Chapter 671 Whose Baby I’m Carrying

Rachel’s face went pale, and her first instinct was to bolt.

But Meryl grabbed her arm firmly. “Rachel, you need to explain yourself. What medication are you taking? Where have you been all this time? Chandler and I have been searching everywhere for you.”

Rachel retorted, “Chandler’s looking for me because he feels responsible for my brother’s sake. That’s normal. But what about you? Why do you care?”

“Because you’re a young woman out here all alone, and I’m worried you might be heading down a dangerous path.”

Meryl’s concern was genuine. She felt a pang of sympathy for Rachel, who had lost so much at such a young age. It was no wonder she lacked a sense of security.

“Chandler wants to send you abroad. Even if you don’t want to go, you can’t just vanish without a word!”

Rachel was taken aback by the hint of care in Meryl’s tone. It was shocking to her.

She turned to Meryl, eyes narrowed. “You think you’re some kind of saint? You really believe I’m going to be grateful for your concern? You asked what I just took, right? I took an abortion pill. Do you know whose baby I’m carrying? It’s Chandler’s! You think I ran away from home? No, Chandler knows exactly where I am. He’s just putting on a show for you–he’s keeping me hidden away in this villa!”

Meryl’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t believe me? You think Chandler isn’t that kind of man? What man doesn’t stray? Especially when he has someone like me–devoted, selfless, and ready to give him everything. If he has the chance, why wouldn’t he take it? He’s been pretending to search for me just to throw you off the scent. The truth is, he’s been hiding me here, and whenever he has a moment, he comes to see me. We’re intimate… because you’re pregnant and can’t satisfy him anymore.”

In a fit of rage, Meryl raised her hand and slapped Rachel across the face.

“Don’t you dare! You’re just wallowing in self-pity! I won’t buy into your nonsense!”

Rachel clenched her jaw, seething with anger. “You hit me?”

She lifted her hand, ready to retaliate, but something held her back. If she left a mark on Meryl’s face, it would only complicate things further.

Meryl said, “You’re just lashing out because you’re embarrassed!”

Rachel let out a soft laugh. “Meryl, you’re scared, and that’s why you’re acting out. But I’m really pregnant with Chandler’s child. If you don’t believe me, go ask the doctor for my check-up. You know I’ve had feelings for Chandler for ages. Who else would I have been with these past few weeks?”

Her words were backed by conviction. With that, Rachel pushed past Meryl and walked away.

Meryl bit her lip, staring at Rachel’s retreating figure, feeling utterly bewildered.

“Chandler has been hiding Rachel away? Impossible…”

But Rachel’s words had struck a nerve, igniting a fire of anger within Meryl. At this stage of her pregnancy, stress made her belly feel tight. She leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths, instinctively cradling her stomach.

“No way. I have to trust Chandler. I can’t let Rachel manipulate me like this.”

Their relationship was solid. There was no reason to doubt her man based on Rachel’s wild accusations.

Meanwhile, Anne continued her frantic search for Meryl throughout the hospital, growing increasingly anxious.

Anne, usually so strong and composed, felt panic rising within her as she searched frantically. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she called out, “Meryl, please don’t scare me like this!”

She scoured the hospital floor by floor, worried she might miss Meryl. In her haste, she opted for the stairs instead of the elevator, her mind racing with dread. As Anne hurried down a flight, she stumbled slightly and unexpectedly collided with someone.

“Sorry!” she exclaimed, barely glancing up.

“Hey, Anne? What’s going on?” A familiar voice came, tinged with surprise.

It was Max. He noticed her red-rimmed eyes and the signs of distress on her face.

Anne finally looked up and took in Max’s concerned gaze. “I lost Meryl. She’s pregnant, and I can’t reach her on the phone.”

Her anxiety was palpable, her brow furrowed, and she rushed forward, her steps frantic and disorganized.

“I’ll help you look,” Max said, falling into step beside her.

Anne nodded, determination in her eyes. “Let’s split up. We’ll cover more ground that way.”

Meanwhile, Meryl had returned to the obstetrics office, Rachel’s words echoing in her mind. She needed to confirm whether Rachel was really pregnant.

“Hey, you’re back. Are you feeling okay?” The doctor recognized her.

Meryl bit her lip, steeling herself. “Doctor, my cousin just told me she picked up some abortion pills from you. If she took them, is she going to be alright? Her name is Rachel Morgan. Can you check for me?”

The doctor typed on the computer before responding, “Your cousin is early in her pregnancy. Medication is an option. She doesn’t need surgery.”

Meryl felt her heart sink.

She thought, “Rachel wasn’t lying. She really is pregnant. But where did that baby come from?”

The doctor noticed the sudden change in Meryl’s complexion. “Are you alright? You look pale.”

Meryl shook her head, trying to mask her unease. “I’m fine.”

With that, she exited the office, but her legs felt weak, so she slowly sank into a nearby chair.

Just then, Max happened to pass by. Spotting Meryl, he quickly pulled out his phone and called Anne, “Found her! She’s in obstetrics. Get over here!”

Anne rushed to the department, her heart racing. When she saw Meryl looking alright, she let out a sigh of relief. She wrapped her arms around Meryl, tears spilling over. “Why couldn’t you answer your phone? I thought something terrible had happened!”

Meryl pulled out her phone, realizing it had died. “Sorry, I didn’t even notice.”

“Where did you run off to?” Anne asked, still catching her breath.

Meryl shrugged, her mind still in a whirl. “Just wandered around a bit.”

Anne didn’t press further. “Come on, let me take you home.”

As Meryl stood up, Max raised an eyebrow at Anne. “Are you fit to drive?”

Anne’s eyes were puffy and red, her nose pink from crying, and she had just realized she might have twisted her ankle.

Anne said, suddenly aware of Max’s presence, “Oh, right! Thanks for reminding me! I really appreciate your help today! I owe you one—let me take you out for dinner sometime.”

“Let’s make it today,” Max replied smoothly.

Anne blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, what?”

In the chilly air, Max took the car keys from Anne’s hand. “I said, let’s go out for dinner today.” He opened the back door of the car for her. “First, we’ll drop Meryl off, and then we can grab a bite.”

A shaft of light illuminated Max’s hair as he looked at Anne with a gentle smile. “Princess, let’s get you in the car.”