Chapter 3 Terminate The Pregnancy

• In the hospital, right in front of the doctor, Jonathan struck Raelynn multiple times across the face.
• “You have no shame! You're just a freshman and already pregnant out of wedlock! You've completely ruined my reputation!”
• The doctor couldn't stand to watch. “Mr. Norris, please, don't be so harsh. She's already in a fragile state; your aggression could have severe consequences.”
• “That shameless girl, what could possibly happen to her? Just terminate this illegitimate pregnancy.”
• The doctor looked distressed. “Mr. Norris, your daughter was born with fertility issues. If we terminate this pregnancy, it's likely she may never be able to conceive again.”
• A flicker of hope ignited in Raelynn's previously vacant gaze. She instinctively turned toward her father.
• “We can't allow this illegitimate child to come into the world! Terminate it. Even if it risks her life, I want it gone,” Jonathan demanded, his eyes bloodshot and his breath heavy, like a wild animal that had lost its sanity.
• The spark in Raelynn's eyes slowly faded into a deep void.
• What was I expecting?
• Her father, who had an affair with his secretary, conspired against her mother, and even brought his mistress into their home, was indifferent to her mother's distress. There seemed to be no line he wouldn't cross.
• To him, Raelynn was probably just an irritating reminder of his deceitful tactics, his rise to power exploiting women, and his cold abandonment of his wife and daughter.
• Tears formed in her eyes, but Raelynn obediently bowed her head. “Dad,” she whispered, “I'll do as you wish. I'll terminate the pregnancy.”
• Yasmine, observing from the sidelines, stepped forward with a pretense of concern. “Raelynn understands her mistake, Jonathan. Please, calm down.”
• Her expression feigned sorrow as she touched Raelynn's bruised cheek. “Look at what you've done to yourself. Rae, don't be afraid. Though you've lost your mother, I'm still here for you,” she soothed.
• “Listen,” she continued, “let's not go through with the pregnancy. Let's pretend this never happened. From now on, I will treat you as my own dear daughter.”
• Yasmine's hands were soft and pale, their touch was surprisingly comforting. However, Raelynn had to exert great effort to not recoil.
• To her, these words were merely venomous lies.
• Raelynn looked up, her expression one of reliance as she addressed Yasmine, “Thank you, Mdm. Lorenzo.”
• “Oh you, we're all family here; no thanks are needed,” Yasmine replied with a smile, though her eyes betrayed a cold calculation. She thought to herself, Such a fool, I don't even need to make an effort.
• Raelynn managed a timid smile, “Mdm. Lorenzo, I need to use the restroom.”
• Seeing her scared demeanor, Yasmine quickly consented.
• Raelynn slowly exited the ward, heading in the direction of the restroom.
• Yasmine watched her go, only turning back to the ward once she saw Raelynn heading toward the restroom.
• After waiting anxiously for more than ten minutes with no sign of Raelynn returning, Yasmine felt a nagging suspicion that something was wrong.
• “Jonathan, has Raelynn run off?” she asked, her voice tense.
• Jonathan's face darkened as he quickly strode toward the exit, urgency in his step.
• Yasmine had already checked the restroom and found no trace of Raelynn.
• The two of them began their pursuit, soon spotting a young woman dressed in familiar attire walking briskly ahead.
• “Raelynn, stop right there!” Jonathan shouted.
• At the sound of his voice, the young woman broke into a run, not glancing back as she fled.