She took a sharp breath.

Her eyes squeezed shut.

A silent prayer formed in her heart.

The phone kept ringing.

Each tone felt like an hour.

Hope was fading fast.

Then, a click.

"Hello?"

A woman's voice answered. It was soft but cold.

Isabella's fingers clenched the phone.

It was Sophia.

The hospital room was quiet. Only the sound of Liam's breathing and the monitors filled the air.

Why was Sophia answering Ethan's phone?

A knot tightened in Isabella's chest.

She forced her voice to stay calm. "Where is Ethan?"

"He had too much to drink. He can't come to the phone right now." Sophia's tone was smooth. Almost sorry. But there was a hint of smugness underneath.

A heavy dread filled Isabella's stomach.

Drunk?

Memories flashed. Ethan's coldness toward her. His warmth toward Sophia.

It stung.

Of course. Ethan and Sophia were engaged. It made sense they were together.

A bitter smile touched Isabella's lips.

Why was she even surprised?

The dim hospital light made her look tired. It highlighted the exhaustion on her face.

She bit her lip hard. Almost hard enough to draw blood.

For Liam, she had to swallow her pride.

"Sophia. What do you want?"

A pause. Then Sophia's voice returned, feigning confusion. "What are you talking about? I just answered his phone. Why are you being like this?"

Isabella shut her eyes tight.

The fake innocence made her sick.

She knew Sophia was toying with her. Enjoying her victory.

Isabella opened her eyes. "Stop pretending. I know exactly who you are. You've won. You have Ethan. And what about Hannah? Aren't you afraid of karma?"

Sophia laughed lightly. It was a mocking sound. "Karma? Isabella, don't be naive. Do you really believe in that? The strong make the rules. That's all. You left once. You should have stayed gone. Why did you come back?"

Isabella's hands formed fists.

She had to endure this. For Liam.

"I'm begging you. Save Liam. I'll do anything. I'll leave right now. I'll disappear forever." Her voice was tight with desperation.

Another pause. Sophia sounded amused. "Disappear forever? Prove it, Isabella."

Isabella's heart hammered in her throat.

But before she could speak, the line went dead.

Sophia deleted the call log immediately.

"What are you doing?"

A deep male voice cut through the silence.

Sophia jumped. She almost knocked over a glass on the table.

She spun around.

Ethan stood at the top of the staircase.

He wore casual loungewear. His shirt collar was open, revealing his collarbone.

His handsome face was unreadable.

His eyes gave nothing away.