I have to sacrifice one for the other...

Joyce's grip tightened around her phone.

She knew which one was the best option if she were to approach this issue dispassionately, but to her, she saw both sides as equally important.

That was why she was so undecisive.

She knew her hesitation was getting in the way.

It was imperative that she make her choice, yet every time the decision came to her tongue, she could not bear to utter it.

Her gaze lowered in dejection, and she sighed. “I need some time to think about it.”

“What's left to think about, Joyce?” Natalie was frustrated. “Don't you already know in your heart what the solution is?”

“Yes I know, I just... I just...”

“It's evident which way you should choose.” Natalie rubbed her temples. “This is urgent. You need to decide now, then only can Shane and I arrange for you guys' departure. If you keep dragging things on, Stanley might somehow get you to the operating theatre. No one will be able to save you then.”

The expression on Joyce's face changed.

That's true. No one is here to help me if Stanley really does drag me to the operation room. My parents are not around; Justin is still at the hospital; Nat and Shane are not here either. I'm no match for Stanley on my own. Besides, he has been asking people to persuade me to give up on the baby these few days. He's going easy on me only because I'm still in the hospital. I'm sure he'll take more drastic actions once I leave. Even if I find excuses to stay here, this is not a long-term solution. If his patience runs thin, he might haul me to get an abortion, even at the hospital itself. People might talk behind his back if he does that in public, but he's still a doctor. The hospital will definitely be on his side instead of mine.

The thought of what might happen instilled trepidation in Joyce's heart.

I can't waste any more time. I have to decide now.

Just as these thoughts were running through her head, a knock came from the door. “Ms. Rivers, are you up?” the nurse asked.

Joyce's pupils dilated, and her face fell. “Y-Yeah...” Her voice and body shivered.

She did not want to admit that she was awake, but because there was a window on the door to the ward, and the nurse was just right outside, there was no way Joyce could lie without getting noticed.

Joyce could not pretend to be sleeping either.

“I'll come in, then?” Instead of waiting for an answer, the nurse pushed open the door and entered.

“Ms. Rivers, it's time for your daily checkup. Are you feeling okay today?” the nurse asked in a friendly tone as she parked the cart and took up the equipment and medication.
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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