Chapter 224

“If you want to keep the baby, you must abstain from intimacy. Hospitalization is advisable to prevent miscarriage,” the doctor said objectively, holding up the reports. “If you don’t want it, I recommend immediate surgery. The longer you wait, the worse your health will become.”

“Does intimacy have such severe consequences?” Melanie asked. She could refuse Nathaniel, but not Frank. Even if she rejected him once or twice, sustained refusal was impossible.

This meant ten months of bed rest to protect the baby. But afterward? She envisioned a mediocre life as a housewife, perpetually busy with husband and children.

She knew Nathaniel couldn’t provide a wealthy lifestyle. She craved a different fate, especially since she was determined to win the year-end competition. Winning would boost her popularity, and with further help from Frank and the judges, she envisioned a bright future. But…if she spent that time hospitalized and pregnant…

The thought terrified her. “You’ve already experienced warning signs of miscarriage. Do you consider this insignificant?” The doctor raised an eyebrow, his tone sharp. “Young people today don’t take care of themselves. Don’t you know pregnancy is precarious in the first trimester? Sex should be avoided; if it occurs, extreme caution is necessary.” He looked at her solemnly.

Melanie blushed. It was embarrassing to be lectured on this, even by a doctor.

“If I don’t want the baby, how long will the operation take? Will I need to be hospitalized?” she asked after a moment.

The doctor hesitated before asking, “Is this solely to allow you to have sex?”

He found it difficult to understand. Was it truly so hard to abstain for a few months for the baby’s sake?

“No, I have my reasons,” she denied immediately.

“If I’m not mistaken, I can take medication to induce an abortion. Is that correct, doctor? Can I go home the same day? Do you have a painless option? How long is the recovery period?”

The doctor’s expression soured, his tone losing its gentleness. “There are two types of abortion: medication and surgery. However, your current situation is unsuitable for medication. If you choose surgery, you’ll need to wait two days. Discharge on the same day depends on your recovery. Remember, all surgery carries risks, and abortion surgery inevitably harms a woman’s body.”

“Your uterus may be damaged, affecting future pregnancies. Are you sure you want to proceed?” Though his tone was unfriendly, he responsibly explained the risks. Melanie clenched her fingers, touching her stomach. She felt a slight throbbing. Though her belly wasn’t yet swollen, and she hadn’t felt movement, she felt some connection to the baby—it had been in her womb for months.

Yet, the sacrifices required made her unwilling to keep it.

“Let’s do this: go home and think it over. Decide later. We don’t recommend abortion; it’s a life! Why not discuss it with your partner?” the doctor advised.

Thinking of Nathaniel, Melanie decided. “No, I want the surgery. Please arrange it.”

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