Chapter 12

"But... what about Clara?" Ellie bit her lip, wiping away tears as she asked helplessly. Eugene didn't even look back, just held her close while walking off. "If Grandpa hadn't forced me to have a kid with her, I would never have brought her here! Forget about her. Let's just go." "Huh? Eugene, you guys came here for...?" Ellie acted surprised. Of course she knew exactly why they were at the fertility center, but that sweet, innocent act made Eugene feel even more protective of her. He gently patted her hair, explaining patiently, "IVF. But now that you're back, I'm divorcing her ASAP. You're the only one I want a child with." Ellie's eyes lit up. She pressed herself closer to him, speaking emotionally, "Eugene, thank you... you remembered me after all these years. That really means a lot. But... now that you're married to Clara, and your grandpa really likes her... if you go against him like this, it'll break his heart." The moment she mentioned that, Eugene's expression darkened. His jaw tensed, fists clenched. "Ellie, I've put up with it for five years. No more. I'm done letting Grandpa control my life." Ellie let out a fake sigh, leaning against him like she was heartbroken... but there was a satisfied glint in her eyes. A short distance away, Clara stood frozen in place, tears running silently down her cheeks. Her heart hurt so badly it had gone numb. "Ms. Bennett, are we still proceeding with the procedure?" a nurse asked softly, snapping her out of her daze. Everyone around had seen and heard what just happened. The whispering started almost right away. "Wow, she's pathetic. Trying to hang onto a man who clearly doesn't want her..." "Still, they're married. That's his responsibility, no?" "Maybe she can't have kids. Why else would she come here?" "Exactly. And that guy? Total jerk. Married already and still chasing his ex." "If you ask me, both women are gorgeous. Just keep them both, problem solved." ... Clara's face flushed and paled in turns. She wiped away her tears, gritted her teeth, and turned to the nurse. "Yes. Let's do it." That was her husband. Year after year, she had followed behind him, hoping he'd just look back, even once. Even if Eugene hated her, maybe he'd still feel something for their baby. A child of his... he had to care—just a little. At this point, all Clara had left to hang on to was a tiny, unformed embryo. "Ms. Bennett, this way please," the nurse said, guiding her toward the procedure room. Back on the operating table for the second time, Clara couldn't stop herself from trembling. As the instruments were set up, a sharp pain came from deep inside, and she bit her lip hard, eyes blankly staring up at the ceiling. A baby. Her and Eugene's baby. Her eyes stung badly, but she lifted her head and stubbornly held back the tears. She'd heard crying wasn't good during pregnancy. For the baby, she'd hold on. Hours later, Clara finally left the fertility center. But just as she got into the car, her phone rang—it was her mother, asking her to come home immediately. Rushed and anxious, Clara made her way back to the Bennett house. The moment she saw Nathan, her head started pounding. "Clara, what took you so long!" Mrs. Bennett pulled her in without even sparing a glance at her pale face. "Sweetie, you've got to help your brother this time!" Clara's throat was dry. She stayed quiet, walking over to get a drink, only for Mrs. Bennett to yank her back with a sharp glare. "Clara, do you even have a heart? Your brother's in trouble, and you act like you don't care?" Clara's hand dropped back. Her chest ached seeing her mom, who always fretted endlessly over Nathan but never once cared how she was doing. Look at her—so worn out. Did her mom even notice? "Mom! Every time Nathan's in trouble, I help. Can I at least get a glass of water first?"