49| A Family Emergency

They wasted no time gathering their things and getting into Ethan's car.

Lily explained that their mother, Martha, had been rushed to the hospital. Their neighbor had initially tried calling Sophie, but when she didn't answer, they had reached out to Lily instead.

Unfortunately, Lily had been out at the time and didn't have many details—only that their mom had collapsed and was taken in by ambulance.

The car ride was silent except for the hum of the engine. Sophie did her best to put on a brave face for Lily, who was still visibly shaken. But inside, she was unraveling. Fear clung to her chest so tightly she could barely breathe. Not even the cool air from the car's vents helped.

"Everything will be fine, Lily," Sophie reassured, forcing her voice to stay steady. "She'll be okay."

But Ethan wasn't fooled by her calm act. Without a word, he reached over, his hand resting gently on her knee.

"We're almost there. And everything will be okay," he said, his voice soft but certain.

This time, his reassurance wasn't for Lily.

It was for her.

Sophie took a deep breath and nodded, willing herself to believe him.

The hospital came into view, and Ethan expertly pulled into the parking lot. They hurried inside, Ethan leading the way to the reception desk.

"Hi, we're here for Martha Miller. She was brought in by ambulance," Ethan said, his voice firm and clear.

The receptionist checked her records quickly. "She's in the emergency room. I'll have someone take you there."

A nurse arrived moments later and led them through the winding hallways. Sophie clung to Lily's arm while Ethan walked ahead, his presence steady and grounding.

They soon arrived at the ER, where a doctor in charge glanced up as the nurse explained their arrival. "You're here for Martha Miller?"

"Yes, we're her family," Sophie stepped forward quickly.

The doctor nodded. "She's stable for now. She had a fainting episode, likely due to a combination of factors, including minor heart arrhythmia and dehydration. We're running tests to confirm the exact cause."

Relief flooded through Sophie, though her anxiety didn't fully ease. "Can we see her?"

"Yes, but keep the visit brief. She needs to rest," the doctor instructed.

They were led into the room, where Martha lay in bed, looking pale but awake.

The moment Sophie saw her, she rushed to her side, taking her mother's hand.

"Mom, we're here."

Martha managed a weak smile, her fingers squeezing Sophie's gently.

"Sophie, Lily... I'm okay. Just a little scare."

Sophie felt her throat tighten, emotions threatening to spill over.

"You had us so worried, Mom."

Lily nodded quickly, her eyes wet with concern.

"What happened?"

Her voice was small, as if afraid of the answer.

Martha sighed, her voice weak but steady.

"I didn't want to bother you girls."

She looked guilty, as if she had done something wrong.

"I thought it was just fatigue. I didn't realize it was this serious."

Sophie stared at her mother, her jaw tightening.

"You're never a bother, Mom."

Her voice was firm, almost angry.

"Why would you even say that?"

Lily added quickly, her tone filled with exasperation and love.

"You need to take better care of yourself. We're going to make sure you do from now on."

Martha let out a small, tired laugh, her eyes misty with unshed tears.

"I'm so lucky to have you both."

She squeezed their hands, her voice filled with warmth.

"I'll be fine, don't worry."

Sophie brushed a stray hair from her mother's forehead, her heart aching.

"Just focus on getting better. We'll take care of everything else."

Ethan, who had been standing quietly by the door, finally stepped forward. "Is there anything you need, Martha? Anything at all?"

Martha glanced at him, her expression full of gratitude. "You're too kind, Ethan. I'm sorry for worrying all of you."

Ethan shook his head. "I'm just glad you're okay."

As the sisters focused on their mother, Ethan stepped back, watching them. He had never known what it was like to have a real family—one that genuinely cared for each other.

He might never truly understand it, but if there was one thing he was certain of, it was that he wanted to protect what Sophie had.

Stepping into the hallway, Ethan pulled out his phone and dialed Jessica.

She picked up immediately. "Jessica here."

"Jessica, it's Ethan. I need your help with a couple of things."

Her tone sharpened with professionalism. "Of course, Ethan. Is everything alright?"

Ethan exhaled. "It's complicated. I'm at Riverview General Hospital. Sophie's mom needs a private room since they're keeping her under observation."

Jessica responded efficiently. "I'll handle it right away. Riverview is one of the hospitals we support—I'll make sure she gets the best care. Anything else?"

Ethan's jaw tightened.

"Yes. Something happened at Sophie's shop earlier today."

His hand curled into a fist, remembering the mess Claire had left behind.

"Hire professional cleaners to take care of it. And I might be late to work tomorrow morning—reschedule any meetings I have."

"Understood, Mr. Sinclair. I'll get everything sorted out. Take care."

"Thank you, Jessica," Ethan said before ending the call.

Ethan exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.

He was exhausted.

But Sophie needed him right now.

And he would make damn sure he was there for her.

Just then, Sophie stepped out of the room, looking utterly exhausted.

First, she had to deal with Claire's insanity.

Now, her mother was in the hospital.

Could today get any worse?

Without thinking, she walked straight into Ethan's arms, her body melting into his warmth.

She held onto him tightly, as if he were the only thing keeping her standing.

"I'm so scared, Ethan," she whispered, her voice breaking, fragile.

Ethan hugged her close, his hand gently stroking her hair. "She's going to be alright, Sophie. She's in good hands. I'll make sure they take good care of her. Everything will be okay, I promise."

Sophie looked up at him, her green eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"To be honest, Ethan, ever since my dad's death, I've been afraid of hospitals."

The admission felt like a confession, a weight she had been carrying alone.

Ethan's face softened, and he did the one thing that soothed her the most—

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, letting his lips linger there for a moment.

"I'm sorry, Sophie," he murmured, his voice low, heartfelt.

"But I promise you, it won't be the same as last time."

Sophie's throat tightened, a fresh wave of emotion surging through her.

"She's the only one we have left," she whispered, voice shaking.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but she needed something more.

Something stronger.

Something only he could give her.

"Hug me tighter," she whispered.

Without hesitation, Ethan wrapped his arms around her again, this time pulling her even closer, tighter, safer. Like he'd never let go.

She buried her face in his chest, breathing him in, letting his warmth calm her storm.

Just then, a nurse approached them. "The doctor would like to speak with you," she said softly.

Ethan kept his arm around Sophie as they followed the nurse to a nearby office. The same doctor who had initially briefed them was waiting. He gestured for them to sit.

"Thank you for coming," the doctor began. "We've identified that Martha has a minor heart arrhythmia, which caused her fainting episode. Thankfully, we caught it early, but she will need to stay for treatment for a while."

Sophie nodded, feeling a mix of relief and lingering worry. "How long will she need to stay?"

"It's hard to say exactly," the doctor replied. "We'll need to monitor her closely and adjust her treatment as necessary. But with the right care, she should make a good recovery."

Sophie let out a shaky breath.

"Okay. Thank you."

The doctor gave them a reassuring smile. "She's in good hands here. Try to get some rest yourselves."

As they left the office, they ran into Lily. "The nurse said they're moving Mom from the emergency room," she announced.

Ethan stepped forward. "I'll handle it. You two stay with your mom, okay?"

Sophie and Lily nodded, grateful for his support. They returned to Martha's side, ensuring she was comfortable as the nurses prepared to move her.

Soon after, Martha was transferred to a private room—much larger, more comfortable, and well-furnished. Lily looked around, clearly relieved by the upgrade.

Martha, though tired, managed a small smile filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Ethan. It means a lot to have you here, but it's late. You should go home and get some rest. You have work tomorrow."

Lily nodded in agreement. "I'll stay with Mom tonight. You and Sophie should go home."

Sophie hesitated, looking between her mother and Lily. "I don't want to leave you here alone."

Lily squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We'll be fine, Sophie. It's best we take shifts so we can all get some rest."

"I'll drive you here first thing in the morning," Ethan added.

Martha reached for Sophie's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Listen to them, sweetheart. We'll be alright."

Sophie reluctantly nodded, feeling reassured by their words. She and Ethan said their goodbyes, promising to return at first light.

As they walked out of the hospital, Sophie instinctively held onto Ethan's arm. She wondered if she'd be able to sleep at all tonight.

When they reached the car, Ethan opened the door for her, helping her in. Once inside, he reached over, taking her hand in his and giving it a firm, comforting squeeze.

"Let's go home and get some rest. We'll be back first thing tomorrow."

Sophie nodded, exhaling softly. For the first time in hours, a sense of peace settled over her.

"I'm sure everything will be better tomorrow."

"I know it will be," Ethan murmured as he started the car, driving them home.

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