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Upon arriving at the clinic, Emily immediately took in her surroundings with a disapproving frown. “Why don’t we go to Cleveland Clinic? Is this small one really reliable?”
Eva’s reply was calm, but there was an underlying reason she hadn’t shared. “It’s not convenient.”
The Cleveland Clinic was where people knew Mabel, and she couldn’t risk being spotted—especially when her pregnancy was a secret. She had gone there before for a routine check-up, never anticipating she’d find herself in this situation. Now, with everything at stake, Eva couldn’t risk someone recognizing her, especially when it came to Mabel. If anyone found out, Mabel would be hurt.
“Let’s just get it over with,” Eva muttered under her breath, her thoughts heavy.
Emily, unaware of the deeper layers of Eva’s reasoning, went to register and pay for the examination. While waiting, they sat on a cold, hard bench, and Eva could feel Emily’s eyes on her, the weight of the concern in them palpable.
“Why do you keep looking at me?” Eva finally asked, unable to ignore it any longer.
Emily’s voice was quiet, her eyes slightly red. “I was wondering when you became so cold-hearted.”
Eva’s stomach twisted at the accusation, and she was taken aback by the raw honesty in Emily’s voice. Cold-hearted? She hadn’t thought of herself that way, but when she reflected on the situation, perhaps it was true. Had she really become that indifferent?
Emily’s voice dropped even lower, tinged with sadness. “This child is also yours, Eva.” Her words were like a subtle blow, and Eva instinctively placed a hand on her belly, as if to protect the life inside her.
Yes, this child was hers too. A soft, unbearable ache settled in her chest as the weight of that truth sank deeper. She didn’t want to abort. But with no other clear path forward, the choice seemed inevitable.
Emily’s voice broke through her thoughts, her grip on Eva’s shoulders firm and urgent. “Eva, you don’t want to give up the baby, right? There must be another solution. I know you can’t bear to part with the baby. Just think it through so you don’t regret it later.”
Eva’s eyes softened as she looked at Emily, a flicker of hope in her heart. Could there really be another way? Could she keep the baby? But before she could respond, the nurse called her name.
Eva stood up instinctively, the pull of responsibility urging her to move forward. “I’ll go for the check-up first.”
Emily nodded, though her worry hadn’t subsided. “Alright. Go ahead.”
Inside the clinic, the cold, sterile atmosphere didn’t offer any comfort. The doctor glanced at her pregnancy report over his glasses, his gaze detached. “Have you decided on an abortion?” His question felt clinical, detached from the human emotions Eva was fighting within herself.
Eva hesitated, her mind a chaotic swirl of doubt and fear. She felt trapped, like there was no way out. She hadn’t expected this moment to come, and now that it was here, she wasn’t sure she was ready to face it.
The doctor, used to this kind of hesitation, went on with the details in a flat, emotionless tone: explaining the process, the costs, the necessary check-ups. “If you’ve made up your mind, go pay and wait for your turn,” he concluded without a hint of warmth.
Eva’s legs felt unsteady as she stood up, her heart pounding in her chest. She forced a faint smile as she thanked him and walked back outside, the weight of the decision pressing down on her.
Emily was waiting outside, her expression full of concern. As soon as she saw Eva, she rushed over. “What did they say?”
Eva opened her mouth to respond but was suddenly hit with a wave of dizziness. Her legs wobbled, and she almost crumpled to the floor. Emily was quick to catch her, holding her steady. “Are you alright?” she asked, her voice full of worry.
“I’m fine,” Eva murmured, though her pale face betrayed the lie. Emily helped her sit down on the bench, still fretting over her condition.
“Did you skip breakfast?” Emily asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Eva shook her head. She hadn’t had any appetite lately, not for food and not for the choices she was being forced to make. The sudden loss of appetite had been more than just physical—it was a reflection of her overwhelming uncertainty. Or maybe it was because of Adrian.
“You look pale. Are you feeling unwell?” Emily asked again, her concern only deepening.
“I might have low blood sugar,” Eva answered quietly, but she knew there was more to it than that. The emotional toll she was carrying was weighing on her.
“I’ll go get you something to eat. Wait here for me,” Emily said, her voice full of determination. She hurried off, leaving Eva alone with her thoughts.
As Eva sat there, the voices in her head grew louder, each one pulling her in a different direction.
What are you thinking? Haven’t you already made up your mind? one voice demanded. You need to resolve this, or you’ll always be in pain.
Don’t forget, he already asked for a divorce. The harsh reminder stung, and Eva squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block it out.
Another voice—softer, more vulnerable—whispered, You’re an adult. You can raise the child alone. You don’t need him.
You think raising a child only requires money? the first voice countered. What about the emotional and psychological aspects?
The back-and-forth was making her head spin, the conflict almost unbearable.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts. “Eva? Is that you?”
At first, Eva didn’t believe she had heard it right. But then the voice came again, clearer this time.
She opened her eyes to see a woman standing before her. Eva froze. It took her a moment to recognize the woman—Diana Robinson. She spent a lot of time with Margaret Blackwood, Adrian’s mother.
Diana’s eyes widened as recognition dawned on her. “Oh my, it’s really you.” She moved toward Eva with a warm smile, though there was a hint of curiosity in her expression. “I thought I was mistaken. What are you doing here?”
Eva’s stomach twisted with anxiety. She had come to this clinic specifically to avoid familiar faces, to keep things quiet. But fate had other plans.
“Hi, Mrs. Robinson,” Eva said coolly, trying to maintain her composure. “I’m here with my friend.”
Diana’s gaze dropped to Eva’s belly, and a suspicion flickered in her eyes. Eva could already feel the weight of her words, the danger of this encounter. Diana was sharp-tongued and loved gossip, and if she found out anything, it would spread like wildfire.
Eva’s pulse quickened. She pressed her lips together, trying to keep her expression neutral. But Diana was relentless.
“Where’s your friend then? Why are you here alone? Are you hiding something?” Diana’s voice was laced with insinuation. “Margaret said such nice things about you. You’re not going to let her down, are you?”
Eva’s patience snapped. “Mrs. Robinson, what do you mean? I don’t have anything to hide. If you keep making these kinds of accusations, I’ll sue you for slander.”
Diana feigned surprise, her eyes widening in mock horror. “Oh my, I was just joking. Why are you acting like this? Did I hit a nerve?”
