CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

“I understand. That's why I don't know what to do now.” Joyce sniffed, burying her face in her hands.

“Come on, Joyce. Don't let fear get the better of you. We need to clarify a few things before we think about how I can help you,” Natalie consoled gently. “If you decide to keep this child, then you will definitely antagonize Stanley. You know him well. He won't give up until he kills the baby you carry. This means that not only you but also everyone around you will be in danger. They will not be spared when he takes revenge.”

“Revenge?” Joyce's face paled as the hand clutching her phone shook.

Natalie nodded. “Yes. You know he's not compassionate. Although he did go abroad for mental health therapy, whether he has fully recovered is still unknown. Only he knows how his state of mind is, so you can't take a risky bet and just assume he will go easy on you.”

Joyce's body shivered as she listened to Natalie. “I mean... I...”

She felt even more horrified when Natalie pointed out the severity of the issue.

What if he forces me to abort my child again? What if he does something to my parents? What if he beats Justin up again?

Her breathing hitched as her thoughts ran wild. “Nat... Do you think I made the wrong choice? Maybe I shouldn't keep this child...”

Joyce used to think that this child was a reward from God for her unconditional love for Stanley over the past ten years.

That was why she treated the child as a precious jewel. She saw it as the last puzzle piece that would complete her life and help her get over Stanley entirely, but when Stanley decided to return, it suddenly occurred to Joyce that keeping that child may not be the best option.

It might actually turn out to be a disaster because Stanley would never accept this baby.

He wanted her to terminate her pregnancy.

If she refused to budge, he might use her parents and those around her to threaten her.

There was no way she could bear the guilt of ever causing any misfortune to her loved ones.

Her body turned cold as the gravity of the consequences registered in her mind. She could not bring herself to continue thinking of the worst.

“Joyce,” Natalie called out when she sensed her fear, “you need to calm down. Don't get ahead of yourself. Things have not evolved till that stage, so don't scare yourself by overthinking. It's not good for your baby if you're emotionally unstable. You need to relax.”

“I know... but—”

“No buts,” Natalie interrupted. “Just don't overthink. I will talk to Stanley and see what's his take on this. If he doesn't change his mind, then I'll talk to Shane and see what we should do.”

Joyce felt assured when she heard that Natalie would discuss the matter with Shane because, in terms of influence, Stanley was no match for Shane.

If Shane were to intervene, he might actually be able to suppress Stanley.

“All right. You must help me, Nat. You're the only one I can count on now,” Joyce implored helplessly.

Natalie nodded solemnly. “Don't worry. You're my best friend. I won't let you face this alone. I'll definitely help.”

“Thanks, Nat,” Joyce said, breaking into a smile.