Chapter 18 He Was Never Hers

Abigail drove a bright red Porsche. Although her family wasn't as prominent as the Reeses, they were still well-known in Haddocksville. Being an only child, she'd been pampered and loved by her parents all her life. Other than a rough patch during her senior year of high school, she'd barely suffered any hardships. "Don't go back to that apartment, and don't stay in a hotel either," Abigail said. "Come stay with me for a while. Just treat it as keeping me company." Talia shook her head. "Take me to the hospital." Abigail was instantly speechless. "Why? Are you trying to numb your heartbreak with work?" "No, it's not that." "Then why are you going to the hospital? You're finally on annual leave! How about we take a trip together? I'll take you to Yenland so we can touch some hot guys' abs…" Talia paused for a moment and then quietly said four words. "To get an abortion." … Talia had been studying medicine since she was 18 years old. She majored in clinical medicine in undergrad and specialized in OB-GYN for her graduate degree. Ever since her internship at the hospital, she'd seen more than enough women coming in for abortions—if not ten thousand, then at least eight thousand. But she'd never imagined that one day, the roles would be reversed. She wouldn't be the doctor—she would be the patient. It was still early in the pregnancy, so no surgery was needed. Medication would be enough. Talia knew the procedure better than anyone, so she didn't alert anyone else and went straight to Lisa. At first, Lisa stood frozen, her mouth agape for a long moment. "Dr. Ainsworth, have you really made up your mind?" Talia smiled. "Didn't you always say that pregnancy and childbirth could have a big impact on a woman's career and life? I think you're right." Lisa looked troubled. "But your marriage seems so happy. Why not keep it?" "You think my marriage is happy?" Lisa pouted. "Aren't you? Do you have any idea how many female doctors and nurses in the hospital envy you? Your husband is handsome, gentle, thoughtful, and kind. I mean, he even helped that pregnant woman who was in a car accident get to the hospital. A man like that is one in a million!" One in a million? The last time Talia heard that phrase was two years ago during a devastating hurricane. The storm was so fierce that it could blow cars off the road. But childbirth didn't wait for fair weather. Several patients in the maternity ward were due around that time, and one had a life-threatening hemorrhage during delivery. The OB-GYN was short-staffed, so Talia had no choice but to brave the storm and head to the hospital. It was a matter of life and death, and when pregnant women are involved, it was two lives at stake. She thought Lucien would try to persuade her not to go, just like the rest of her relatives, saying it was too dangerous and that she should prioritize her safety. But instead, he snatched up the car keys and headed for the door. "Let's go," he said. The hurricane was accompanied by torrential rain. The skies over Haddocksville were as dark as night. Fallen trees littered the streets, and broken billboards were scattered everywhere. The powerful winds made the car sway violently from side to side. Lucien gripped the steering wheel tightly, speeding through the streets in a near-serpentine pattern. Talia was so terrified that she nearly screamed. She held onto the handle with all her might, but even then, she was thrown around inside the car. Then, she heard Lucien say, "Talia, don't be scared. Trust me." That was the first time she saw a different side of Lucien. He was always gentle. But that day, his jaw was clenched tight, the sharp line of it like a blade, and his eyes were fierce with determination. And just like that, she wasn't afraid anymore. When they finally arrived at the hospital, Lucien smiled and patted her head. "Go on. The pregnant women and their babies are waiting for you." Talia asked, "What about you?" "I'll wait for you," he said. "Focus on your work. When you're done, I'll take you home." A woman's heart could be moved in an instant—and shattered just as fast. Lucien was indeed a good man. But unfortunately, he was never Talia's. Lisa continued to persuade her. "Dr. Ainsworth, please think about it again. You could hire several nannies to help you with raising the child. You can still pursue your career. It's only a few months' delay—" "Lisa, that's enough. I've made up my mind." A beat of silence passed. "Write the prescription." … The effects of a medication-induced abortion varied from person to person. For some, it felt like nothing more than a regular period. For others, the pain was so unbearable that they would wail for hours in the hospital, the thought of suicide lingering in their minds. It depended on a person's body and perhaps their fate as well. Talia had seen both kinds of cases, but she never imagined her luck would be so bad. After taking the medication, she was stuck in the bathroom for almost four hours. When she finally came out, her clothes were soaked through with sweat. Abigail was pacing anxiously outside. When she saw Talia emerge from the bathroom, she rushed forward to support her. "Talia, are you okay?" "Viv… help me stand. My legs are too weak…" Abigail used to go by the name Vivian. Talia had called her Viv for six years, only switching to Abby after their rough senior year. After all this time, Talia had grown accustomed to Abigail's new name. But in moments like this, the pain overrode reason and instinct took over. Usually, Abigail would have corrected her for using the old name. But today, she didn't mind at all. She quickly moved to support Talia, disregarding the sweat, and gently rested Talia's arm on her shoulder. "Lean on me and rest a bit." "Mm." Abigail noticed Talia was still gripping a crumpled tissue in her hand and reached for it. "Give it to me. I'll throw it away." But Talia suddenly tightened her grip. "I'll do it myself." "It's okay, I don't mind." Talia stayed silent. Abigail immediately understood what was wrapped in that tissue. She quietly lowered her hand and instead rubbed Talia's back gently. "Alright. You do it." Lisa came over with a cup of water. She was still worried. Abigail held the cup and let Talia sip it slowly. "Are you feeling better?" "Yeah." Talia struggled to her feet. Abigail quickly steadied her. "Why are you up already? You should sit and rest. Where are you going?" "To the medical waste disposal facility." "What for?" Talia held up the tissue. "To throw this away." "You should rest first. That can wait." "No. Now's the time." Talia forced a smile. "Once I throw it away, it'll truly be over." Abigail didn't stop her this time. She supported Talia as they slowly walked toward the hospital's exit. Just as they stepped outside and reached the stairs, they spotted someone standing at the bottom of the stairs. Lucien stood there, clutching a flimsy piece of paper in his hand. Its edges were crumpled by the wind. Talia immediately recognized the Central Hospital's header printed at the top of the paper. It was her pregnancy test results. She let out a bitter smile. "So I left it behind in the hotel room?" Lucien's eyes were bloodshot, and the veins were bulging on his hands, like he was on the verge of losing it. "You left your wallet in the room. A staff member found it and gave it to me." Talia frowned slightly, a twinge of regret flashing across her face. "That's my fault. I didn't pack properly." Lucien's gaze locked onto her hand, the one holding the tissue. "Talia… what's in your hand?" "You mean this?" She chuckled softly and slowly opened her palm in front of him. The tissue in her palm was stained a vivid red. Lucien growled, his voice hoarse and shaking. "What is that?" "You kept asking what I'd planned to get you for your birthday," she said, still smiling. "This… is it."