CHAPTER 69

Dr Aisha's eyes softened, and she took a deep breath. "Margaret, I understand this is a difficult decision. Let's discuss all your options and ensure you're fully informed before making any decisions. Would you like to talk to a counselor first?"

Margaret shook her head firmly. "No, I’ve made up my mind. I just need to know how soon we can do it."

Dr. Aisha’s expression shifted to one of profound sympathy. She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Margaret, I’m so sorry, but we don’t think we can proceed with the procedure. You’ve already passed the stage for an abortion."

Margaret’s face paled, her resolve crumbling. She sat down heavily, her hand instinctively clutching her belly. Her breaths came in shallow, ragged gasps, and the room seemed to close in on her. A storm of emotions surged within her, threatening to spill over. Tears welled up, blurring her vision as she tried to process the doctor's words.

The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the clock ticking on the wall. Margaret's mind raced, filled with a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, and she felt herself teetering on the edge of a breakdown. Her hands trembled, and she clenched her belly tighter as if holding on to something tangible amidst the chaos inside her.

Dr Aisha remained close, her presence a silent offer of support. She waited patiently, allowing Margaret the space to absorb the news. The doctor’s eyes never left her, filled with empathy and understanding.

Margaret's breaths began to steady, though her heart still pounded. She wiped away the tears with her hand, her determination slowly resurfacing through the pain. It was not the outcome she had anticipated. Margaret looked up at Dr. Aisha, her gaze unwavering despite the lingering sorrow.

"What's next?" she asked.

Dr Aisha’s eyes remained gentle as she leaned in slightly. “Margaret, I know this is overwhelming. Since it’s a cryptic pregnancy, we’ll start by ensuring the baby’s health and yours. Let’s take this step by step. We’ll do an ultrasound to check on the baby, and then we can discuss a care plan that supports you both.”

Margaret nodded, her emotions still raw but a flicker of hope igniting within her. The idea of seeing her baby, of knowing its health, made her scared. Margaret was in denial.

Dr Aisha offered a comforting smile. “You’re not alone in this. We’re here to help every step of the way.”

Margaret took a deep breath, her hand resting protectively on her belly. “Thank you,” she said softly.

The doctor’s reassurance brought a semblance of calm to Margaret’s stormy thoughts. She stood up slowly, feeling the weight of the situation yet drawing strength from Dr. Aisha’s support. “I just… I need a moment,” she added, her eyes reflecting the gravity of her emotions.

Dr Aisha nodded understandingly. “Take all the time you need. We’ll be ready whenever you are.”

Margaret walked out of the room, her steps heavy but purposeful. She paused just outside, letting the flood of emotions wash over her. Her resolve was tested but intact.

When Dr. Aisha reentered the room, Margaret was still on the phone with Alexander. The doctor’s eyes widened as she saw Margaret on the call. “Welcome back, Mrs. Margaret. I didn’t realize you were on the phone. My apologies.”

Margaret held up a hand, signaling for a moment of patience. “One minute, please,” she said, her voice strained. She quickly closed the door behind her, trying to shield herself from the bustle of the hospital.

“Is it a panic attack?” Alexander’s voice came through urgently.

Margaret struggled to respond, her breath catching in her throat. She couldn’t find the words.

Alexander’s concern deepened. “Should I come over there? I can be there in no time.”

“No, no need,” Margaret managed to say, her voice trembling. “I’ll be fine.”

“Alright,” Alexander said, trying to stay calm for her sake. “Continue with your session. I’ll call Antonio to come and be with you. If you need me to come as well, just let me know.”

Margaret nodded, “Thank you, Alexander. I appreciate it.”

Alexander reassured her once more before hanging up, dialing Antonio immediately. “Antonio, Margaret needs support right now. If she needs me, I’ll come as soon as I can.”

Margaret, overwhelmed by guilt and anxiety, abruptly ended the call with Alexander. She didn’t even think of saying goodbye to Dr. Aisha. Her mind was consumed by fear of being caught and her desperate need to escape the situation.

She quickly gathered her things with trembling hands and darted out of the room. Her heart pounded in her chest as she made her way down the corridor, ignoring the concerned glances from hospital staff. The only thought in her mind was to get to her car and away from the hospital before Antonio arrived.

Once outside, Margaret hurried to the entrance of the hospital parking lot, her emotions in disarray. She saw Antonio and his bodyguard approaching and forced herself to sound typical, even though her voice was shaky. “I’m done already. Let’s go,” she said, sounding as calm as possible.

As she spoke, she was still catching her breath from the rush, her hands trembling slightly. The anxiety was palpable, and despite her efforts, her breathing was uneven. Antonio gave her a concerned glance but quickly assessed the situation and nodded. “Okay, “ Antonio said as he opened the car for her.

Margaret climbed into the car, barely waiting for the bodyguard to settle in before she started driving. She kept her hand resting protectively on her belly as she navigated the road, the vehicle’s movement distracting her from her turmoil.

She tried to steady herself in the backseat, her grip on her belly tightening with each mile. The open road ahead felt like a temporary escape, a brief respite from the intense emotions she was struggling to manage.

At Alexandr's tech, Samantha paced outside Alexander’s office, her demeanor exuding a carefully crafted air of confidence. She adjusted her outfit—a sleek, form-fitting dress that clung to her every curve, paired with a subtle yet provocative pair of high heels. Her hair was perfectly styled, and she wore just the right makeup to enhance her features without seeming overdone.

Samantha took a deep breath and knocked on the door, her heart racing with anticipation. “Come in,” Alexander’s voice called from within.

Samantha pushed the door open, her entrance deliberate and poised. She stepped inside with grace, closing the door behind her. Alexander looked up from his desk, momentarily distracted from his paperwork. His gaze lingered on Samantha, a mixture of curiosity and surprise in his eyes.

“Samantha, what can I do for you?” Alexander asked, trying to maintain his professional demeanor.

Samantha offered a warm, inviting smile. “I thought I’d drop by and see if you needed any help with your work. I know how busy you’ve been.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. “That’s kind of you, but I’m managing fine. What’s on your mind?”

Samantha moved closer, her voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. “I was hoping we could spend a little time alone. I’ve been meaning to discuss a few things with you—just us.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Is there something specific you need to discuss?”

Samantha leaned against the desk, her proximity deliberate. “Just some ideas I have about a project, and maybe a few personal thoughts. It’s easier to talk without distractions.”

Alexander glanced at the clock, considering the time. The office was tranquil, and he could sense the undercurrent of tension in Samantha’s voice.

“I see,” Alexander said, maintaining his professional tone. “Well, if it’s about work, let’s get to it.”

Samantha’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of determination and longing. “Sure, but I really think it would be better if we had some private time to discuss everything. It’s important.”

She reached out, lightly touching Alexander’s arm, her gesture both intimate and suggestive. “I promise I won’t take up too much of your time. Just a few minutes alone.”