Chapter 10

Since she had to go to the hospital for a checkup, Nina was asked by Abigail to stay at the Lawson residence. Back in her bedroom, Nina felt anxious. Seeing the mess in the room only added to her frustration. So, she called two maids to clean it up. The maids initially intended to do a perfunctory job, but Nina's expression turned cold. "If you lose your jobs trying to please Wendy, don't blame me. I can call Mrs. Lawson over right now—Wendy will be fine, but you two will be packing your bags!" Terrified, the maids immediately got to work, diligently cleaning every corner. Nina opened the only small window in the room and sat by it, calling Lisette. She told her about Shane arranging for Calla to examine her. "Lise, if Dr. Dale comes, I'll be exposed." Nina was overwhelmed with anxiety, but even more so with fear. Unconsciously, she bit her lower lip, leaving deep imprints. "Shane absolutely cannot find out that I'm pregnant. I have to get an abortion immediately!" She had thought that when she fell in the bathroom and bled so much, the baby would be gone. But to her surprise, the child was stronger than she had imagined, still clinging stubbornly inside her. When she first learned the news from Lisette, she had a strange feeling. But she knew—the child could not stay. "I can arrange the procedure as soon as possible." Lisette nodded but added cautiously, "But it's Dr. Dale. Even if you terminated the pregnancy, she'll still find out once she examines you. And by then…" Nina shivered violently, her lip bleeding from how hard she had bitten it. The tiny wound stung. What would Shane do if he found out she had aborted their child? She didn't dare to imagine. She had never been able to see through him. But one thing she knew—Shane despised her making decisions on her own. To him, she was like a puppet, and a twisted puppeteer would never allow their doll to have a mind of its own. "Then, what do I do?" Nina panicked, pacing back and forth in the small room. After a long pause, she asked Lisette, "Can we bribe Dr. Dale? I've saved up quite a lot over the years." After all, she had lived in the Lawson household for years, and since she never indulged in luxury, her bank balance was enough to shock anyone. For now, this was their only option. Lisette agreed without hesitation, "I'll try my best." She was always efficient, a true action-taker. Using her hospital connections, she quickly secured an appointment for Nina. After confirming the details, she called Nina. "Come to the hospital in two days. The surgery is scheduled." Nina finally exhaled in relief, counting down the days as she endured her time at the Lawson residence. Fortunately, her confinement worked to her advantage. Wendy, thrilled that Nina couldn't get close to Yvan, spent all her time trying to win his favor and completely ignored her. Abigail also wanted to minimize conflicts between the two women, so she had the maids deliver Nina's meals directly to her room. With her surroundings finally quiet, Nina endured for two days. But getting out of the house wouldn't be easy. She had a maid summon Abigail, claiming she needed to go out. Abigail came personally and refused her request outright, "Nina, this is for your own good. Stay home and rest for a few more days. When Dr. Dale arrives and does a full checkup, I won't stop you from going anywhere. How about that?" "But Mom, I really have something urgent to do." Nina was anxious, grabbing Abigail's hand. "It’s extremely important. Otherwise, I wouldn't insist on leaving now." "What is it?" Abigail asked, noticing her unease. Nina hesitated before lowering her gaze. "I'm sorry, Mom, but I can't tell you yet." Hearing this, Abigail frowned. "I used to think I knew you well. You were never the type to fool around—you always carried yourself with dignity." She sighed. "But in recent years, I feel like you've changed. Nina, no matter what, I watched you grow up. I truly hope you're not getting involved in anything bad." Nina felt like a lump had lodged in her throat, making it hard to swallow. How could she explain that she wasn't the one making bad choices, but rather that she had been forced by Shane? She couldn't say it. Not a word of it. Her lips curled into a bitter smile. She could only weakly and feebly reply, "Mom, I'm not." "Then, just stay home and wait." Abigail was firm. "If you have nothing to hide and aren't pregnant, then there's nothing to fear. Dr. Dale can help with your condition." "But—" Just as Nina tried to argue, she was suddenly shoved hard. She staggered backward, barely catching herself against the wall to avoid falling. "But what? You're just being shameless!" Wendy had appeared out of nowhere, now standing between Nina and Abigail. She glared at Nina with undisguised hostility. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You can't stand seeing me and Yvan getting along, can you? "Trying to run out and seduce him again? Dream on!" Hearing this, Nina almost laughed in exasperation. She was barely holding herself together—how could she possibly have the time or energy to think about Yvan? "Do you really think Yvan is the only man in this world?" Fed up, Nina snapped, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Is he the only person who exists? Is he the only thing that matters? "I'm not like you—I don't lose all reason over a man just because I'm in love!" Wendy's face turned red with fury. She screamed, "You're still not over Yvan! Otherwise, why won't you say where you're going?" The argument escalated. Abigail, frustrated by the noise, ordered the maids to take Nina back to her room. "Nina, just wait a few more days." Before Nina could say anything else, Abigail dismissed her with a wave and left with Wendy. Wendy huffed angrily as she walked away, glaring at Nina. No matter how many times they fought, Nina always managed to infuriate her. She despised Nina's sharp tongue more than anything. Once again locked inside her room, Nina was at her wits' end. Then, her phone rang. It was Lisette. "Why aren't you at the hospital yet?" Lisette asked. "The surgery is scheduled, and the doctors are ready. We're just waiting for you." Frustrated, Nina raked her fingers through her hair. "Wait for me. I'll be there soon." Her gaze swept across the nightstand. She suddenly remembered—a file belonging to Shane was inside. A thought struck her. She dialed Abigail. "Mom, I need to deliver an important document to Shane." Abigail hesitated but was half-convinced. After checking the file, she relaxed significantly. "Let Logan take you." Nina knew Abigail wanted Logan to keep an eye on her. She couldn't make a fuss now. So, she obediently nodded.