As Evelyn watched them lead Sandra away, her own exhaustion overwhelmed her. All her fury, all her heartbreak, surged up and then drained away, leaving her feeling hollow.

She turned to her father, who had stood silently, watching her confront Sandra with weary sadness in his eyes. He looked much older than his age, standing there in his pajamas.

Without another word, Evelyn stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her cheek against his shoulder. Unintentionally, she began to sob, her shoulders shaking, finally releasing the grief she'd held back.

He embraced her tightly, his own tears silently tracing paths down his face. They remained embraced, father and daughter, each leaning on the other, trying to piece together what remained after so much hurt and betrayal.

Nearby, Derek and Rayna exchanged a glance and, with a silent agreement, left to give the two some privacy.

They walked together down the hushed hospital hallway toward Ethan's room, their footsteps muffled on the floor. As they approached, Derek turned to Rayna. "How's he doing?" he asked softly, after a moment.

Rayna sighed, glancing down at her hands before looking back at him. "He's still unconscious. The doctor said it was due to the anesthesia and pain relief medication. His arm was injured, and it will take a while to heal," she said quietly. Derek could tell from her tone that she was blaming herself. "It's not your fault," he reassured her softly.

"You don't know that. I was standing there. I just stood there like a fool when I should have run. If only I had moved, he wouldn't have had to step in," Rayna said. Derek's gaze softened.

"It's normal for people to freeze in situations like that," Derek said, but Rayna shook her head.

"Not me. I'm a fighter, not a flight risk. That's why I don't understand my reaction," she said, taking a deep breath. "Ethan didn't deserve any of this. In fact, he shouldn't have been there in the first place. Did you did you know he'd be at the bakery tonight?" Rayna asked, her face etched with worry.

Derek shook his head. "No, I didn't. But I think he changed his mind about leaving and just wanted to see you and talk things through. Maybe he'd had a change of heart."

She let out a long, quiet sigh. "I just hope he recovers quickly."

They reached Ethan's room. The sight of Ethan, so still, with his arm in a cast, left a heavy ache in Derek's chest. Rayna sat beside Ethan's bed, taking his hand in hers. She held it gently, her thumb brushing across his knuckles as if to offer comfort, a reminder that she was there. "I swear, if I'd had just a few minutes with her, I would have left her with a bruise or two myself," she murmured, a hint of anger creeping back into her voice. Derek rested a hand on her shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Let it go, Ray. Sandra's fate is no longer in our hands."

Rayna took a deep breath and nodded. She met his gaze, some of the tension in her shoulders easing as she accepted his words.

"Are you going to stay here with him? Or is Melvin coming over?" Derek asked. Rayna nodded.

"I am," she replied firmly, her gaze returning to Ethan. "Melvin has to stay with Sara; she's almost due. I'll stay with Ethan until he wakes up and feels better. It makes sense that I'm here, since he wouldn't be in this condition if it weren't for me." Derek nodded. "Well, let me know the minute he wakes up. And if you need anything, call me, okay? I'll come right back," he said, and Rayna nodded.

He pulled her into a gentle hug, feeling her shoulders relax against him before releasing her. "Try not to blame yourself for this," he said, and she offered a faint smile of gratitude. Her eyes remained shadowed with worry as she returned her attention to Ethan.

As Derek walked back down the corridor, he found Evelyn waiting alone. She looked up when she saw him, her expression both weary and relieved. Without a word, he embraced her, letting her melt into his arms.

"It's over, Eve. You're safe now," he murmured into her hair. "And don't worry. Everything's going to be okay. Your mother is strong, and she'll pull through this." Evelyn pulled back slightly, her wet eyes searching his face. "I hope so. How's Ethan?"

"He'll be fine," Derek said, then looked around. "Did your dad leave already?" he asked, changing the subject.

"He went to the restroom," she said, and he nodded, glancing at his watch. The late hour was evident in the quiet hospital.

"It's past midnight, love. You need to rest." Evelyn shook her head before he could finish.

"I just I can't possibly just leave"

"Yes, you can. There's nothing more you can do here tonight except be sad and worried. You should get some rest. You can check on her tomorrow."

"But—" Her protest was faint but heartfelt. "I can't just I can't leave her. This happened because of me."

"No, it didn't. What is it with you all taking the blame for what Sandra did? This happened because Sandra is—" He stopped himself, softening his tone as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "This happened because Sandra made her choices, not because of you. You've done everything you could. Please, come with me, or I'll carry you out of here on my shoulders if I have to." The determination in his voice left her with little room to argue. She raised an eyebrow. "Are you bragging about your fitness right now?" she joked.

"Yes, I am," he smiled, knowing she was trying to lighten the mood.

She smiled, though she cast one last look down the corridor where her father had disappeared. "But I don't want to leave my dad alone here. He's so devastated, Derek. I've never seen him look so sad or old," she said. He nodded.

"I understand. But I'm sure he'll understand, and he'd want you to rest. Derek's voice softened. Evelyn's father returned as if on cue; his expression softened when he saw them.

Derek met the older man's gaze. "I need to get Evelyn home. She needs to freshen up and rest. Today has been a long day," Derek said, and Eric nodded as he looked at Evelyn, who was still wearing makeup.

Derek gently added, "We just found out she's pregnant."

The news drew a stunned silence from her father before he embraced her tightly, his joy and relief briefly easing the weight of the night. "This is wonderful news! I'm so happy for you two," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "Listen to him, Evelyn. You need to take care of yourself. I'll be fine, and if anything happens, I'll call. But go home, okay?"

"Are you sure you'll be fine on your own?" she asked. When he smiled and nodded, she nodded back, her gaze softening as she held him close for one last moment before allowing Derek to lead her away gently.