“Go ahead. I’ll look after the little one,” Emily said warmly as she stepped inside the apartment.

Isabella went back to the kitchen. She packed some roasted chicken and fresh salad into an insulated container.

The moment she stepped outside, a sharp autumn wind greeted her. She shivered inside her coat. She quickly hailed a taxi and gave the driver the hospital’s address.

Her thoughts were a jumbled mess the entire ride.

She didn’t even realize they had arrived until the driver spoke. Startled, she paid and got out.

Isabella walked into the hospital and made her way to Eleanor’s room.

She found the older woman sitting up in bed. Her gaze was distant, fixed on the window.

“Grandmother,” Isabella said softly as she approached.

Eleanor turned slowly. Her eyes brightened when she saw who it was.

“You came, Isabella,” she whispered, her voice frail.

“I brought you something to eat.” Isabella opened the container and set it on the bedside table.

“Oh, garden salad and honey-glazed chicken!” Eleanor smiled. “You always remember my favorites.”

“Then you should eat plenty, Grandmother.” Isabella served a portion onto a plate.

Eleanor had only taken a few bites when she paused. She looked intently at Isabella.

“How are things with Ethan?”

Isabella’s breath caught.

“It’s finished,” she replied, avoiding her grandmother’s eyes.

“Finished?” Eleanor repeated, confused. “What happened?”

Isabella took a deep breath. She explained everything that had occurred.

Eleanor was silent for a long time.

“Isabella,” she finally said, her voice thick with emotion. “You’ve endured so much, my dear.”

Isabella’s eyes reddened. Tears threatened to fall.

“I’m alright, Grandmother. As long as you recover, I can face anything.”

“My sweet girl.” Eleanor reached out with a trembling hand. She gently cupped Isabella’s cheek.

“I fear I am old and of little use to you now. The road ahead you must walk alone.”

“Please don’t say that, Grandmother.” Isabella clasped Eleanor’s hand in both of hers.

“You will get better, I promise. We will have a happy life. We will watch Liam grow up together.”

A loving softness filled Eleanor’s expression. She pulled her granddaughter into a tight embrace. Their quiet cries whispered through the sterile room.

Days later, light from crystal chandeliers poured into the grand ballroom. A tower of champagne glasses shimmered. Fine silverware reflected a brilliant glow. The air was rich with expensive perfume and the scent of fresh flowers. Everything spoke of luxury and prestige.

Sophia stood before a mirror. She wore a gown of fiery red, vivid as a rose in full bloom. She checked her reflection meticulously. “How is this dress? Does it suit my skin tone perfectly?” she asked Zoe, her tone dripping with pride.

Zoe offered a thin, practiced smile. “It’s stunning. You will undoubtedly be the center of attention tonight.”