Chapter 481
The lights in the operating room finally dimmed, and Isabel Foster was wheeled out into the corridor.
Lindy Etheridge hurried forward. “Doctor, is she… is she going to be all right?”
The doctor looked at Lindy, his expression grave. “She’s not in any immediate danger, but… her leg-“
Lindy swayed, nearly losing her balance. “Her leg… she won’t be able to walk?”
The doctor nodded. “That’s the worst-case scenario for now.”
If Friedman Etheridge hadn’t caught her, Lindy might have collapsed right there. “Are you okay?” Friedman asked softly, steadying her.
Lindy pressed her lips together and shook her head. She hadn’t thought much of Isabel before, but now… Isabel had risked her own life to save Effie Bagnold, and now she might never walk again.
Effie looked over at Lyman Etheridge. He seemed to sense her thoughts and gave her a reassuring nod before walking toward Lindy.
“Mom,” Lyman said, “Isabel was hurt saving Effie. We have to take responsibility for her. But…” He hesitated, glancing at Effie, then continued, “I’m married now, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to handle this personally.”
Lindy understood immediately. She nodded at Lyman. “I know what you mean. I’ll take care of things for Isabel. You and Effie don’t need to get involved.”
Lyman gave her an appreciative look. “Thanks, Mom. I’m counting on you.”
“It’s nothing,” Lindy replied. “You two just focus on your life together. Leave the rest to me.”
Lyman and Effie waited by Isabel’s side until she woke up, wanting to thank her in person.
When Isabel finally opened her eyes, she looked at Effie and Lyman, her emotions a tangled web. “Honestly don’t even remember what I was thinking in that moment. I just.. acted on instinct. Please, you don’t owe me anything. I don’t want you to feel guilty on my account?”
She paused, her voice trembling. “Maybe this is fate. I’ve done so many terrible things in the past—maybe this is how the universe is punishing me.”
Effie and Lyman exchanged a troubled glance.
Effie couldn’t help but wonder if Isabel had hit her head along with her leg. The Isabel she knew would never talk like this.
Just then, Lindy stepped forward. “Isabel, sweetheart, you got hurt saving Effie. Of course we’ll take care of you. We’ll do everything we can, whatever you need.”
Isabel looked at Lindy, her eyes
brimming with tears. “I really don’t expect anything. If my leg can heal
know
that’s all could hope for
I’m a dancer-if I can’t dance
anymore, my career is over..Her
voice broke, and tears slipped down her cheeks, fragile and
heart-wrenching.
Lindy’s heart ached for her, the guilt pressing even heavier on her chest.
“We’ll make it right,” Lindy said, her voice thick with emotion. “No matter what it takes, we’ll find the best doctors, the best treatment. You will walk again, Isabel.” Isabel wiped her eyes. “You really don’t have to do this. I brought this on myself.” “Don’t say that. Don’t ever say that again,” Lindy chided gently.
After a while, Isabel grew tired, and Effie and Lyman took their leave.
Fidelia Etheridge stood quietly nearby, watching Isabel without blinking.
If she hadn’t lived through what she had, Fidelia might have felt moved by Isabel’s tears. But after everything Isabel had done-after she’d tried to wash her hands of responsibility, refusing to admit to anything-Fidelia’s sympathy was buried under a hard shell of suspicion.