Chapter 161
"Cindy, listen to me—this baby is mine..."
Leopold claimed the baby without hesitation.
But I felt no joy whatsoever—only desolation flooding my chest.
"This baby isn't yours."
Though Leopold and I had slept together in between, based on the timeline, this baby was almost certainly Leo's.
Leopold sat at the bedside, reaching for my hand.
Guilt made me pull away.
Leopold's eyes narrowed slightly as he insisted, "Trust me—you're carrying my child."
Looking at his earnest expression, my heart ached with bitter pain. I'd seen him adamantly deny that Sophia's baby was his. Now here he was, desperate to claim mine.
It twisted something inside me.
"Leopold, you're lying to yourself."
Leopold held my gaze. "I'm not. If you don't believe me, have the doctor check how far along you are."
The suggestion swayed me. I nodded immediately.
Soon, a doctor came to examine me.
"Congratulations on becoming a mother. You're about two weeks along, but you need plenty of rest during this time. Try not to get worked up or upset—it's not good for the baby."
Those words struck like a bolt from the blue.
Two weeks...
These past two weeks, I've been with Leo the whole time. I hadn't even seen Leopold.
This baby really was Leo's!
I closed my eyes as scalding tears slid down my face.
"Leopold, please leave."
"Cindy, this baby really is—"
"I said leave!" I couldn't listen anymore. I wrapped myself in the blanket and shouted, "Just go!"
Leopold fell silent.
Ethan spoke up. "Leopold, didn't you hear Cindy? She doesn't want to see you. Why are you forcing this?"
"Cindy, I'll prove everything I just said is true. I never gave up on you, never left you..."
I didn't want to hear another word. I just pulled the blanket tighter over my head.
Silent tears streamed down my face.
Soon after, I heard the door close.
Knowing Leopold had left, my heart felt like a piece had been ripped out. The pain made tears pour even harder.
"Cindy, he's gone."
My voice came out choked. "Ethan, you should go too. I need to be alone."
"Cindy."
Ethan started to say something, but I cut him off. "Please. I'm begging you."
After a long pause, Ethan finally said quietly, "Alright. I'll check on you later."
The room fell quiet again.
But I still didn't dare pull back the blanket. My gaze dropped to my stomach.
Why did this have to happen now? Any other time—earlier or later—would've been fine. But now, of all times.
And with another man's baby...
"Cindy, your dad and I are here to see you... Cindy!"
Fanny's tone shifted sharply as she rushed to the bedside and yanked the blanket away. Seeing my tear-stained face, her eyes immediately reddened.
"Sweetheart... what happened? What's wrong?"
"Mom!" I threw myself into her arms, sobbing even harder.
James paced anxiously beside us but didn't dare ask questions. Once my emotions settled slightly, he asked with concern, "Tell me—did someone hurt you?"
I shook my head. "I'm... pregnant."
Fanny's expression softened. "We know. Leopold said the baby's his. Your dad and I—"
"It's not his!" I cut her off urgently.
Fanny's expression froze.
James looked stunned, too. After a moment, he asked cautiously, "If the baby isn't Leopold's, why would he claim it? He swore to your mother and me he'd take responsibility for you and the child."
I shook my head again. "It's not his. I don't know why he'd claim it. But I'm certain this baby isn't his."
Fanny snapped out of it and immediately pressed, "If it's not Leopold's, then whose is it?"
I lowered my voice. "Leo's."
"Leo's a good guy, too. That boy's thoughtful and considerate." Fanny actually smiled. "As long as you're happy, your dad and I will support you."
James nodded in agreement. "That's right. Whatever makes you happy, we're behind you."
Their unconditional support made my nose sting with emotion.
"Leopold proposed to me just now."
My parents exchanged glances, both looking surprised.
"So you..."
"I turned him down." The words were barely out before tears rolled down again.
I wiped at them. "We're really over. I can't marry him."
This relationship I'd poured ten years into had finally reached a dead end. I accepted my fate. I admitted defeat.
Seeing me like this, Fanny's heart ached. "But Leopold seemed genuinely sincere this time. Maybe reconsider?"
Remembering how earnestly Leopold had proposed, despair flooded through me.
"I'm carrying another man's baby. How could I possibly marry him?"
Fanny's tears fell too. "Other couples make it look so easy. Why is it so hard for you and Leopold?"
James sighed heavily. "You two, stop crying. Since Cindy's pregnant, let's find a time to discuss wedding arrangements with Leo."
"Good idea. We should meet him formally." Fanny nodded in agreement. "Cindy, what day works for you?"
I looked down at my still-flat stomach, my throat feeling blocked and burning.
"I... I haven't decided if I'm keeping the baby."
"What?" Fanny looked shocked.
I looked up at them. "My plan was to join the Royal Ballet Company. But now I'm pregnant. If I keep this baby, I'll have to give up my dream all over again."
My parents knew how much I loved dancing. They didn't know what to say. The atmosphere grew heavy.
James sighed. "You gave up that competition for Leopold before. You always said it was fine, but your mom and I both knew how much it hurt. Now that you finally have this chance, I support you in chasing your dream."
Fanny added, "I feel the same as your dad. Whatever you decide, as long as you've thought it through, we'll support you."
I was deeply moved. No matter what, family would always have my back.
With my parents' reassurance, my emotions finally settled. I started seriously considering whether to keep the baby.
But first, I needed to see Leo and find out where he stood.
I called twice in a row, but no one picked up. Guessing he might be busy, I decided to consult my attending physician first.
"Your knee is already under increased stress. If you're pregnant now, your knee will bear ten times your body weight, possibly even a hundred times the pressure."
"There's a strong possibility your condition will worsen during pregnancy. You might even end up wheelchair-bound prematurely."
"So I'd strongly recommend you go abroad to see that specialist as soon as possible. Hear his opinion before making any decisions."
The doctor's words hit like another blow, my heart sinking.
If I went through with the pregnancy, I'd likely end up in a wheelchair, never able to perform onstage again.
I decided I needed to talk to Leo face-to-face.
I didn't expect to run into Ethan the moment I reached the hospital entrance.
Before I could speak, he said, "Looking for Leo? I'll take you to him."