The doctor fixed Lilian with a penetrating gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and amusement at the unfolding situation. Sensing her unease, she mustered the courage to inquire about the contents of the result. With a polite tone, the doctor responded, "Miss Lilian, you can have a look."
Heart pounding, Lilian cautiously tore open the document, her trembling hand betraying her mounting anxiety. As she glanced at the contents, a wave of fear washed over her. The realization struck her with such force that she could no longer ignore it—she had been perspiring profusely, her blouse now drenched in sweat, evidence of the intense emotional turmoil she was experiencing.
Tears welled up in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks as she confronted the daunting truth before her. This was precisely the outcome she had dreaded, the reality she had desperately hoped to avoid.
In a plain and matter-of-fact tone, the doctor delivered the verdict, stating, "You are eight weeks pregnant, ma'am." Carefully observing her reactions, he could discern that she was ill-prepared and ill-equipped to face the challenges that lay ahead as a result of the pregnancy.
Instead of responding or uttering a word, Lilian closed her eyes briefly, allowing her tears to flow down her beautiful face. The weight of her emotions was immeasurable, and the doctor, keen on understanding her inner turmoil, studied her intently. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of psychology, he recognized the deep bitterness emanating from her, an emotional burden that seemed to compound their already challenging predicament.
In a compassionate tone, the doctor gently broached the delicate topic, aware of the difficult decision Lilian might be facing. "Would you like to consider having an abortion?" he asked, his voice filled with understanding and empathy. He knew that despite the circumstances, she still had the option to terminate the pregnancy if that was her choice. However, he also knew that obtaining the consent of the man responsible for the pregnancy was necessary.
Lilian's voice trembled as she interjected, her words barely audible, "I don't know him..." The momentary lapse in judgment left her regretful, wishing she hadn't let slip such personal information. She realized that she had unintentionally exposed her painful ordeal, allowing the doctor a glimpse into the depths of her struggle.
The doctor narrowed his eyes, sensing that this was beyond his professional scope. However, he appeared genuinely concerned about her. Why was he going to such great lengths for her?
"That's all the more reason why you should consider abortion. Although I would prefer it if you didn't," the doctor advised, feeling compassion for the woman. No wonder her hand trembled when she was about to open the envelope containing the test results.
Lilian expressed her gratitude and mentioned that she would take some time to think it over and do what she believed was best for herself.
"Feel free to reach out to me," the doctor offered, presenting her with his business card. Reluctantly, Lilian accepted the card and departed.
She hastily hailed a taxi and swiftly left. She didn't want anyone to see her within the hospital premises.
What choices did she have now? She found herself in a situation where she neither knew the man responsible for her pregnancy nor possessed the financial means to support herself and her unborn child.
That evening, the doctor contacted Lilian once more and requested a meeting at the Milan Restaurant. He pleaded with her, and eventually, Lilian agreed to meet him at 6 PM.
Two days later, Maureen returned from the grocery store and went to call Lilian from her room. Maureen had tried to persuade her to accompany her to the store, but Lilian had refused. She understood that she didn't want any member of the Simmons family to catch sight of the Dominics.
Lilian was scheduled to start her new job the following morning, necessitating a conversation about what her first day at work would entail. Having only worked in the Simmons' business before, she lacked experience elsewhere and needed someone to guide her on being an employee.
Maureen dialed Lilian's mobile number, only to find it switched off. She waited for a while before continuing her business. Perhaps she had returned home, she reasoned.
Upon arriving home, Maureen noticed that Lilian was not there, and a sense of unease washed over her. Something felt amiss as she entered the room, giving her the impression that it was deserted.
"Why did Lilian go out without accompanying me?" Maureen wondered. Nonetheless, she decided to wait patiently for Lilian's return.
Suddenly, a message notification appeared on Maureen's phone. Curiosity prompted her to check it, only to be stunned by its contents. Overwhelmed, she sank onto the bed and began sobbing.
Why hadn't Lilian confided in her before taking such drastic actions? Did she have grievances about living with them? Maureen's tears flowed uncontrollably. Her mother and brother had no objections to Lilian residing with them, so why did she make the choices she did?
Maureen remained in the guest room for an unknown duration, emerging only when she heard her mother arrive. Observing her daughter's tear-stained face, her mother expressed surprise. It was clear that Maureen had been crying for quite some time. What had occurred to upset her so deeply?
Her mother approached her and gently placed her hands on Maureen's shoulders, urging her to meet her gaze.
"Why are you sobbing, Maureen? You can confide in me." She assured her.
Silently, Maureen handed her phone to her mother, allowing her to read the message sent by Lilian. As her mother's eyes scanned the contents, a shadow seemed to pass over her face. She glanced at her daughter, her expression filled with concern and confusion.
What kind of message was this? What did Lilian mean by her actions and the words she had sent? Why did she harbor such negative thoughts about them? These questions swirled in her mother's mind, leaving her somber and contemplative.
Had she unknowingly done something to make Lilian feel uncomfortable? Or had she unintentionally said something that made her feel unwelcome? These thoughts weighed heavily on Maureen's mother as she tried to make sense of the situation.