Chapter 40
“What did you say?” Blanche’s voice was so faint it was barely audible.
Hedwig took the report from her in surprise. “The hCG levels are way above the normal pregnancy range. Bro, the numbers say Blanche is definitely pregnant.”
The only thing Loraine ever truly held against Blanche was her trouble with children. For years, she’d hoped Blanche would have another baby.
Blanche herself had done everything she could to try for another child. Now, at last, her wish had come true.
But Hedwig only felt her heart ache more. Betrayed by her own husband too, she wondered-did enduring in silence really make life any easier?
Blanche stared blankly at Eddy. The test said she was pregnant-why did he claim otherwise?
She watched as Eddy turned back to her with a gentle smile. “Sweetheart, there’s been some mistake. You’re not pregnant.”
“But, Bro, the numbers are right here,” Hedwig protested, confusion etched on her face-until she caught the warning darkness in Eddy’s eyes and fell silent.
“You’re no doctor,” Eddy chided, his tone soft. He turned back to Blanche, his expression all tenderness.
Blanche looked into his loving gaze, but knew the truth: Sophie would never lie to her. It was Eddy who was deceiving her.
She’d long since given up hope in him, but every time, he managed to dig her disappointment even deeper.
So this was what their marriage was-only she ever wished for another child. Only she mourned the daughter they’d lost.
“Darling, let me have a word with Dr. Smith. You should rest for a while.”
14:06
Eddy kissed her forehead, but as he turned to Dr. Smith, the warmth drained from his face, replaced by icy resolve.
Blanche’s vision blurred with tears, until she felt Hedwig’s hand squeeze
hers tight.
“It’s okay, Blanche. You and Eddy are still young. You’ll have more
chances,” Hedwig tried to comfort her, and for a moment, Blanche felt a faint spark of warmth.
Blanche shook her head with a small, sad smile. “I won’t try for another child, Hedwig. Not anymore.”
She stepped off the bed. “I need to use the bathroom.”
Her room was a luxury suite with an en suite bathroom-she didn’t need to leave at all.
Instead, she found herself standing outside Dr. Smith’s office, and through the door, she heard Eddy’s voice-cold and unyielding.
“End this pregnancy.”
“Mr. Simmons, your wife has wanted this for years. Are you sure you want
to-”
“Do I need to repeat myself? She’s not to have this child.”
His words stabbed through Blanche’s chest like a knife. She pressed herself against the wall, struggling to breathe.
Someone else had given him a child. He didn’t need one from her
anymore.
Blanche clenched her jaw, refusing to let the tears fall, and walked silently back to her room.
He wasn’t worth her grief.
After she left, the conversation inside continued.
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Chapter 40
“My wife’s health is poor. Pregnancy is too great a risk,” Eddy said flatly, his face heavy with sorrow. “Please help me end this safely.”
“I’ve reviewed her records-she should be able to carry another child without major risk,” Dr. Smith replied. “My team can guarantee her safety.”
“I plan to spend my life with her,” Eddy said quietly. “I won’t put her in any danger-not even the slightest.”
“I see,” Dr. Smith murmured, a hint of admiration in his voice. “It’s rare to see a husband so devoted. Most of my cases involve women pressured to have more children, never the opposite.”
He’d seen countless women coerced by their families, suffering under the weight of expectation. Eddy’s request was a first.
“But Mrs. Simmons is still quite weak,” Dr. Smith added. “It’s not safe to proceed immediately. She’ll need time to recover first.”
“Alright, I’m counting on you.”
