Byron's words echoed repeatedly in Maeve's mind—a spell. He wasn't joking; he was warning her. Panic engulfed her, and she clutched her stomach with both hands. "What should I do? Keep it, or abort it?" she wondered, her heart heavy with indecision for days.

She still received her medicinal meals from Nightfall Manor daily, but her appetite was diminished. Fortunately, Byron's late nights and early departures meant he hadn't noticed. For days, she'd replayed his expression when he mentioned the child: unprecedented coldness, tinged with disgust. It wasn't just dislike for a troublesome child; something else was at play. Knowing little of his past, she couldn't understand.

That afternoon, after delivering her spring designs to Leah, Maeve left work early and visited the Hancock family.

"A man not wanting a child after marriage?" Bonnie exclaimed. "Your friend's husband is rich and handsome! It's not that he doesn't want a child; their relationship must be troubled."

Maeve's heart sank. "But…he usually treats her well. Maybe he's just stubborn about children?"

Bonnie, munching on chips, replied, "Tell your friend to be careful. Is he seeing someone else?"

Maeve's eyes widened. "Huh?"

"Or maybe his heart belongs to someone else, and he was forced into the marriage," Bonnie theorized, sounding like an expert. "I've seen this in games! The plot often involves an infertile true love. The jerk waits for his wife to have a child, then divorces her to give the child to his lover!"

The thought chilled Maeve. She'd never tolerate her child calling another woman "Mom."

"Maeve, don't be so hard on yourself. Don't have a child so soon," Bonnie said earnestly. "Your friend's situation is a good example. You've only known him a short time; you haven't understood his character. Not having a child leaves you an escape route. If he turns out to be a bad man, you can cut your losses. Even if he's good, you're young. Enjoy yourself for a few more years! Motherhood is exhausting and unrewarding. Why trap yourself?"

"Bonnie, thank you." Maeve appreciated Bonnie's concern, but her own worry intensified. She hadn't planned on having a child so soon, yet two contraceptive pills hadn't prevented this pregnancy. God, she thought, was playing a cruel joke.

October 28th

"What if…what if I'm pregnant?" Maeve asked hesitantly. "Should I keep it?"

Bonnie was blunt. "Unless your relationship is serious, don't keep it. Too many wealthy wives try using children to keep a man, and it rarely ends well. You may not have that intention, but others might think you do."

Relationships were unpredictable. Maeve lowered her eyes, concealing her worries. "I know a man's heart can't be kept. I've never tried."

She loved Byron deeply, but she wouldn't lose herself. Touching her abdomen, she made a quiet decision.

The next day, at the hospital…

"Are you sure about the abortion?" the doctor asked, placing the report on the table with regret. "Twin pregnancies are rare—less than one percent. It's a shame to terminate." Maeve's eyes widened. "I…I'm pregnant with twins?"

"Yes," the doctor nodded. "Your uterine wall is thin. This surgery could make future conceptions difficult. Think carefully."

Maeve's face paled. A difficult pregnancy in the future? Is it worth it?

Her mind raced. Byron's cold face, Bonnie's sincerity…then her gaze fell on the ultrasound. Only a month along, the fetuses were barely bean-sized. Yet, her heart softened; reluctance peaked. Before knowing she was pregnant, she’d had two scares—bleeding and discomfort after wine—yet they'd survived. And she'd been so quick to judge. Would they feel her rejection?

"I'm sorry, Doctor. I'll keep them." Leaving the office, she saw a familiar figure. "Maeve?" Alex exclaimed, surprised. "Why are you here? Are you unwell?"

Maeve was startled. "No. What are you doing in gynecology?"

Relieved she was fine, Alex explained, "I'm here with my mother for a check-up. I saw you."

"Is your mother alright?" Maeve asked.

"An old problem, nothing serious," Alex waved it off.

Maeve smiled. "That's good."

Alex's heart skipped a beat. "Maeve, are you free tonight? Dinner's on me. And…I have something to tell you." (It was probably inappropriate for the hospital.)

Maeve agreed readily. "Sure. Where?"

As Alex gave the address, she sensed something behind them.

"What's wrong?" Maeve asked, confused.

"I think I heard a camera," Alex said, dismissing it. "Maybe I'm wrong."

Meanwhile, Karen, hidden in a corner, sneered at a photo on her phone. She was here for a check-up but had a surprise: Maeve at the gynecology department with another man. Perhaps she was having an affair and was pregnant with a bastard child.

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