Ethan's health scare cast a lingering shadow over the days that followed. The vibrant energy that had once filled their home was replaced by a heavy, oppressive silence. Throughout the rest of his hospital stay, even though Ethan let Ivy stay in his room, he remained cold and reserved towards Ivy. He wasn't rude, but his silence spoke volumes. He avoided looking directly at her, and their conversations were minimal and terse. During his stay at the hospital stayed by his side, her heart aching with every wince he made, each one a stark reminder of his pain and her helplessness.
He was finally discharged after the long six nights in the hospital. Dr. Lewis' instructions to take another week off to recuperate were met with Ethan's cold, resigned nod. It was a promise he knew he couldn't keep, and the tension in his jaw revealed his frustration.
On the day of his discharge, Jack and Mark came to assist Ivy in getting Ethan home. The process was painstakingly slow, each movement eliciting a grimace from Ethan. Ivy watched with a heavy heart, her own discomfort mirroring his, even though she was not the one physically suffering.
"Let's get you home," Jack said, his voice gentle but firm as he supported Ethan on one side while Ivy took the other. Ethan's silence persisted, creating an almost palpable barrier between them.
They arrived at the apartment, where Jack helped Ethan settle into his bedroom. Once Ethan was resting, Jack and Ivy stepped out of the room, and Ivy finally let out the frustration that had been building up inside her.
"Jack, I don't understand why Ethan is being so distant. We had such a good time in Hawaii. Now it's like he's shutting me out completely," Ivy vented, her voice trembling with emotion.
Jack placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Ethan is going through a lot, Ivy. He's not just dealing with physical pain but also the psychological weight of his illness. Be patient with him. He needs you, even if he can't show it right now."
Ivy nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I'll try, Jack. I just wish he'd let me in."
"Give him some time," Jack advised before leaving, entrusting Ethan's care to Ivy for the night.
The first night back home was a difficult one. Ethan insisted on trying to manage on his own, pushing Ivy away whenever she offered help. She watched helplessly as he struggled to move around the apartment, each step clearly causing him pain.
"I can do it myself, Ivy," he snapped when she tried to assist him to the bathroom. His voice was cold, but it trembled with the effort of maintaining his composure.
Ivy bit her lip, holding back tears. "I just want to help, Ethan. You don't have to do this alone."
Ethan avoided her gaze, focusing instead on the task at hand. "I don't need your help," he muttered, his tone final.
The next morning, Ivy decided to stay home to help Ethan. She called Henry, asking for permission to work from home that day. Henry, though curt as usual, agreed, understanding the situation.
Ivy went to the kitchen and began preparing breakfast for Ethan, hoping that a simple meal might bridge the emotional gap between them. She made his favorite—a spinach and cheese omelet, with a side of fresh fruit and toast. She carefully arranged everything on a tray, ensuring it looked as appealing as possible.
Taking a deep breath, she carried the tray into Ethan's bedroom. He was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. He glanced at her briefly as she entered but quickly looked away.
"I made you breakfast," Ivy said softly, setting the tray down on the bedside table.
Ethan's eyes flickered to the tray and then back to the ceiling. "Thanks," he muttered, his voice devoid of emotion.
Ivy sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes searching his face for any sign of warmth or recognition. "Ethan, I'm here for you. Please, let me help."
Ethan closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. " I don't need a babysitter. I can handle this in my own way."
"Handling it on your own means shutting me out?" Ivy asked, her voice breaking slightly.
Ethan didn't respond immediately. When he finally spoke, his words were measured and distant. "I don't want to be a burden. You deserve someone strong, someone who can take care of you, not the other way around."
Ivy felt a surge of frustration. "Ethan, you're not a burden. I love you, and that means we face these challenges together. Don't you remember the promises we made in Hawaii?"
Ethan's eyes opened, and for a brief moment, Ivy saw a flicker of vulnerability. But it quickly vanished, replaced by the same cold distance. "I remember, Ivy. But I also remember promising myself that I wouldn't drag you down with my problems."
"You're not dragging me down," Ivy insisted, leaning closer. "You're pushing me away. Let me in, Ethan. Let me be here for you."
Ethan sighed, turning his head coldly. "Just go back to the office, Ivy. You are doing well there, especially with help from your friend Mike."
Ivy was taken aback. "Mike? What are you saying, Ethan?"
Ethan didn't reply. "Just leave me alone, Ivy."
"No," Ivy said firmly. "I am here whether you want me or not. You need to deal with it."
Ethan's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and sadness. "I'm serious, Ivy. Go back to work. Don't waste your time on me."
Ivy stood her ground, her voice unwavering. "I'm not leaving, Ethan. You need help, and I'm not abandoning you."
Ethan clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "Fine. Do what you want."
During the days that followed, Ivy tried to create a comforting environment at home. She prepared his favorite meals, kept the apartment tidy, and tried to engage him in light conversation. But Ethan's responses were curt and monosyllabic, and he spent most of his time staring off into the distance or pretending to be engrossed in work documents.
One evening when she returned from work, Ivy found him in the living room, his leg propped up on the coffee table, his face twisted in pain as he tried to focus on a report. The soft glow of the lamp cast long shadows across his features, highlighting the lines of stress and fatigue etched into his skin.
"Ethan, you should be resting," she said gently, approaching him with a concerned expression.
Ethan looked up, his eyes hard and unyielding. "I'm not an invalid, Ivy," he replied, his voice laced with frustration.
Ivy ignored his remark, decided not to engage him. "When did I ever say that you are an invalid? I am simply saying that your health is more important than anything else."
Ethan's gaze softened for a moment, and Ivy thought she saw a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. But it was quickly replaced by the same cold distance. "I'm tired, I'll go to bed early," he said quietly, turning away from her.
"I love you Ethan," Ivy insisted, her voice breaking.
Ethan's silence was deafening. Ivy stood up, her heart heavy with sorrow and frustration. She wanted to reach out to him, to make him understand that he didn't have to face this alone, but his walls were impenetrable.
The following day, Ivy was sitting in the kitchen, absentmindedly stirring a pot of soup on the stove. The aroma of simmering vegetables filled the air, but she barely noticed. Her thoughts were consumed by Ethan, and the growing chasm between them.
She heard the soft sound of footsteps and turned to see Ethan standing in the doorway, his expression inscrutable. For a moment, their eyes met, and Ivy's heart skipped a beat.
"Ethan," she began, her voice trembling. "I know you're going through a lot, but please don't shut me out. I need to know what's going on with you."
Ethan's jaw tightened, and he looked away. "I'm fine, Ivy. You should not be here; You should focus on your work. Don't waste your time worrying about me."
Ivy felt a surge of frustration. "You are pushing me away. I need to know why."
Ethan's eyes flashed with anger. "Ivy, I have an apartment that I rented out three blocks from the office. You will have more privacy there with your life. Don't worry about me, I can get Jack to live in to help me out."
"Are you kicking me out?" Ivy, in shock shot back, her voice rising. "We're supposed to be a team."
Ethan's shoulders slumped, and he let out a weary sigh. "You are free to date anyone, I am not the best option for you, Ivy."
Ivy felt her anger grow, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. "What is wrong with you Ethan? I thought you and I made a promise to each other in Hawaii? Is there something wrong with your brain as well?"
Ethan looked at her, "Mike is a good option for you, Ivy. He has a good future ahead of him, potentially a good lawyer, more importantly he is healthy and can be there for you. Unlike me."
Ivy's eyes widened. "Oh my God, Ethan, are you jealous?"
Ethan's face hardened, but his eyes betrayed a hint of vulnerability. "I'm not jealous, Ivy. I'm being realistic. You deserve someone who can be there for you, someone who isn't constantly burdened with health issues."
Ivy's frustration bubbled over. "Ethan, you don't get to decide what's best for me. I make my own decisions about my life, and I choose you. I love you, not anybody else. You're the one I want to be with, despite your health issues."
Ethan shook his head, pain flashing in his eyes. "You're not thinking straight, Ivy. This isn't just about love. It's about practicality. What if my condition gets worse? What if I can't take care of you? You shouldn't have to live with that uncertainty."
"I knew about your condition when we started this relationship," Ivy retorted, her voice rising. "And I accepted it. I chose to be with you, knowing everything. You're pushing me away because you're scared, not because it's what's best for me."
Ethan's jaw clenched, his hands balling into fists. "Ivy, move on. Please."
Ivy stepped closer, her voice softening. "No. I love you, and I will be here."
Ethan got up from the sofa, his movements slow and deliberate, each step revealing his physical and emotional exhaustion. Without a word, he turned his back on Ivy and made his way to the bedroom. The heavy silence between them was almost suffocating.
Ivy watched him go, her heart aching with every step he took away from her. She could see the tension in his shoulders, the way he avoided her gaze. It felt like he was retreating into himself, building walls she wasn't sure how to break down. When he reached the bedroom door, he paused for a moment, his hand gripping the doorknob tightly. For a brief second, Ivy thought he might turn around, might say something, anything, to bridge the gap between them.
But he didn't. Instead, he opened the door and walked inside, closing it firmly behind him. The sound of the door clicking shut resonated through the apartment, a stark symbol of the barrier he was trying to erect between them. Ivy stood there, rooted to the spot, feeling a profound sense of loss and helplessness wash over her.
As the reality of the situation settled in, tears began to well up in Ivy's eyes. She felt them spill over, warm and unchecked, running down her cheeks. The pain of Ethan's rejection cut deep, but beneath the hurt was a steely resolve. She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, refusing to let despair take hold.
She knew Ethan was pushing her away out of fear and a misguided sense of protectiveness. He believed he was doing the right thing by distancing himself, but Ivy was determined to show him otherwise. She would stand by him, through the pain and the uncertainty, and prove that their love could endure.
Drawing a shaky breath, Ivy gathered her strength. She glanced around the apartment, the space that had once felt like a haven now filled with tension and unresolved emotions. But she wouldn't let this moment define them. She wouldn't let Ethan's fears dictate the future of their relationship.
"I'm not going anywhere," she whispered to herself, her voice steady despite the tears. "I love you Ethan, and I'll be here, no matter what."
With that resolve, Ivy went about her nightly routine. She checked on the apartment, ensuring everything was in order, and then prepared for bed herself. The night ahead would be long and filled with restless thoughts, but she was determined to face it with courage.
To Ivy's surprise, she found Ethan standing in the kitchen the next morning, dressed and ready to go to work. The sight of him up and about was both shocking and worrisome, considering his demeanor the night before.
"Ethan, …?" Ivy asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Ethan didn't look up from the coffee he was pouring. "Please have Henry contact Cheryl about my schedule for this week. I'll see you at the office. And umm... meet me for lunch around 12, I'll come by your office," he said curtly, his tone brooking no argument.
Before Ivy could respond or protest, Ethan had already walked past her, his crutches clicking against the floor as he made his way to the door. The decisiveness of his actions left Ivy momentarily speechless. She watched him leave, a mix of frustration and worry bubbling up inside her.
After he was gone, Ivy shook herself out of her stupor and quickly grabbed her phone to text Henry, making sure he got the message about contacting Cheryl. She then quickly went to the office.
Arriving at the office, Ivy couldn't shake off the anxiety that clung to her. She dived into her work, hoping it would distract her until lunch. The hours passed slowly, each minute dragging as she worried about Ethan's condition and his insistence on pushing himself too hard.
When noon finally arrived, she heard that familiar noise of his crutches coming towards her cubicle.
"Mr. Caldwell," she continued to address Ethan by Mr. Caldwell when she was at the office, insisting on her stance to separate professional and her personal separate.
"Let's go," Ethan responded shortly. Ivy got up and picked up her purse.
As they walked to their usual lunch place, Ivy found herself a bit unsure about Ethan's sudden change in demeanor. She kept a slight distance, walking a few steps behind him, her mind racing with confusion and concern. Just as she was contemplating the mixed signals, Ethan surprised her by handing her one of his crutches and holding her hand. The gesture was unexpected and tender, causing a flurry of emotions within her. They continued their walk in silence, the only sound being the rhythmic clink of Ethan's remaining crutch against the pavement.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Ethan, as always, took charge and ordered for both of them. Ivy couldn't help but marvel at how a man who often seemed so cold and distant could know her so well, understanding her preferences and attending to her needs with such precision.
Seated across from each other, Ethan finally broke the silence. "Ivy, how's your application going?"
"I'm completing the application package at the moment," Ivy replied, watching him closely as he played with his food, not really eating.
The unease between them was palpable, and Ivy could no longer hold back her questions. "Ethan, what is really going on? You're kicking me out one night, and then you're showing affection the next. I'm confused, Ethan."
Ethan looked up briefly, then averted his gaze. "Do you need more drink? I'll call the waiter," he said, clearly avoiding her question.
Ivy reached across the table, placing her hand over his. "Ethan, please. I need to understand. One moment you're pushing me away, and the next, you're holding my hand. What's really happening?"
Ethan took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around his fork. "I'm scared, Ivy," he admitted quietly. "I'm scared of what my illness means for us. I want to protect you from all this, but I also can't bear to push you away."
"And yes, I admit, I am jealous, Ivy. I can't give you what you want. Staying with me is not a very rational choice," Ethan said, his voice strained.
"Ethan, I may not be as smart as you are, but for me, love is not about calculating pros and cons or profit and loss—"
"But what do you love about me, Ivy, really. What do you love about me?" Ethan cut her off, his eyes searching hers intensely.
Ivy's heart raced. "Everything, Ethan. Your brilliant brain, your charisma, how you care about people, the way you walk... Ethan, I am infatuated every time you command people around you."
"The way I walk? The cripple walk?" Ethan's tone was sharp, defensive.
"I don't see the cripple, Ethan," Ivy replied firmly. "I see confidence, someone with purpose who commands respect from everyone around him."
Ethan looked away, his face tightening. "Ivy, let's get back to the office." He stood up, reaching for his crutches.
Ivy felt her anger boiling over. She stood up abruptly, unable to hold back any longer. "Ethan, you can't play with my emotions, lure me in, and shut me out whenever you please. I love you, and whatever it is in your head, deal with it."
She stormed out of the restaurant, her footsteps echoing in the quiet street. Suddenly, she heard Ethan's voice, softer but laced with pain. "My second round of chemo is next week."
Ivy froze, turning slowly to look at him. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air.
"I'll put in a request to work from home for two weeks," Ivy responded shortly, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and determination. She took a deep breath and continued, "I am not made of paper, Ethan. I am not a weak creature that needs protection. Let's get back to the office."
Ethan nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of resignation and sadness. They walked back to the office in silence, Ivy's mind racing with thoughts of how to support Ethan through his upcoming treatment while standing her ground in their relationship.
When they returned to the office, Ivy immediately set to work, channeling her frustration and love into productivity. She marched to Henry's office, determination in her stride. Knocking on the door, she waited for his curt "Come in" before entering.
"Henry, I need to work from home for two weeks beginning next week," Ivy said firmly, meeting his gaze with steady eyes.
Henry, always composed, studied her for a moment before nodding, understanding what it was decided not to pry further. "Understood. I'll make the necessary arrangements. Make sure your tasks are covered."
"Thank you, Henry," Ivy replied, her relief evident. She turned and left his office, her mind already shifting to the tasks ahead.
Ethan, on the other hand, retreated to his own office, closing the door behind him with a heavy thud. He sat at his desk, staring at the piles of paperwork, feeling the weight of his illness and the complexity of his feelings for Ivy pressing down on him. His office, usually a place of control and command, now felt like a prison of his own making.
In the days that followed, they maintained a professional distance at work, but the emotional undercurrents were impossible to ignore.
The morning of Ethan's chemotherapy arrived with a heavy sense of anticipation. Ivy had prepared everything the night before, ensuring that Ethan would have everything he needed for the day ahead. She packed a bag with snacks, water, a blanket, and his laptop, hoping to provide him with some comfort and distraction during the long hours of treatment.
As the sun rose, casting a pale light over the city, Ivy gently woke Ethan. "Ethan, it's time to get ready," she said softly, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and compassion.
Ethan opened his eyes slowly, his expression weary. "I'm up," he muttered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Ivy watched him with concern, noticing the lines of pain etched into his face.
A few minutes later, Jack arrived, his demeanor calm and reassuring. "Morning, Ethan, Ivy," he greeted them. "Let's get you ready, Ethan. Let me give you some light exercises to prepare your leg for the few hours of stillness during the chemo."
Ethan sighed but complied, understanding the necessity. Jack guided him through gentle stretches and movements, each one designed to keep his muscles loose and reduce stiffness. Ivy watched, her heart aching with a mix of worry and admiration for Ethan's perseverance.
Once the exercises were complete, Jack called Rob to bring the car to the lobby. Ethan insisted that he would use his crutches to the car refusing the wheelchair that Jack prepared. Once in the lobby, Ethan got in refusing Ivy's help while Jack carefully loaded Ethan's wheelchair. Ethan glanced at the wheelchair, his face contorting with a mix of frustration and resignation. He knew that he will need it after the chemo expecting how miserable he would feel after the chemo.
As they drove to the hospital, the silence in the car was heavy. Ivy reached over and held Ethan's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll get through this, Ethan," she whispered, her voice filled with determination.
When they arrived at the hospital, it was not more than 15 minutes of wait before they get called out. "Ethan Caldwell?" a nurse called out, her voice gentle.
Ethan nodded and followed her to an empty chair. Ivy helped him settle in, draping the blanket over his legs and arranging the bag of snacks within easy reach. The nurse explained the procedure, her tone calm and reassuring. "We'll start with an IV to administer the chemotherapy drugs. If you need anything, just let us know."
Ethan nodded again, his eyes distant. Ivy sat beside him, holding his hand as the nurse inserted the IV. Ethan winced slightly but remained stoic. Once the IV was in place, the nurse started the infusion, and the steady drip of the medication began.
As the hours passed, Ivy did her best to keep Ethan comfortable. She gave him his laptop which he quickly use to began working, distracting himself from the . Ivy was quiet, from time to time offering him water to keep him hydrated.
"How are you feeling?" Ivy asked gently, brushing a strand of hair from Ethan's forehead.
"Tired," Ethan replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ivy smiled, though her heart ached for him. "Try to go to take a nap then, I'll be here."
As the treatment progressed, Ethan's strength seemed to wane. Ivy watched helplessly as he struggled to stay awake, his eyelids drooping. She continued to hold his hand, her touch a lifeline in the midst of his ordeal.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the nurse returned to remove the IV. "All done Mr. Caldwell," she said with a warm smile. "We'll see you again next week for the next round."
Ethan nodded weakly, too exhausted to respond. Jack helped him stand, supporting him as he sunked in to his wheelchair. The drive home was silent, the events of the day weighing heavily on both of them.
When they arrived at the apartment, Jack and Ivy helped Ethan to his room, settling him into bed with the utmost care. "Rest now," she whispered, brushing a kiss against his forehead. "I'll be right here if you need anything."
Ethan nodded, his eyes closing as he succumbed to the exhaustion. Ivy sat beside him, watching over him as he slept. She felt a mixture of relief and sorrow, knowing that this was only the beginning of a long and arduous journey. But she was determined to stay by his side, no matter what lay ahead.