Ethan was sitting in his apartment, finishing tidying up after Lia's breakfast, when his phone buzzed. He frowned, seeing a string of missed calls from Ava and an unknown number—her dad.
"What now?" he muttered, answering quickly. The moment he heard Ava's panicked voice, his heart skipped.
"Ethan! Lia… she ran! Her mom… she's in critical condition! She left the bar and dashed through the streets!" Ava's voice was frantic.
Ethan's calm exterior shattered. "What?! Where is she now?!" he demanded, grabbing his keys and coat in one swift motion.
"I tracked her GPS, she's heading toward her hometown hospital!" Ava yelled, giving him the directions. "Go! Please!"
Without another word, Ethan jumped into his car, his mind racing. Lia… she could be in danger. And it was all because of me, Ryan, and everything else.
Meanwhile, Lia was running through the busy streets, tears blurring her vision. Cars honked, people rushed past her, but she didn't care. Her mother's life was all that mattered. Her foot throbbed painfully from the twisted ankle, but she didn't stop.
"Come on… mom… stay with me," she whispered through her tears, barely noticing Ava following a few streets behind, tracking her on GPS.
Back at the hospital, her father was pacing anxiously. "She's strong, Lia… she just needs time. The doctors are doing everything they can."
Lia collapsed into his arms, crying uncontrollably. "Dad… I couldn't… I couldn't even get there faster… I—"
"Shh… it's okay, princess. You're here now, and that's what matters," her father soothed.
Meanwhile, Ethan had arrived, parking his car hastily. He rushed inside, eyes scanning every corner of the hospital until he finally spotted Lia, sobbing into her father's shoulder. His heart clenched at the sight.
"Lia…" he breathed, moving toward her, but paused. He didn't want to overwhelm her, not now. She looked so small, so fragile, and yet so strong in the way she cared about her mom.
Ava noticed him too, stepping protectively beside Lia. "Ethan… now is not the time," she warned softly, though her eyes flicked at him with concern.
Ethan nodded, keeping his distance, but he couldn't take his eyes off Lia. His chest ached as he watched her quietly crying, realizing how much he truly cared for her—more than he wanted to admit.
Hours passed. Lia stayed by her mother's side, holding her hand, whispering prayers and encouragements. Ethan remained nearby, standing silently, not wanting to intrude but ready to step in at the first sign she needed help.
Finally, the doctor emerged. "She's stable now. It was serious, but your quick reaction and your support helped," he told her father.
Tears of relief streamed down Lia's face as she looked at her mother. "Thank God… thank you," she whispered.
Her father squeezed her hand. "See? Everything's going to be alright. You stayed strong for her, Lia. That's what matters."
Ethan exhaled quietly, letting himself relax for the first time since he arrived. He had watched Lia's heart in action—so full of love, courage, and care—and he realized no rules, no teasing, no games could stop him from wanting to protect her.
He finally stepped closer, quietly, just enough to brush her shoulder gently. Lia looked up, startled for a moment, before realizing it was him. For a heartbeat, their eyes met.
"Are you… okay?" Ethan asked softly, his usual teasing tone replaced with something deeper, gentler.
Lia nodded slowly, still wiping her tears. "Yeah… I'm okay now."
And in that quiet, heavy moment, something shifted between them—a silent understanding, a spark that didn't need words, that neither of them could deny.