The doctor mulled it over for a moment. “What I can do, at this stage, is to list out all possible complications that may occur. If you want to carry the child to term, it’s not completely impossible. However, physical examinations will be mandatory once Mrs. Tremont is four months along. It’s also highly advisable for Mrs. Tremont to rest as much as possible and avoid tiring herself. If you decide to continue with the pregnancy, we’ll have to closely monitor her progress to reduce the complications. The child would most likely be born prematurely, but the survival rate is relatively high.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “Examination result indicates that Mrs. Tremont’s uterus has recovered somewhat. Hence, there are grounds to be slightly optimistic. However, what we do, going forward, will have to depend on both of you.”
As soon as Arianne heard there was a possibility the child might survive, all traces of hesitance vanished into thin air. She quickly said, “I want the child!”
On the other hand, Mark furrowed his eyebrows. “Ari... Can you please step aside for a moment? I would like to have a conversation with the doctor in private. Since this involves your well being, I can’t just let you do as you please. We have to think long and hard about this.”
Arianne was about to throw a tantrum when Tiffany stopped her. “No, Ari. It’s fine. Let’s leave them for a moment. I agree this is something we should think long and hard about. C’mon, don’t be stubborn.”
Soon after, only Mark and the doctor were left in the room.
Mark did not beat around the bush. “Be frank with me. Is the child truly able to survive without compromising my wife’s health and safety?”
The doctor knew who he was dealing with so he was disinclined to say anything that could be misconstrued. After a long moment, he finally said, “Listen, Mr. Tremont. Complications of birth are immutable risks expecting mothers have to face. These include hemorrhage, amniotic fluid embolism, and others. All of these are dangerous so unfortunately, I can’t give you the absolute guarantee that you’re looking for. Setting aside all these common complications, your wife has a few personal risks due to her body being significantly weaker than other women. However, this does not mean that the child cannot be carried to term. it’s just that it would be a very delicate process, demanding utmost caution. Now, if the baby remains well-protected until your wife is seven to eight months pregnant, then, the success rate of this pregnancy is relatively high.”
The doctor concluded, “Based on my years of experience, barring any unforeseen circumstances, your wife won’t suffer from any life-endangering complications during her pregnancy. Naturally, this is not a 100% guarantee. I implore you to think this through before making a decision.”
To Mark, this was a catch-22 situation. Honestly, he would rather Ari be safe than to take the risk and have the child. However, he knew for sure she would not return to him if the child was lost. In the end, he replied hesitantly, “I guess… I’ll need some time to think about it.”
As soon as he stepped out of the doctor’s office, Arianne dashed toward him and grabbed his wrist. “So, what did the doctor say? Can I keep the child? Mark, listen to me. I’ve lost three children. If I lose this one, I… I’ll lose my chance to be a mother forever…”
Her pleading eyes made Mark ball his hands into fists. After a pause, he replied weakly, “Give me time to think about this. For now, you need to rest. I’ll give you an answer as soon as possible.”
Dismay filled her eyes, and her grip loosened.
When he sensed her despair, he gritted his teeth and finally said, “If you want this child, Ari, you need to listen to what I say. And right now, I want you to go home — our home.”
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