Chapter 4

Hank glanced at the diagnosis report and frowned, then said without a hint of hesitation, "Get rid of it. I don't want this baby." Chloe took a shaky breath, staring at him in disbelief. "That's your own child!" Hank, with Irene nestled in his arms, looked at her coldly. "Only the woman I love deserves to carry my child. Chloe, do you really think you qualify?" Qualify? Of course not. She wasn't Irene. Everyone knew Hank only ever loved one person—always Irene. She understood every word he said, yet together they hit her like a punch to the gut, completely shattering what little strength she had left. Unsteadily, she rose to her feet. Without a word, she brushed past Hank and headed straight for the exit. "Collins, my chest hurts… it's beating so fast. Please, take me to the doctor," Irene said hurriedly, seeing his gaze still fixed on Chloe. Her nails dug deep into her palm as she leaned on Hank, desperately trying to pull his attention back to her. Wandering down the hospital hallway alone, Chloe couldn't even tell where the pain was coming from anymore. She hadn't eaten anything today, her stomach was churning again, and now even her lower abdomen throbbed with a dull ache. That tight, stabbing pain in her chest hadn't let up since she saw Hank. Everything she had—her pride, her love—had been drained dry over the past year. And now, Hank had stomped that love beneath his feet, crushed it to pieces, and flung it right back at her, as if to say: your love isn't even worth my time. "Chloe?" a warm, deep voice reached her ears—it felt like an angel sent straight from heaven. "Are you okay? You don't look well. Did something happen?" Chloe squinted against the light, looking up at the man whose brow was furrowed in concern. Her lips curved into a weak smile. Hank, take a good look—I'm not unwanted. Someone still cares enough to worry about me. I don't need you."Chloe, why are you crying? Are you in pain? Come on, I'll take you to the doctor." The man noticed her smiling with tears streaming down her face. Alarmed, he scooped her up and dashed toward the ER. Feeling the warmth of his body against hers, Chloe slowly closed her eyes. Everything was gone now. Nothing mattered anymore. Maybe… it wouldn't be so bad if it just ended here. But fate didn't let her go that easily. When she opened her eyes again, the sharp scent of disinfectant filled her nose, and all around her was blinding white. "You're awake? Feeling any better?" A somewhat familiar male voice pulled her out of her fog. Chloe finally saw the "angel" who had saved her. He had striking, almond-shaped eyes that were unforgettable, and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses resting on a straight nose. Clean-cut and effortlessly handsome, his polished look made Chloe feel unexpectedly small. "Thank you… for helping me." The "angel" gave a soft smile. "You don't remember me? I'm Ryan Cooper." At his reminder, Chloe finally connected this face with a faint memory. Her lips lifted slightly, though she seemed a bit uneasy. She had never imagined that the first time she'd see Ryan again would be in such a sorry state. Ryan Cooper, only son of the Cooper family, current head of the household, and once one of her suitors. But just like Hank had been in love with Irene for years, Chloe had quietly loved Hank the same way. Even a catch like Ryan never earned a proper glance from her. "The doctor said your heart's a bit weak, and you're pregnant on top of that. You really shouldn't get too emotional right now. Where's Hank? Didn't he come with you?" Ryan knew about her and Hank's story all too well. After all, that engagement party originally meant for Irene and Hank had been canceled, and a new bride had suddenly appeared days later—it was a hot gossip topic among their circle for a while. Chloe gave a bitter smile. "He's probably with Irene right now." Ryan didn't respond to that. Instead, his hand gently covered her cold one, and the warmth from his palm spread through her like a quiet comfort. "Chloe, leave Hank. Let me be there for you. I won't hurt you, and I won't be with anyone else. And the baby you're carrying—I'll treasure it like my own."