, he whispered back, "I'm filing for divorce."

Shock flashed across Daniel's face as he stared at Ethan, disbelief widening his eyes.

The silence between them grew heavy and uncomfortable. Seeing Ethan's stern expression, completely devoid of humor, Daniel released a regret-filled sigh.

"Your choice," he finally said, his voice low and somber as he packed his medical kit. "Just don't do anything irreversible."

Ethan felt a spike of irritation.

Why did everyone assume he'd regret this decision? Didn't they understand? The love of his life had finally returned to him. He remained silent, lost in thought, failing to grasp that some choices, once made, could never be undone.

As Daniel zipped his kit, he turned to Isabella with a gentle smile. "Take care of yourself. Get some proper rest," he advised softly, concern lacing his tone. "I'll be going now."

At his words, Isabella's head snapped up. Her eyes locked onto his with desperate intensity, like she was grasping for a lifeline in stormy seas.

She knew this was her only chance to escape.

"Wait, Dr. Brooks!" she exclaimed suddenly, determination flashing in her eyes. "I'm coming with you."

She scrambled to slip her shoes back on, hopping awkwardly on one foot in her frantic haste.

"Slow down!" Daniel called out, surprised. He reached to steady her, his expression filled with worry.

As she moved toward the door, Isabella stumbled again, twisting her foot painfully.

"Ow..." she muttered, grimacing as sharp pain shot through her. Tears threatened to spill, but she fiercely blinked them back. Her only focus was escape.

She needed to get out. Away from this suffocating place.

Ethan snapped out of his reverie, catching her frantic movements. His heart clenched with worry, propelling him forward. He reached her just in time to prevent another fall.

"Isabella!" he shouted angrily. "I told you to rest! You're disregarding your health completely! Are you trying to make your injury worse?" His voice thickened with frustration, his brow furrowed as he stared at her intensely.

Isabella blinked at him, startled by the sudden anger in his eyes.

Realizing his presence was no longer needed, Daniel silently retreated into the shadows.

Ethan scooped Isabella into his arms. She was immediately enveloped by his comforting, familiar scent—a scent that evoked memories of intimate nights they had once shared.

Despite the warmth of his embrace, Isabella knew with painful clarity that soon, he would no longer be hers.