Chapter 2

The next day at the hospital, during my check-up, my cancer had already spread.

Aside from chemotherapy, surgery was the only other sliver of hope.

And I was about to personally snuff out that hope.

"You've thought this through. This medication will help you carry the baby to term, but it will also drastically shorten your lifespan."

Dr. Ryan looked at me, exasperated.

"Does this child absolutely *have* to be born?"

I patted his shoulder reassuringly.

"My illness is incurable anyway, but I want to keep this baby."

Dr. Ryan didn't speak, burying his head in front of the computer, repeatedly checking my medical records. Tears still uncontrollably streamed down his face.

He knew in his heart that this was the best way.

As I walked out of the consulting room, Hunter and Brianna collided with me head-on, coming out of the obstetrics department.

His face changed, and he shot me a warning look, telling me to leave quickly.

But Brianna spoke first.

"Oh, it's you? What, you're *actually* pregnant?"

Hunter's expression was also difficult, and after a moment of silence, he finally spoke.

"Let's go, Brianna. No need to talk to irrelevant people."

But Brianna wouldn't let up, continuing to mock me.

"So, have you found out whose bastard child that is in your belly?"

I couldn't be bothered to argue with her. The more I got tangled, the more trouble it would be.

As I turned to leave, Brianna deliberately stepped on the hem of my skirt, a malicious smile on her face.

"Running away? Did I hit a nerve? Do you know that in our circles, bastards born to homewreckers like you never live long? Do you know why? Because their mothers are morally bankrupt!"

My hands trembled uncontrollably, and I slapped her across the face. "Shut up!"

"Bitch! How dare you hit me?"

When Brianna reached for me, Hunter stepped in front, taking the blow himself.

"Enough," Hunter glanced at her. "Brianna, don't cross the line. Watch your public image!"

I rubbed my reddened wrist, leaning against the wall. Hunter's tall figure trapped me in the corner, shielding me from the prying eyes and gossiping cameras of passersby. Then he whispered to me,

"Go home and wait for me."

"No need," I replied.

He froze. "Don't be difficult, Sky—"

Before he could finish, I said, "Let's break up."

Hunter laughed. "Here we go again. I told you our relationship won't change. I can't believe you're still pretending to be pregnant, still wanting to argue! You truly disappoint me."

I sighed, took his hand, and gently placed it over my lower abdomen.

But the next second, Brianna's scream echoed from behind me.

Blood seeped thinly from her thigh, quickly staining her dress.

"Hunter! The baby! Our baby! After she hit me, I started bleeding!"