Chapter 697

“Doctor, isn’t there anything we can do? I want to keep this baby.”

Touched by Alicia’s earnest plea, the specialist, a mother herself, felt a surge of empathy. She exhaled deeply. “If you’re prepared to invest, I can source specialized medications from abroad that may support the pregnancy. Let’s try this treatment for a month, then re-evaluate. If the pregnancy isn’t viable after that, then…”

Without hesitation, Alicia said, “I’ll do whatever it takes, no matter the cost.”

The specialist cautioned, “The longer we wait, the harder it will be to accept the outcome, and the risk increases for both of you. However, I will support your choice.”

Alicia understood the grim prognosis. The likelihood of a successful pregnancy was minimal; the baby was likely to be lost. She lowered her eyes, fighting back tears. “Thank you, doctor. Please, can we keep this between us?” She wanted to spare Caden false hope.

Returning to her apartment, Alicia felt overwhelmed by the unlucky pregnancy and Caden’s ongoing struggles. The weight of it all felt unbearable. Even the solace of tears was denied her, as emotional stress was discouraged. She sat still, hands resting in her lap, as darkness fell outside.

She didn’t realize Caden was near until his arms encircled her. Her body tensed, then softened at his familiar scent. Forcing a smile, she hid her turmoil. “All done with work?”

Caden sensed her distress immediately. “Something wrong?”

Alicia shook her head, gazing into his eyes, longing to tell him about their unborn child. But the child’s future was uncertain. The hardest truth was that failing to fight for this pregnancy now could jeopardize future conceptions. And for Caden, always so ambitious and full of pride, she knew a family was what he most desired.

With a clenched jaw, Alicia held back her feelings. “Just period cramps, a bit painful,” she said, smiling weakly. “But seeing you makes it all better.”