Isabella’s words made Ethan stop in his tracks.

He turned to look at her.

For the first time, he noticed how fragile she appeared.

Her usually strong eyes were now clouded with worry.

Ethan hesitated, his voice strained. “Why didn’t you—”

He was cut off as Sophia suddenly gasped, clutching her chest. “Ethan—it hurts so much…”

Her face contorted in pain, as if she were struggling to breathe.

Instantly, Ethan’s attention shifted to her.

He rushed over, his voice urgent. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s my heart,” Sophia whispered weakly, collapsing against him.

Without hesitation, Ethan lifted her into his arms.

He carried her swiftly toward the director’s office.

His original purpose at the hospital had been to discuss Sophia’s condition.

Running into Isabella was unexpected.

Sophia had intercepted Isabella’s call to Ethan.

She couldn’t allow them to reconcile so easily.

As Ethan carried Sophia away, Isabella watched, her heart sinking.

She felt drained, too exhausted to dwell on their complicated situation.

Lucas, who had been quietly observing, noticed Isabella’s forced composure.

His heart ached for her.

“It’s okay to let it out, Isabella,” he said gently.

“I’m fine,” she replied softly, her eyes fixed on the glowing red light above the operating room.

She returned to the bench, waiting silently.

Time blurred until Ethan and Sophia reappeared.

Ethan spotted Isabella from a distance.

She looked small and alone, like a fragile leaf in the wind.

“What are you thinking about?” His tone was cool and detached.

Isabella glanced at him briefly before looking away, offering no reply.

Ethan didn’t seem annoyed by her silence.

Instead, he sat down nearby, clearly intending to stay.

Sophia grew anxious. She leaned closer to him, her voice soft. “Ethan, it’s freezing here. Can we go?”

He gave a brief nod, but his eyes remained fixed on the operating room doors. “I’ll have the driver take you home.”

Sophia’s smile tightened.

Was he planning to stay here with Isabella?

Jealousy flared within her, but she masked it quickly.

She stood up gracefully, swaying slightly as if faint.

“I’ll head back then. Please take care of yourself,” she said softly, coughing lightly.

Ethan responded with a noncommittal hum, his gaze still locked on the doors.

Reluctantly, Sophia turned and left.

Isabella overheard every word of their exchange.

She couldn’t help but find it absurd.

They spoke openly as if she weren’t even there.

As if she were just part of the scenery.

Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms.

But the physical pain was nothing compared to the ache inside.

She gently touched her abdomen, feeling a soft warmth beneath her fingertips.