Chapter 75

Arya. "I can't perform the abortion while she is tied up like that," the doctor said, his tone clinical as he watched me struggle with my restraints. My pulse quickened at his words. The realization that he couldn't proceed with the procedure while I was restrained brought a flicker of relief. But it was fleeting, overshadowed by the knowledge that Ethan could still render me unconscious. No, I couldn't let him sedate me again. I couldn't allow myself to be unconscious as they took my child away. I needed to stay alert, to be present for every moment, no matter how agonizing it might be. I forced myself to breathe calmly, to quell the rising tide of panic threatening to engulf me. Slowly, deliberately, I ceased my futile struggles against the bindings, allowing myself to slump against the bed, feigning weakness in the hope that they wouldn't see me as a threat. Ethan loomed in the doorway, his gaze fixed upon me with a mixture of apprehension. His next move would dictate the cours