Isabella silently prayed her unborn child would never idolize a man like Ethan.

She was determined to leave him before her pregnancy became visible.

Spotting Sophia lingering in the hallway, Isabella finally spoke. “You should go with Sophia.”

Ethan’s expression hardened, his gaze flicking toward Lucas with open contempt. “Am I interrupting your precious time together?”

Isabella felt a surge of irritation flood through her.

“Ethan, I’m not the one at fault here. I called—” she started.

“OUCH!” A sharp cry cut her off. Sophia had stumbled and fallen, her palm scraping harshly against the floor.

The skin turned an angry red from the abrasion.

Her ankle twisted painfully, and tears immediately welled in her eyes.

The display naturally evoked sympathy.

Ethan rushed to her side, his voice laced with reproach. “Why weren’t you watching your step?”

“It stings, but it’s fine. I’ll just use some ointment when I get back…” Sophia managed a pained, weak smile.

Kneeling, Ethan carefully examined her injured palm and swollen ankle.

His brow furrowed in momentary confusion.

What had made her fall so suddenly?

As he pondered this, Sophia’s gentle voice reached him. “Ethan, please don’t worry. The doctor did say the stress on my heart causes poor circulation… It leads to dizziness sometimes…”

His doubt vanished, replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility.

He remembered Sophia’s heart condition was a result of her saving him years ago.

He felt eternally indebted.

“I’ll drive you home,” he offered, his tone softening.

Sophia put on a show of remorse. “I’m so sorry, Ethan. You were supposed to be with Isabella. My clumsiness ruined everything…” She subtly bit her lip, tears sparkling in her eyes, crafting a perfectly pitiable image.

Ethan’s gaze darkened as he instinctively looked back at Isabella. Their eyes met, and Isabella felt her heart constrict, her breath catching.

Determined not to let his actions hurt her again, she interjected flatly, “Just go with Sophia.” Her voice was even and detached.

Ethan’s jaw tightened, a flash of annoyance in his eyes.

But considering Sophia’s injuries, he didn’t hesitate. “Alright.” His reply was brief, cold, utterly devoid of warmth.

Before leaving, Ethan unexpectedly removed his suit jacket and draped it over Isabella’s shoulders, first smoothly taking Lucas’s coat off her. Isabella’s expression tightened slightly, but she remained silent. With tender care, Ethan helped Sophia to the car, his actions gentle, his look filled with concern.

Leaning weakly on Ethan, Sophia allowed a sly smirk to cross her face. Once settled in the passenger seat, Ethan pulled out his phone and sent a quick text.

Moments later, Lucas’s phone buzzed.

He checked the message, his expression shifting.

“Lucas, what is it?” Isabella asked.

“My grandfather needs me home immediately,” Lucas explained. He hesitated, throwing a concerned glance back at Isabella, but ultimately left.

Isabella stood alone in the deserted corridor, a profound sense of solitude wrapping around her.

It felt as if there was no one left in the world she could depend on.

Just as despair threatened to consume her, the operating room doors swung open.