CHAPTER 73: At the hospital

　　After a few days, Isabelle’s condition had stabilized. Her fever had broken and she was beginning to regain some of her strength, though her voice was still faint and her body was weak. She lay on the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions, despair, betrayal, and hopelessness. John’s face haunted her thoughts, as did the betrayal of her so-called friends. The only glimmer of hope she had left was the tiny life growing inside her but even that felt like a distant dream.

　　Ella sat by her side, clutching her hand, her heart heavy with worry. Every time Isabelle murmured John’s name in her sleep, Ella’s chest tightened. She didn’t know how to help her anymore but she knew she had to try.

　　Later that afternoon, the doctor came in to check on Isabelle. His expression was grave as he looked over her charts and adjusted her IV drip. After a moment, he turned to Ella, his tone serious.