Despair wrapped around Isabella like a cold, heavy blanket.

Her face lost all color, washed out by fear.

Her heart felt like it was breaking slowly.

Why did life keep hurting her and Liam so much?

First her parents, then the divorce. Now she might lose her son.

She bit her lip hard, fighting tears.

The operating room doors opened.

Daniel walked out, removing his mask. His expression was serious.

He saw Isabella leaning against the wall, looking broken.

He hurried over, concern in his eyes.

"Isabella," he said softly. He touched her cold hand.

She didn't look at him. Her eyes were empty.

He helped her sit on a bench nearby.

Her voice was a broken whisper. "Dr. Brooks... Liam..."

Daniel's stomach tightened. He understood her fear.

He rushed back into the operating room to handle things.

Soon, the lights in the operating room turned off.

The doors opened again.

Daniel came out holding a critical condition report.

A nurse wheeled Liam out. He looked pale and still.

"Isabella reached out with shaking hands.

She wanted to touch him but pulled back.

Daniel offered her the report.

She didn't take it. She just stared at Liam.

Later, alone in the hospital room, Isabella sat by Liam's bed.

Her face showed no emotion.

She pulled out her phone with a shaky hand.

Her eyes fixed on "Ethan Blackwood" in her contacts.

She hated the idea of begging him.

But for Liam, she had to try.

Her finger trembled as she pressed dial.

Each ring made her heart beat faster.

What if he said no? The thought terrified her.