Chapter 106
Lisbeth looked confused. "What do you mean?"
How could those words together make any sense?
Hazel studied her pale face. "You were showing signs of miscarriage. I initially considered having the doctor terminate your pregnancy."
She paused, rubbing her forehead. "But in the end, I couldn't go through with it. We're both women, after all."
Lisbeth felt a chill run through her. Just imagining herself on the operating table with someone hovering nearby, ready to terminate her pregnancy, made her skin crawl.
"I'm keeping this baby no matter what."
Hazel seemed surprisingly accommodating. "Of course. Since I've agreed to let you keep the child, you can do whatever you want. The baby is yours—how you raise it is entirely your decision."
Rather than feeling relieved, Lisbeth felt uneasy. "What do you want from me?"
"Stay away from my son."
"I never intended to be with him."
Hazel gave a mocking laugh. "Lisbeth, you promised me the same thing last time." Yet Lisbeth and Sebastian had remained connected.
Lisbeth looked down at her fingers. "I really didn't mean to—"
"It doesn't matter," Hazel interrupted, producing a check. "You can write any amount you want on this."
"What exactly do you want me to do?"
"Take the money and disappear. Go abroad or to some city where no one can find you. Stop acting, stay out of the public eye. Write down a figure that will support you comfortably for life. In exchange, never see Sebastian again."
Hazel's voice softened. "Don't worry, I won't tell Sebastian you took money. After you're gone, I'll simply say you two weren't meant to be."
She had planned everything perfectly. Lisbeth seemingly had no reason to refuse.
After Hazel left, darkness fell. Lisbeth got out of bed just as the door suddenly opened.
Sebastian walked in and noticed her movement. "What are you doing? Let me help."
He turned on the light. Lisbeth sat back down on the bed.
"Why are you here? I told you Brooke would take care of me."
"How could I stay away?"
He had brought many of her favorite dishes, arranging them on the small table. He ladled soup into a bowl and placed it in front of her, fussing over every detail.
"I'll ask a nurse to change your sheets and bedcover later," Sebastian said, handing her a spoon. Even in a hospital, he wanted her to have a pleasant environment.
Lisbeth instinctively pushed her pillow back—the check was hidden underneath.
"I can talk to the nurses myself tomorrow."
"You're being distant with me."
Sebastian was perceptive, immediately noticing the change. He reviewed their recent interactions, certain he hadn't overstepped or pressured her.
"I just don't want to trouble you," Lisbeth said quietly.
"We're still married."
Without him mentioning it, Lisbeth had almost forgotten they still had a marriage to resolve.
She smiled faintly. "Let's not talk about that. Let's eat."
Sebastian didn't want to push her too hard. Though he had many questions, he held back. There would be time later.
After dinner, he didn't linger. His phone rang—family calling. Lisbeth couldn't hear what was said, but his expression grew serious.
"If you have business to attend to, go ahead. I'll be fine. Brooke is coming tonight."
"I'll hire a private nurse for you."
Brooke cared for Lisbeth, but might not be skilled at caregiving. "Professional nurses have experience, especially for someone in your weakened state. You need proper nutrition to recover..."
"You don't need—"
"Just trust me on this. Rest well. I'll see you later."
Normally gentle, Sebastian could be surprisingly firm when he wanted.
Lisbeth sighed.
Brooke walked in just then. "What's with all the sighing?"
Lisbeth shared her concern. "If he sends a nurse, it's basically like having his spy here."
Everything she did would get back to Sebastian.
Brooke considered this, then made a bold decision. "Let me book you a flight."
"What?"
"You're under attack from all sides," Brooke explained. "Leopold's fighting for Dennis's custody, Elora's 'accident' is still under investigation, and Hazel desperately wants you gone. If you stay, I'm afraid your baby will eventually be in danger."
Lisbeth looked down at her abdomen. Almost three months along, soon her pregnancy would become visible.
If Leopold discovered she was pregnant, her chances in the custody battle would be even worse.
Lisbeth closed her eyes, then opened them with resolve. "Alright. I'll do as you suggest."
"What about the check?" Brooke would have taken it without hesitation, but Lisbeth was different.
Lisbeth pulled the check from under her pillow, then gazed out the window. It was autumn—a season of decline, but also of waiting for new beginnings.
---
The next morning, Leopold brought Elora to "apologize."
Some apology it was—they walked in hand-in-hand, with Leopold shielding Elora behind him as if protecting her from harm.
"I don't want to see either of you," Lisbeth said coldly.
Leopold frowned slightly but, knowing she had every right to be angry, suppressed his irritation. "I brought Lora to apologize. She told me it was an accident, but she fell on you and caused... everything. I'm sorry about that."
Elora quickly added, "I'm so sorry, Ms. Whitaker. I didn't mean for this to happen. I only wanted to assure you I'd treat Dennis well. I never expected such an accident."
Lisbeth watched them silently.
Leopold hesitated. "If you're not satisfied, I can offer compensation. Name your price. But I need to be clear—once you take the money, you can't pursue this matter further."
"Are you finished?"
Leopold nodded instinctively.
"Then get out," Lisbeth said icily.
Leopold's face tightened. "I came here civilly to work things out. Don't push your luck."
"Or should I call security to escort you out?"
Though her baby had survived this time, who knew if they'd be so lucky next time? Seeing these two was triggering her fight-or-flight response.
She only wanted to protect her child. Everything else could wait.
"No need for security. We'll leave. But I need to make one thing clear."
At this point, Leopold stopped pretending. The apology had just been a pretext for what he really came to say.
"I will get custody of my child. Once you're discharged, we'll settle this in court."
"Get out," Lisbeth said quietly.