"You want an abortion?" The doctor asked once more, sounding completely baffled. "You really want to just throw this away? This was an IVF baby."
Jasmine touched her abdomen, a sharp pang of grief hitting her.
This child was her own flesh and blood. How could she not have feelings for it?
It was just a matter of timing. He arrived at the worst possible moment.
"I've made up my mind, Doctor. I'm going through with it."
"Sigh." The doctor let out a long breath. "You young people are so impulsive. It's completely irresponsible."
Jasmine didn't explain. She just took the scolding in silence.
The doctor filled out a form. "Go get an ultrasound. Let's see how things look first."
Lying on the cold bed in the ultrasound room, Jasmine felt her first tear escape.
The technician thought she was just nervous and offered a warm smile.
"Don't be scared. Every first-time mom feels this way, worrying about everything. Your baby is stronger than you think. And with a mom as beautiful as you, he's going to be a heartbreaker."
Those words only made it worse.
Jasmine's tears became a silent torrent she couldn't stop.
I'm so sorry, little one...
Jasmine stood outside the doctor's office, clutching the report with trembling hands.
She knew exactly what would happen once she stepped back through that door.
But she had no choice.
Taking a deep breath, Jasmine walked in and handed over the report.
The doctor glanced at it.
"The sac isn't developed enough. If we operate now, we might miss it, leading to a failed abortion and a second, more painful surgery to clear the remains. For your own safety, wait another ten days."
Jasmine froze for a moment. "I can't do it today?"
The doctor's face hardened. "Are you joking? You're willing to risk your health just to rush this? Is this baby your mortal enemy? Why the hurry?"
Jasmine really wanted to say something.
We aren't enemies, but his father and I are!
"A few more days won't hurt. Go home and eat well. Even a minor procedure is a strain on the body. You're too thin; you need to build your strength."
The doctor felt a twinge of pity and couldn't help but add one last plea.
"Use this time to really think it over. Maybe you'll decide to keep him."
Keep him?
Jasmine didn't hesitate for a second.
Impossible.
If Silas hadn't stolen that child, if he hadn't betrayed her...
Maybe, just maybe, she would have considered it.
But Silas was filthy now.
The Silas she had loved three years ago was dead.
Victoria cut her off. "Mother, this is the Vance house. Her objections wouldn't matter anyway."
Madeline let out a performative cough. "Now, Victoria, don't say that. This is where she and Silas live. We're family elders; we shouldn't be as tactless as some younger people who lack decorum."
Victoria smirked. "Of course, Mother."
Jasmine sneered inwardly.
They were putting on quite a show, playing good cop/bad cop just to insult her.
"Jasmine."
Felicity was sitting on the sofa, not even bothering to shift her weight.
"I'm so sorry. I hope Silas and I won't be too much of a bother."
Jasmine forced a smile. "Not at all. We're family. I'm thrilled you're staying here."
Felicity blinked, visibly taken aback.
This woman wasn't following the script.
Shouldn't she be screaming and causing a scene?
Felicity pressed further. "Mom said the master bedroom has the best view and the best temperature. She wanted me to have it.
"But I didn't want to make things difficult for you, so I told her no."
Jasmine didn't skip a beat. "I'll clear my things out tonight. You should have it for the baby. I'll move into the guest room."
Felicity's eyes sparked with triumph, though her voice remained sweet. "Oh, that would be so embarrassing. It feels like I'm stealing your home."

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