Bella darted up the steps, her feet barely touching the ground, and threw her arms around Jessica in a heartfelt embrace. The hug was warm, intense, and filled with emotion. When she finally pulled back, her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, and she studied Jessica carefully, as though seeing her for the first time.
"You actually healed him... just like you said you would," Bella whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Jessica offered her a soft smile, but said nothing. There were times when words werenāt neededāthis was one of them.
To Bella, it felt unreal. Jessica had always been a friend, but in moments like this, it seemed God had specially destined her to be part of their lives.
She had saved Davis once as a child, saved and harbored Bella during her accident and taken her in like family, and now, she had saved her brotherās legs. Her brother could walk again.
Bella was overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all, and yet, no words could fully express her gratitude.
She opened her mouth, then closed it again, lost in the enormity of what she felt.
"Stupid girl," Jessica teased with a small grin, lightly pinching her cheeks. "Is it worth shedding tears? Besides, shouldnāt you be congratulating him for being bold enough to receive treatment?"
Jessicaās tone was light, but her gaze shifted subtly to Davis, who stood behind them with a small, amused smile on his face.
"I know he did well," Bella admitted, swiping her eyes. "But if you werenāt there in the picture, he wouldnāt have?
Jessica raised a brow. "Itās okay. Heās still my husband, donāt forget."
Bella chuckled, her mood lifting. "You donāt have to plaster it all over my single face."
From the hallway, Ethan appeared just in time to hear the last line, causing Davis to smirk.
"Ethan, can you take your girlfriend out of the way? My wifeās legs are aching from standing," Davis teased.
Bella gasped, caught off guard. Her face flushed a deep red as she spun around quickly, clearly flustered. In her flurry, she missed her step.
"Bella! Bella!" Davis and Jessica shouted in unison, both instinctively stretching their hands toward her.
Their fingers brushed against hers, but she slipped from their grasp.
For a terrifying moment, Bella saw the floor rushing toward her and braced herself for the impact, quietly shutting her eyes. Instead, she landed against something firm and warm. Or rather, someone.
"Ouch," came a hiss.
Bellaās eyes flew open and met Ethanās. His chest heaved as he held her tightly, a mix of fear and relief etched on his face. He had acted on instinct, catching her just in time.
"Are you stupid?" she shrieked, still flustered, her concern bubbling into anger as she stood up. "Are you trying to die?! Do you think Iād forgive you if something happened to you?"
Ethan winced, trying to stand. "Iām sorry. I didnāt have time to... think it through," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Jessica and Davis exchanged a knowing glance, the corners of Davisās mouth twitching in amusement.
"Dr. Bella," Jessica said with an exaggerated sigh, "shouldnāt your first line of action be offering first aid?"
Bella glared at her. "Are you really my sister-in-law?"



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