“Of course, it’s good news that you’re pregnant, Julie. I was just surprised. Go on and get your checkup," Tracy said.
While I was having the checkup, Blake gently patted my head to soothe me before he stepped out.
In the past, I might not have thought much of such a gesture. However now, as I watched his retreating back, suspicion crept into my heart like a shadow.
After the examination, I walked out to find the seat outside empty. I wandered through the hallway and eventually found him in the stairwell. He was standing close to Tracy.
Tracy's delicate brows were knitted tightly, her expression laced with dissatisfaction as she demanded, "You promised me she would never get pregnant. How could this happen?”
Blake pulled her gently into his arms and brushed away her frown with a practiced hand then coaxed her, “It was an accident. We’ve always been careful. I’ll take care of it, Tracy. I’ll personally ensure this child doesn’t see the light of day.”
His tone softened, almost pleading. “Don’t let this small issue upset you. You know it hurts me to see you like this.”
I stumbled back to the seat outside the examination room, my legs barely supporting me. His words kept echoing in my head. Small issue. He said it was a small issue. So, killing his unborn biological child was a small issue for him. Tracy's happiness was a big issue for him.
"Have the checkup finished?" he asked. “I just had to go to the toilet for a moment. Let me ask the doctor if the results are ready.”
His voice brought me back to reality, I nodded silently and watched as he disappeared into the doctor’s office. He emerged from the doctor's office after a long time with sorrowful eyes. He squatted in front of me at eye level with me. "Julie," he began cautiously, “I need to tell you something, but you have to promise me you won’t get upset.”
Then he continued, "The baby's test results are a bit bad, there are problems with its development, so we can't … keep this child."
Though I had braced myself for this, I had to try and save it. I locked my gaze on Blake's and said seriously, "I only ask you this just once. Please, be honest with me."
The moment Blake nodded solemnly, I emphasized every word I said, "This child … is there truly something wrong with it? Do we really have to let it go?"
For a split second, hesitation flickered in his eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared and before I could see it clearly, he had already answered my question, "Yes."
I kept my eyes trained on his, as his words shattered me. I gave up the fight, closed my eyes and nodded woodenly.
Seeing my agreement, Blake immediately sprang into action and arranged the operation with the hospital.
I had to admit that the efficiency of the Maxwell Family's private hospital was excellent. It only took an hour before I was wheeled into the operation room.
When I woke up, the operation had finished and I was sent back to the ward. I placed my hand gently over my now-empty belly and without realizing it, tears started to rain down my face. The place that was filled with my child yesterday was empty now.
The door creaked open and Blake entered, walked toward me and wiped away my tears with his thumb gently.
“Don’t cry, Julie,” he murmured. “We’re still young, Dear. There will be more children in the future.”
His word was like a big hand that gripped my heart tightly. Will there really be more? Can I trust you?
Before I could voice my thoughts, a sickeningly sweet voice interrupted us, “Oh, Julie, don’t be so sad! The baby might be gone, but you still have Blake. Look at how much he cares for you."
She continued, "Even though the doctor said you didn’t need to stay in the hospital, Blake insisted. He was so worried about you that he arranged for you to rest here for a few days before he was convinced."
Then she added, "Coincidentally, I haven’t been feeling well either for the past two days. I’ll be staying here to take care of my pregnancy. Don't you think this is nice? We are keeping each other company."
When I raised my eyes, I could not help noticing the triumph that flashed in Tracy's eyes.
