A hazy silhouette slowly came into focus through her blurred vision.

A flicker of relief anchored her fading consciousness.

She silently promised to forever be grateful to whoever had saved her.

Isabella awoke to the sharp smell of antiseptic.

She opened her eyes to a hospital room with pale green walls.

Ethan sat beside the bed, his face etched with fatigue.

Was it him?

Her heart leaped, hope igniting in her chest.

Sensing her gaze, he turned toward her.

“You’re awake,” he said gently.

His voice wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

She nodded slightly, too hesitant to speak.

Just then, Sophia entered carrying a food container.

Her expression was soft. “I brought you some soup, Ethan. You must be hungry,” she said, handing it to him with practiced ease.

She turned to Isabella, her tone soothing. “Don’t worry, Isabella. The police caught that man last night. What would you like to eat? I can bring it for you.”

Her words were kind, but they made Isabella’s heart sink.

It was the police who had rescued her.

Not Ethan.

The light in her eyes died.

Bitterness took its place.

How could it have been him?

While she suffered, he was probably with Sophia.

“Thank you, but I’m not hungry,” Isabella whispered.

At that, Sophia’s eyes welled up.

Her expression crumpled. “I’m sorry for intruding and upsetting you. This is all my fault,” she murmured, her lip trembling.

She looked deeply wronged.

Isabella watched her performance, feeling her own peace shatter.

She had nothing to say.

Nothing would matter.

Suddenly, the health monitor beside the bed began beeping loudly.

Daniel entered quickly, his face concerned.

“The patient needs rest and quiet,” he stated firmly.

He shot an annoyed glance at Sophia.

Caught in her act, Sophia shifted uncomfortably.

She hadn’t expected to be accused of disturbing the patient.

Tears filled her eyes again as she looked pleadingly at Ethan.

He ignored her, his focus entirely on Isabella.

“Have the test results come back? How is she?” he asked Daniel.

Isabella felt a spike of fear.

She gripped the quilt tightly, trying to sit up. “Dr. Brooks…”

She had a secret she didn’t want him to know—her pregnancy.

Daniel glanced at Ethan, then at Sophia.

He allowed a tense silence to hang in the air.

“Her life isn’t in danger. She needs to rest,” he finally said.

Ethan’s expression darkened with doubt.

“She’s been nauseous and fainting. Are you sure she’s alright?”