"Sister, don't think like that. I believe there's a reason for everything. You gave him life. The child did
not have an easy life. I'm sure he will have happier days in the future." Fiona gave her a small smile,
offering a small comfort that eased Mandy's guilt.
"Well… I don't know what's going to happen. I'm scared. I want to believe that Adrian can get through
this. If…," her voice trembled. "If something happens to him, I don't think I'll be able to take it." Her
heart tightened into painful constrictions as her anxiety flowed out. For the past days, she and Nathan
practically lived in the hospital, especially after Adrian's attack. She didn't want to leave when she didn't
know what could happen next. She had to be there.
"Sister," Fiona called to her gently, wrapping her arms around Mandy.
It was as if a dam had broken by the gesture. Mandy sniffed and cried silently, allowing herself to be
held. Quiet tears fell in heavy drops, freed from their restraints. When Mandy had finally gathered her
breath, she said, "Okay, I'm alright now. Let's talk about it. You can take a blood test now so we can
check if you're pregnant."
Fiona's eyebrows furrowed. As it was now, there was no telling for sure if she was pregnant or not.
There were the telltale signs that told a woman instinctively that she was with child. She had never
been picky about food, and she rarely felt discomfort from eating. She had never vomited before either.
Could it really be true that she was pregnant?
"Today... The obstetrician and gynecologist are off duty. There's no hurry. We can think about this again
in a few days." Fiona broke off from Mandy's gaze. It was only a possibility now, and she did not know if
she was ready for confirmation. There was half a chance of it being the truth.
If it turned out to be her reality, it would bring about even more difficult questions. Should the child even
be born?
As a myriad of questions assailed her, she went deeper into pensive brooding. She couldn't be
pregnant. The nausea, picking on her food...All of it should just be a rare bout of sickness. If it was true,
there was no telling what Monica would be accusing her of.
Fiona felt the beginnings of a headache stir in her temples.
"What do you mean by 'a few days?' You'll do the examination tomorrow. I'll go with you." The two
women's positions had switched, with Mandy patting Fiona on her shoulder encouragingly this time.
"But... What if I'm really pregnant?" Fiona looked at Mandy, her eyes wide with anxiousness. If she got
pregnant before being married, Monica would no doubt berate her again, and Fiona was a proud
woman. The mere thought of being scolded made her feel sick.
"Nana, it would be your decision, but this is not something to take lightly. Ethon has a right to know. The
two of you can work something out. He may be in a conflicted position because of you and his mother,
but he is not an irresponsible man. If you decide not to have the child, I will be there for you. Of course,
to be honest, I'd rather you keep the baby. Abortion would also take a toll on your health. Besides, you
and Ethon have been together for so many years. He was with you from the time you were in your
school uniform and could be there for your wedding dress. What you two have is a rarity that even I
envy." Mandy spoke to Fiona soothingly, having forgotten that the bathroom door was not closed, and
Nathan and Adrian were still outside.
Adrian was sitting on the bed, his attention absorbed by the cartoons on television. He did not hear the
conversation between the two women, but unlike him, Nathan had walked closer to the bathroom and
listened in secret. He heard every word Mandy said to Fiona.
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda