Mei Ling sat in the cramped waiting room of the clinic, her heart pounding as she clutched the paper in her hands. The soft hum of conversation around her barely registered as she replayed the doctor's words in her mind.
"Ms. Zhang, you're approximately four months along. You're pregnant."
Pregnant. The word echoed in her head, each repetition sending a wave of disbelief through her. She hadn't noticed the signs—not the missed periods, not the fatigue, not the slight swelling in her abdomen. Or maybe she had noticed but refused to connect the dots, too wrapped up in her busy new life and the effort of forgetting the past.
But now, the truth was undeniable. There was a life growing inside her, and it was Wei Jun's child.
Mei Ling walked home in a daze, her mind racing with questions and doubts. She couldn't fathom how she had let this happen, how she had been so blind to the changes in her body. When she reached her apartment, she sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the ultrasound image the doctor had given her.
The tiny shape on the screen was a stark reminder of the life she was now responsible for. It filled her with equal parts awe and dread.
What was she supposed to do?
Mei Ling's hand instinctively moved to her abdomen, her fingers trembling as they brushed against the slight curve that had gone unnoticed until now. Could she bring a child into the world, knowing the circumstances of its conception? Would it be fair to the baby—or to herself?
Her mind drifted to Mei Hua, and her stomach churned with guilt. How would her sister feel if she knew? What would she think of Mei Ling bringing Wei Jun's child into the world, a living reminder of betrayal and heartbreak?
Tears streamed down Mei Ling's face as the enormity of the situation sank in. She had built a new life for herself in this city, surrounded by supportive friends and a promising career. A baby would change everything.
The following day, Mei Ling confided in Emma. They met at their usual café, the warm atmosphere contrasting sharply with Mei Ling's turmoil.
"I don't know what to do," Mei Ling admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't plan for this. I wasn't ready for this."
Emma reached across the table, placing a comforting hand over Mei Ling's. "You don't have to decide everything right now. This is a huge moment, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed."
"But what if I can't do this?" Mei Ling's voice cracked. "What if I'm not strong enough to be a mother? I've already made so many mistakes. I don't want to ruin this child's life too."
Emma squeezed her hand. "Strength isn't about never making mistakes, Lian. It's about what you do after. You've come so far already. Whatever you choose, it'll be because you believe it's the best thing for you and your baby."
That night, Mei Ling lay awake, staring at the ceiling as thoughts swirled in her mind. She imagined holding a baby in her arms, its tiny fingers curling around hers. She imagined its first steps, its first words, its laughter.
But she also imagined the sacrifices—the sleepless nights, the financial struggles, the constant balancing act of being a single mother. She thought about the questions the child might ask one day about its father, about why it didn't have the kind of family other children had.
Her thoughts returned to Wei Jun. He didn't even know. She hadn't spoken to him since leaving, hadn't told him where she had gone or why. Did he deserve to know? Would he even care?
Mei Ling closed her eyes, her hand resting on her abdomen once more. She didn't have all the answers yet, but one thing was clear: whatever decision she made, it would shape the rest of her life.
By morning, Mei Ling had resolved to see this through one day at a time. She couldn't make a final decision yet—not without more clarity, more time to process everything.
She called the clinic and scheduled her next appointment, determined to stay informed about her health and her baby's development. Whether she chose to keep the child or not, she wanted to make the decision with a clear mind and an open heart.
As she stood in front of the mirror, Mei Ling took a deep breath, her reflection staring back at her with a mixture of fear and determination. She didn't know what the future held, but she was ready to face it—whatever it might be.