Chapter 21
He released his grip, not exerting any force, yet a sharp pain radiated from my chin, piercing through to my heart. Even my toes curled from the ache.
Still unwell from being drenched in the rain, the sudden confrontation and his abrupt withdrawal left me weak. My knees buckled, and I collapsed against him.
His strong arms, sculpted from years of training, instinctively steadied me. I could feel the tension in his muscles as I leaned into his embrace. Exhaustion weighed heavy on me, and I had no energy left to argue. So, I closed my eyes.
“Well, aren’t you bold? You even know how to play dead now.” His voice, laced with mockery, rang in my ears, the anger still palpable.
He tapped my cheek repeatedly—none too gently. Yet, feeling utterly drained, I kept my eyes shut.
Perhaps realizing something was wrong, he eventually scooped me up and carried me to the bedroom. He laid me on the bed, but after that, there was only silence.
I assumed he had left, indifferent as always. But a moment later, I heard his voice, low and firm, speaking into the phone. He was calling Jared, asking him to come over.
So, he’s not completely heartless after all.
Drowsiness pulled me under before I could hear more. Still, in the fog of sleep, I faintly registered Jared’s voice.
“Ashton, you need to decide what you’re going to do about the baby.”
“It’s late. You should head home and rest,” Ashton replied, his tone carrying a rare edge of exhaustion.
I vaguely pitied Jared. A renowned doctor, yet always at Ashton’s beck and call—what did he truly feel about that?
The exhaustion of the day finally won over, and I drifted into deep sleep.
In the middle of the night, I stirred as someone wrapped me in an embrace. The warmth was familiar. I tried to open my eyes, but my body refused. I was too tired, too drained.
By the time I woke up the next morning, Ashton was gone. It didn’t take much to guess that he had gone to see Rebecca.
The appointment I had scheduled with Caleb the day before weighed on my mind. I got up, washed, and left for the hospital.
Martha was already waiting at the entrance when I arrived. Upon seeing me, she hurried over, her face creased with worry. “Are you really sure about this? Shouldn’t you at least discuss it with Mr. Fuller first?”
I knew she meant well. Smiling gently, I reassured her, “I’ve thought it through. Don’t worry about me.”
Caleb had arranged for a doctor to perform the procedure. I underwent the necessary pre-surgery examinations, and once everything was in order, I was led into the operating room.
Martha, still uneasy, pleaded one last time. “Mrs. Fuller, you’re still young. This will take a toll on your body. Are you absolutely certain?”
I nodded, offering her a comforting pat on the arm. “I’ll be fine.”
A nurse guided me into the operating theater, where a middle-aged female doctor awaited. She offered a reassuring smile. “We’ll be using general anesthesia, Mrs. Fuller. You’ll fall asleep quickly, and there won’t be any pain. Don’t worry.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of finality settle over me.
Darkness took over soon after.
When I regained consciousness, I was back in a hospital bed.
The first thing I saw was Ashton.
His dark eyes bore into me, filled with an icy fury that sent chills down my spine. His thin lips were pressed into a firm line, his entire demeanor exuding cold anger.
My heart sank. I had never seen him like this before.
Subconsciously, I reached out, but he recoiled, flinging my hand away with such force that it stung.
I parted my lips, wanting to say something—anything—but the words wouldn’t come. Swallowing hard, I looked away and closed my eyes, choosing silence.
“Scarlett,” his voice was low, but the seething anger was unmistakable. “You’re truly heartless.”
With that, he turned and walked out, leaving nothing but the sound of the door shutting behind him.
I exhaled slowly, watching his retreating figure disappear. This was the best outcome for both of us, wasn’t it?
A deep voice broke the silence. “Aren’t you afraid of Mr. Fuller hating you for this?”
I turned to see Caleb standing by the door, my medical records in hand. He glanced at them before looking at me. “He is the child’s father, after all. You can deceive him once, but the truth won’t stay buried forever.”
Smiling faintly, I sat up and reached for the records. My vitals looked stable. “There won’t be a next time. Thank you for playing along.”
I swung my legs over the bed, intending to stand, but Caleb stopped me. “At least be consistent with your act. Since when does a woman recover and start walking around just minutes after an abortion?”
He had a point.
Sighing, I lay back down. “Ashton is meticulous. He’ll have someone check my medical records and monitor me. I’ll need your help to keep up appearances.”
Caleb chuckled, shaking his head. “You young people and your games.” He exhaled in resignation. “Fine. I already agreed to help, so I’ll make sure everything aligns.”
I smiled. “And Martha?”
“It’s best she doesn’t know the truth,” he replied. “The fewer people involved, the better.”
I nodded in agreement, closing my eyes. The lies had already begun, and there was no turning back now.