Chapter 217
I reflexively pursed my lips, unsure how to respond to Layla’s question.
I hadn’t wanted the Fords to know about my pregnancy. If they knew that I was pregnant with Jonathan’s child, they would definitely fight for custody rights after Jonathan and I got divorced. Considering their financial strength, I had no chance of winning against them in court. This child was a family member I had gone to great pains to gain, so I couldn’t allow that sort of situation to happen.
I stayed silent, but Layla seemed to read something from my expression. After a long while, she finally sighed and said, “I don’t want to get involved in the matter between you and Jonathan, but as for the child…”
She gazed at me and continued, “If Jonathan regains consciousness, I hope that you can at least discuss the child’s custody rights with him; if he doesn’t, it’s up to you what you do with the child. Of course, I hope you’ll keep the child, and we’ll give you a large sum of money if you do – this isn’t a threat, but a request.”
I could tell that she was sincere. However, the issue now wasn’t whether or not I should keep the child, but…
“No matter what happens, I wish to be able to raise this child myself,” I said firmly, looking toward Layla. “If you can agree to this condition, I’ll keep the child.”
Layla’s eyes lit up. “As long as you’re willing to do so, anything is up for discussion.”
Before she left, she patted me on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. The Ford family will protect your interests no matter what, because that’s what Jonathan would want most.”
I nodded silently.
After she left, Jonathan and I were the only two people left in the ward. I felt a little distressed when I looked at his closed eyes, but the moment I thought of the child, I felt angry too.
“I remember you telling me that you didn’t want a child, Jonathan… If you’re going to wake up only to force me to go through an abortion, then I hope you never wake up!”
Even after I finished speaking, he didn’t show any signs of movement.
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “Didn’t you want to atone for your sins? Didn’t you want to change for the better? Are you trying to slack off right now by lying here like this?”
I knew that he couldn’t hear my voice, but Layla’s words just now had a really big impact on me, and I needed an outlet to convey my thoughts.
“Since you don’t like children, Jonathan, I’ll take care of the child myself once you wake up. However, the child will still call you Dad, because you’re still their biological father. As long as you take on the responsibility of raising them, we can still get along peacefully even after we’re divorced.
“But if you don’t wake up, I’ll leave with the child. Your mother also told me that she’d give me a large sum of money, but she won’t fight me for custody. In that case, the child will be mine and mine alone.
“In another few years, I’ll definitely start looking for another partner. I won’t bother waiting all alone for you. Perhaps it won’t be long before your child starts calling someone else Dad!”
I said these words on purpose to anger him.
I would not get married again. Although I might fall in love, I wouldn’t tie the knot a second time.
“What do you think of Frederick? He has liked me for so many years and even saved my life, so he might be a good stepfather…”
Before I could finish my sentence, Jonathan’s finger suddenly twitched – but that was all. It moved slightly, but he didn’t wake up.
I felt incredibly disappointed.
“I’m not joking with you, Jonathan. If you don’t wake up, I’m really going to…”
Again, before I could finish, Jonathan’s eyelid twitched.
This time, I was sure that I wasn’t seeing things.
“Doctor!” I yelled excitedly, hurriedly calling Jim over.
Jim was Jonathan’s good friend. After what happened to Jonathan, Jim had been on standby at the hospital. He and Jonathan’s attending doctor, Scott Langley, rushed into the ward. After giving Jonathan a checkup, Jim told me with a bit of pleasant surprise, “He should regain consciousness soon, so don’t worry…”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
Chapter 218