Chapter 6 To Keep or Not to Keep

Stella insisted that Elinor go to the hospital for check-ups every month to ensure a smooth pregnancy. Even though her period had come, Elinor dutifully made her way to the hospital. What she had not anticipated, however, was the utterly shocking news she would receive after completing all her tests. The doctor carefully reviewed her medical report and then flashed a warm smile. "Congratulations, you're going to be a mother soon." The words hit Elinor like a bucket of ice-cold water. With disbelief filling her eyes, she looked up at the doctor in alarm. She had just gotten her period. How could she possibly be pregnant? "Are you sure you didn't mix up the reports? I've had my period. How could I be expecting?" The doctor assured her, "There's no mistake. Your report shows that you're pregnant. However, your health is rather poor. If you wish to keep the child, you'll need bed rest." Panic surged through Elinor. She was on the verge of divorce. There was no way she could keep the baby, especially after the conversation that morning. She felt her racing heart gradually settle down. If her husband found out she was pregnant, he would think she had been deceiving him. So, to avoid any unnecessary complications, she had to let go of the child. "What if I decide not to keep the baby?" The doctor looked at her curiously, then glanced at her medical records. "You have a risk of miscarriage, but that doesn't mean the pregnancy can't be sustained. Perhaps you'd like to reconsider?" Elinor said resolutely. "No need. I've made up my mind. I don't want this baby." "Are you married? If you are, I would recommend discussing this with your family. After all, it's not just about you." Though the doctor respected each patient's choices. There were things she felt compelled to say. Hearing that, Elinor let out an involuntary, bitter laugh. Yes, she was married and had a family, but this child had not been conceived with anyone's expectations in mind, so there was no point in discussing it further. Outside, the sun shone brightly, but Elinor felt as if there was a cold grip around her, impervious to the warmth. She sat alone on a bench beside a flower bed, her thoughts in turmoil. What should she do next? There was no way Jaxson could find out about this. However, the doctor's words had also given her pause. Today's upheaval had been overwhelming, and the decision she was about to make might not be entirely rational. Finally, she decided to go to the only place she could truly relax, the home she grew up in. Her mother, Sarah Dacus, had moved back to her parental home after divorcing Elinor's father. It was a well-off family, but the reception Elinor received was far from warm. When her aunt Khloe Getson opened the door, she seemed happy at first, but her eyes quickly darted behind Elinor, searching for gifts that weren't there. Elinor would have usually noticed this greedy glance, but her mind was too crowded today. Khloe's smile evaporated when she found nothing. Elinor quickly said, "Sorry, Aunt Khloe. I was in a rush and forgot to bring some gifts over." Khloe replied, "It doesn't matter. You're hardly one of us anymore. Besides, I heard Jaxson finally woke up. Seems like you're not doing well in the Adams family either." Elinor wanted to retort but realized everything Khloe said was true. Just as she was feeling incredibly uncomfortable, her mother appeared. "Whatever happens to my daughter is my business. The Adams family can't just mistreat people without reason!" Defending Elinor, Sarah took a stand against Khloe. Khloe scoffed, "Oh, spare me your lectures. We all know the Naden family married her off to the Adams family just to get rid of her. If you're so capable, go confront them instead of complaining here." Sarah was rendered speechless. The stark disparity between the Adams family and their own made it impossible for her to assist her daughter. Elinor had remained silent all this time. After Sarah moved back to her family home, she had always told Elinor during their phone calls that everything was fine. Today, Elinor realized the harsh reality that nothing was fine. Both mother and daughter felt utterly humiliated by Khloe's rant. "Mom, the apartment I was considering is available. We've imposed on my uncle's family long enough. Let's move out," Elinor suggested, mustering a feeble smile. "Why don't we live on our own terms?" Sarah hesitated, then agreed, "Fine. Let's do that." In truth, there was no apartment. It was just to preserve their dignity. Khloe observed them coldly as they spoke to each other. Sarah reassured her daughter. "Darling, don't you worry. I've been managing just fine. I've stayed here so long simply because I've been worried about you. We'll be more than fine on our own." Elinor looked at her mother's forced smile and felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow. "Okay, Mom. Jaxson has awakened, and we'll be divorcing soon." Sarah had already anticipated this news after hearing about Jaxson. She patted Elinor's hand, her eyes filled with warmth. "It's alright. A divorce is just a divorce. As long as we're together, anywhere is home." Indeed, as long as they were together, they could even be beggars and still find happiness. After dining out and arranging for their imaginary new home, Elinor had no choice but to return to the manor. Although the manor was lit, it was completely empty. She had lived there for several months, yet standing there now, she felt like an outsider, as if she did not belong at all.