Chapter 35: The Final Stand

The courtroom was hushed, the tension palpable as Ethan prepared to deliver his closing argument. This was the moment everything had been building toward, and the weight of the case bore down on him heavily. He stood tall, despite the pain radiating through his leg, and made his way to the center of the courtroom on his crutches.

Ivy sat in the back, her eyes glued to Ethan. She watched him with a mix of admiration and concern. His dedication and resolve inspired her, intensifying her own dream of becoming a lawyer tenfold. She could see the passion and determination in his every movement, and it made her heart swell with pride and awe.

Ethan took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He looked at the jury, his gaze steady and confident. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," he began, his voice strong and clear despite the underlying fatigue, "we have heard a lot of testimony and seen a lot of evidence in this case. But I ask you to consider not just the facts presented, but the human element behind them."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Carlos is a young man who found himself in difficult circumstances, surrounded by influences and situations beyond his control. The prosecution has painted him as a criminal, but I ask you to look deeper. Look at the inconsistencies in the testimonies, the lack of concrete evidence linking him to these alleged crimes."

Ethan's eyes scanned the faces of the jurors, ensuring he made a connection with each one. "Carlos has maintained his innocence from the beginning. He is not a criminal mastermind; he is a victim of his circumstances. It is easy to cast judgment, but it is far harder to seek the truth and deliver justice."

He leaned on his crutches, the physical strain evident but his resolve unbroken. "I urge you to see Carlos for who he truly is—a young man deserving of a second chance, not a scapegoat for the failures of the system. Delivering a guilty verdict based on the flimsy evidence presented would be a grave injustice."

Ethan took another deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "Justice is not just about punishment; it is about fairness, about ensuring that the innocent are protected and the guilty are rightfully convicted. In this case, the prosecution has failed to meet their burden of proof. I ask you to find Carlos not guilty and give him the opportunity to rebuild his life."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "Consider also the possibility that Carlos was corralled by certain drug dealers who hid behind him, using him as a pawn. These individuals remain at large, manipulating vulnerable young men like Carlos to do their bidding while they evade justice. Don't let Carlos pay the price for their crimes."

With that, Ethan nodded and made his way back to his seat, the room silent and heavy with contemplation. Ivy watched, her heart pounding in her chest. She was in awe of Ethan's composure and eloquence, his ability to convey such powerful emotions and arguments despite his obvious pain.

As the judge called for a recess, Ethan left the courtroom, leaning heavily on his crutches. Ivy followed him out, catching up with him just as he reached the hallway.

"Ethan," she called softly, and he turned to face her. "You were incredible in there. Truly inspiring."

Ethan managed a tired smile but kept his demeanor reserved. "Thanks, Ivy."

She stepped closer, her eyes filled with determination. "Watching you today... it made me realize even more how much I want to pursue law. I want to make a difference, just like you."

Ethan's expression remained stoic, but he gave her a brief nod. "Focus on your goals. You'll do well."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the trial and their shared burdens hanging between them. Finally, Ethan broke the silence. "I need to get some rest. Thanks for being here."

Ivy nodded, understanding his need for rest. "Of course. Take care of yourself, Ethan." With that, they both slowly made their way out of the court.

Ivy stood at the zebra crossing, waiting to cross the street, when she heard the roar of a motorbike engine. She turned her head and saw two men in full-faced helmets speeding toward her. Panic surged through her, freezing her in place.

In the distance, Ethan saw the incoming motorbike and realized their intention. Without a second thought, he dove toward Ivy, shielding her with his body. The impact sent them both crashing to the ground, Ethan's hand cushioning her head to prevent it from hitting the pavement. His body went limp and unconscious as they landed.

The motorbike swerved at the last moment, narrowly avoiding them before speeding off and disappearing into the busy streets of Washington, D.C. Chaos erupted as bystanders reacted to the scene, some rushing to help while others called for assistance.

Jack, Ethan's experienced physiotherapist and a war veteran, quickly took charge of the situation. He assessed Ethan's condition, called 911, and carefully repositioned his body to ensure he was stable. Ivy, though physically unharmed, was in shock, her eyes wide and uncomprehending as she clung to Ethan.

Two police officers arrived swiftly, securing the location and questioning passersby who might have witnessed the incident. Jack texted Mark briefly: "Incident with Ethan. See me at the hospital. Don't worry, Ethan's fine."

EMTs arrived moments later, efficiently assessing Ethan before loading him onto a stretcher and into the ambulance. Ivy tried to follow, but Jack gently held her back. "Let them do their job, Ivy. He'll be okay."

As the ambulance sped away, Ivy stood trembling, her mind racing with fear and worry. Jack placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Come on, Ivy. Let's get to the hospital."

At the hospital, Ethan was taken for immediate medical attention. Ivy and Jack waited anxiously; the tension palpable between them. Ivy's thoughts were a whirlwind of concern for Ethan and questions about the men on the motorbike.

After what felt like an eternity, a doctor approached them. "Jack? Ethan is stable, but he sustained significant injuries to his leg. Given his history with bone cancer, we're worried about the integrity of the bone. We are waiting for Dr. Lewis to assess the situation and plan from there."

Ivy's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling. "Can I see him, please?"

The doctor nodded sympathetically. "He's asking to see Jack first. We'll let you know when you can go in."

Jack turned to Ivy, his face grim but determined. "Stay here. I'll talk to him and see what he needs."

Ivy nodded, her heart aching with worry. She watched Jack walk away, feeling helpless and frustrated. She wanted to be by Ethan's side, to offer him comfort and support, but she knew he wouldn't accept it.

Inside the room, Ethan lay in bed, his face pale but alert. Jack approached, his expression serious. "Ethan, what happened out there?"

Ethan shook his head slightly, wincing at the pain. "How's Ivy?" Jack sighed, even with his condition, he thinks of Ivy before himself. "Ivy's fine, in shock but she is fine, Ethan." Ethan gave a big sighed of relief, and continued, "I think they were trying to send a message, Jack. Please give Jason a call and see what he can find. They wanted to warn me not to pursue Carlos' friend's connections. I don't think they will do anything else at this point, but in the meantime, please have Ivy stay at the penthouse."

Jack nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We'll figure this out, Ethan. For now, you need to focus on your recovery."

Ethan's eyes flickered with frustration. "Help me keep Ivy safe, Jack. Make sure she's okay."

Jack placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder. "I will. Just focus on getting better."

Ethan gripped Jack's arm; his eyes intense. "And Jack, don't tell Ivy about my leg's condition. She has enough to worry about."

Jack hesitated but then nodded. "Alright, Ethan. But you will have to tell her eventually. She is worried sick about you."

As Jack left the room, he found Ivy waiting anxiously. "He's stable. He's worried about you, Ivy."

Ivy's eyes widened with concern. "What about his leg? What did the doctors say?"

Jack gave a reassuring smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "He's stable, Ivy. That's what matters right now."

Ivy's eyes filled with tears, but she nodded determinedly. "I just want to see him. Please, Jack."

Jack sighed, knowing Ethan's reluctance to show vulnerability. "He needs rest, Ivy. But I'll talk to him. Let's get home for now. Ethan wants you to stay at the penthouse for the moment until we figure this out to be safe."

Ivy quickly responded, "That's not necessary Jack. I am fine at my dorm. All my books and clothes are there too."

Jack responded, "You don't want Ethan to worry about you, right? He wants to make sure you are safe so he can focus on getting well."

Ivy nodded, grateful for Jack's support. "Ok, Jack. In that case, I'll do whatever you want me to do. I just want Ethan to be well."

Jack gave her a small, understanding smile. "I know, Ivy. We all do."

The next few days that followed were filled with tension and uncertainty. The police investigated the attack while Ethan recovered in the hospital. Ivy visited every day, though Ethan often refused to see her, his pride and desire to appear strong keeping her at arm's length.

Finally, the day of the verdict arrived. Ethan, still weak but determined, insisted on being present in the courtroom. With Jack's help, he made his way inside in his wheelchair, the room once again falling into a hushed silence as everyone awaited the jury's decision.

The foreman stood, holding the slip of paper that held Carlos's fate. "We, the jury, find the defendant, Carlos Rodriguez, not guilty."

A collective sigh of relief washed over the courtroom. Carlos broke down in tears, his foster parents hugging him tightly. Ethan closed his eyes, the tension draining from his body as a sense of accomplishment filled him.

Ivy watched from the back of the room, her heart swelling with pride and relief. Despite everything, Ethan had fought for justice and won. She knew that the road ahead would still be challenging, but with Ethan as her inspiration, she felt ready to face anything.

Jack nodded; his expression serious. "You did great, Ethan. Now let's get you back to the hospital."

Ethan glanced around, noticing Ivy watching him from a distance. He gave her a brief nod, his expression unreadable, before turning away.

Ivy's heart ached, but she knew she couldn't force Ethan to open up. All she could do was be there for him, hoping that one day he would let her in. For now, she would focus on her own journey, inspired by his strength and determination.

That night, as the hospital room quieted and the dim light cast soft shadows on the walls, Ethan lay in bed, his mind racing. Despite the pain and uncertainty surrounding his condition, his thoughts kept drifting to Ivy. She had been through so much today, and he couldn't shake the worry he felt for her.

Reaching for his phone, he hesitated for a moment before typing out a message to Ivy. His fingers trembled slightly as he composed his words, trying to convey his concern without revealing too much of his vulnerability.

"Hey Ivy, how are you doing? I'm sorry about the incident."

He sent the message and stared at the screen, waiting anxiously for a reply. The minutes seemed to stretch endlessly, each one filled with the quiet hum of hospital machinery and the distant sounds of the night shift.

Finally, his phone buzzed with a reply. Ivy's message popped up on the screen: "Hi Ethan, I'm okay! Really. Just a bit shaken up. How are you feeling? I've been so worried about you."

Ethan felt a surge of relief wash over him. He quickly typed back, "I'm managing. Just need to rest. Don't worry about me too much. Please stay at my place while I look into the situation."

Ivy's response came almost immediately. "Ethan, I'd like to see you."

Ethan's heart ached at her words, torn between his instinct to push her away and his growing feelings for her. He decided to keep his reply simple, not wanting to delve too deeply into his emotions. "We'll talk more tomorrow. Please get some rest."

As he set his phone aside, Ethan closed his eyes, the events of the day replaying in his mind. His professional mind assessed the threats, and his heart assessed his possibilities with Ivy. He knew he had to protect her, but he also couldn't ignore the growing bond between them. The weight of his responsibilities and emotions pressed heavily on him, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of rest, hoping tomorrow would bring clarity and strength.

Chapter 36: The Long Road to Recovery

The next morning, Ethan woke to the harsh reality of his injuries. His leg throbbed with a deep, relentless pain, and his entire body felt heavy and worn. As he lay in the hospital bed, he tried to process everything that had happened—the attack, the surgery, and now the looming uncertainty about his future.

He heard the door open and saw Jack enter, his face a mixture of concern and determination. "Morning, Ethan. How are you holding up?"

Ethan managed a grimace. "I've been better, Jack."

Jack nodded, his expression serious. "The doctors will be in soon to discuss your options."

True to Jack's word, the doctors arrived shortly after. Dr. Lewis, the lead orthopedic surgeon, approached Ethan's bed, a clipboard in hand. "Good morning, Mr. Caldwell. We have the results from your tests."

Ethan looked at him, his eyes steady. "What's the verdict?"

Dr. Lewis took a deep breath. "Your bone is severely compromised. The fracture is extensive, and given your history with bone cancer, the situation is complicated. We have a few options, but they all come with significant risks."

Ethan nodded, his face set in a grim line. "What are the options?"

Dr. Lewis began to outline them. "The first option is a risky surgery to try and save the leg. This involves multiple procedures, including bone grafts and possibly an external fixator, along with another regimen of chemotherapy. It's a long and painful process, and there's no guarantee it will be successful."

He paused, allowing Ethan to absorb the information before continuing. "The second option is a less invasive procedure. This would involve stabilizing the bone with internal fixation, but the chances of it holding up, given your previous cancer treatments, are lower. This would also require chemotherapy."

Ethan's mind raced as he processed the implications. "And the third option?"

Dr. Lewis met his gaze, his expression somber. "The third option is amputation. It would eliminate the risk of complications from a weakened bone and lower the risk of the cancer recurring, although not completely. However, it's a life-changing decision."

Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "Let me think about it," he said finally, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "I'll let you know soon."

Jack, standing by his side, squeezed his shoulder. "Whatever you decide, we'll get through this. Please discuss it with Mark too, Ethan."

Ethan looked at Jack, appreciating his unwavering support. "Thanks, Jack. I need some time to process all this."

As the doctors left, Ethan lay back, staring at the ceiling. The choices before him were daunting, each carrying its own set of challenges and uncertainties. He knew he had to make the decision soon, but the gravity of it weighed heavily on him.

Jack sat down beside the bed, his presence a steadying force. "We'll get through this, Ethan. One step at a time."

Ethan nodded, though his mind was still a whirlwind of thoughts. He couldn't help but think of the impact this would have on his life, his work, and his ability to protect those he cared about. He knew he had to be strong, but at that moment, the path ahead seemed more uncertain than ever.

Later that day, Mark arrived at the hospital, his face lined with worry. He pulled up a chair next to Ethan's bed. "Jack told me what's going on. Have you made a decision?"

Ethan sighed, feeling the weight of his brother's concern. "I'm leaning towards the risky surgery. I want to try and save the leg."

Mark shook his head, his expression stern. "Ethan, you need to consider the long-term implications. Amputation might be the safest option. It lowers the risk of the cancer coming back. We can't afford to take unnecessary risks with your health."

Ethan looked at Mark, appreciating his perspective. "I know it's a tough decision, but I have to try. I can't give up on my leg without a fight."

Mark's eyes softened, though his concern remained. "Just promise me you'll weigh all the risks. This isn't just about you—it's about all of us who care about you."

Ethan nodded. "I promise, Mark. I'll make sure I fully understand what I'm getting into."

The day passed in a blur of consultations and quiet contemplation. Ethan considered every angle, weighed every risk, and tried to envision his life with each of the potential outcomes. He thought about his role at the firm, his responsibilities, and the people who depended on him. He thought about Ivy and how much he wanted to be with her and be strong for her.

By evening, Ethan had reached a decision. He asked Jack to call Dr. Lewis back to the room. When the doctor arrived, Ethan looked him in the eye, his resolve firm. "I'm going to go with the risky surgery. I want to try and save the leg."

Dr. Lewis nodded, respect evident in his eyes. "We'll do everything we can to make this a success, Mr. Caldwell."

As Dr. Lewis left to make the necessary preparations, Jack stayed by Ethan's side. "It won't be easy, but you're strong. You can do this."

Ethan gave a small, curt nod. "Thank you, Dr. Lewis. Please do whatever you need to do."

Jack placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder. "We'll get through this together, Ethan. One step at a time."

Chapter 37: Support and Strain

Ivy arrived at the hospital later that day, her determination unwavering. She had spent the night at Ethan's penthouse, as Jack had insisted, but her mind had been on Ethan the whole time. She could hardly focus on anything else, and all she wanted was to be by his side.

She made her way through the hospital corridors, her heart pounding with worry and anticipation. When she reached Ethan's room, she paused for a moment, gathering her resolve before pushing the door open.

Ethan was sitting up in bed, his face pale and drawn but composed. The lines of pain etched into his features were a stark reminder of what he was enduring. His eyes flicked up as she entered, and his expression immediately became guarded.

"Ethan," Ivy said softly, stepping closer. She wanted to comfort him, to let him know he wasn't alone.

Ethan's gaze hardened slightly. "Ivy, you shouldn't be here. You need to focus on your studies and your safety."

Ivy straightened her shoulders, her resolve firm. "I can do both," she replied, her voice steady. "I care about you, Ethan. I want to be here for you."

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated, Ivy. I don't want you to see me like this."

"I'm not leaving," she said, her eyes filled with determination. "Not until you're better."

Ethan looked at her, the conflict clear in his eyes. He wanted to push her away to protect her, but he also knew how stubborn she could be. "Ivy, this isn't just about me being hurt. It's about everything that's happening. The threats, the firm, the case—it's a lot."

Ivy nodded, understanding the weight of his responsibilities. "I know it's a lot, Ethan. But you don't have to handle it all alone. Let me help you. We can face this together."

Ethan's shoulders slumped slightly, the burden of his situation pressing down on him. "Ivy, I've always handled things on my own. It's just how I am."

"Well, maybe it's time to let someone in," Ivy said softly. "You've always been there for everyone else. Let us be there for you."

Ethan looked at her, his eyes softening just a fraction. "Ivy, I don't want you to get hurt. This isn't easy for me."

Ivy stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. "I know it's not easy, Ethan. But I'm not going anywhere. I care about you too much to just walk away."

Ethan sighed, the fight draining out of him. "Alright, Ivy. But you have to promise me you'll be careful. I can't handle worrying about you on top of everything else."

Ivy nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "I promise. Now, what do you need? How can I help?"

Ethan looked at her, a mix of gratitude and resignation in his eyes. "Just being here helps. Knowing you're safe and close by."

They sat together in silence for a while, the weight of their shared burdens hanging between them. The hospital room was quiet, the only sound the distant hum of machinery. Ivy's presence was a comfort to Ethan, even if he couldn't fully express it.

After a while, Ethan broke the silence. "Ivy, you need to go back to the firm. Keep working and studying. I don't want my condition to hinder your goals."

Ivy's eyes widened slightly. "But, Ethan, I want to be here for you."

"I know," Ethan replied, his tone firm but not unkind. "But you have a future to build. Don't let this distract you. I'll be fine. Jack is here, and the doctors are doing their job. You need to focus on becoming the lawyer you want to be."

Ivy's heart ached at his words, but she understood his point. "Alright, Ethan. I'll go back, but I'll visit you every day."

Ethan gave a small nod. "Just promise me you'll stay safe and focused."

"I promise," Ivy said softly.

As she left the hospital, Ivy felt a mix of emotions. She was grateful for Ethan's concern but also frustrated by his insistence on pushing her away. She knew he cared about her deeply, even if he couldn't show it. His cold and strained attitude was his way of protecting her, but it left her feeling uncertain about his true feelings.

Back at the office, Ivy tried to maintain a low profile. She didn't want to attract attention to her close relationship with Ethan, the firm's biggest boss. She worked diligently on the case with Henry, focusing on every detail to ensure success.

When the day finally ended, Ivy left the office, exhausted but determined. As she walked towards the exit, Ethan's driver approached her. "Ms. Ivy, can I take you back to the penthouse?"

Ivy hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one overheard. She didn't want to risk anyone at the office finding out about her connection to Ethan. "Thank you, but I'll take a cab," she replied quietly.

The driver nodded, understanding her concerns. "Of course, Ms. Ivy. If you need anything, please let me know."

Ivy thanked him and walked out into the evening, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She knew she had to respect Ethan's wishes, but she couldn't help but worry about him. As she hailed a cab and headed back to the penthouse, she resolved to stay strong for both of them.

Ethan needed her support, even if he wouldn't admit it, and she was determined to be there for him in any way she could.