Unable to Stop Crying
Just then, Alison's phone rang abruptly.
Startled, she reached for it.
"Who is it?" Matthew inquired.
"Oh, it's Lucia," Alison replied.
"Put it on speaker. Don't reveal our location," Matthew ordered.
Alison nodded, activated speakerphone, and answered, "Lucia, hello."
"Alison, are you free?" Lucia's voice came through the line.
Alison glanced at Matthew beside her and said helplessly, "It's too late. I really can't talk right now."
"How about tomorrow? I need to talk to you. Could you please talk to Aidan?" Lucia pleaded from the other line.
"What's wrong?" Alison frowned.
"I'm pregnant," Lucia said, her voice trembling slightly.
"Oh, that's wonderful news! Aidan must be thrilled,” Alison replied.
Lucia fell silent for a moment before saying, "No, he's not happy. He wants me to abort this baby. He said he'll take me to the hospital himself in a couple of days.”
Cassandra's emotions surged as she leaned forward and snatched the phone from Alison's hand. "Lucia, what did you say? You're carrying Aidan's child?"
"You... who are you? Why did you grab Alison's phone?" Lucia was startled, her voice tight with alarm.
"I'm Aidan's mother, Cassandra Macdonald. Tell me now—is it true? Are you really carrying Aidan's child?" Cassandra's voice brimmed with hope and tenderness.
“Yes, Cassandra, I'm carrying Aidan's child, but...” Lucia sobbed.
“Take your time. I'll handle everything," Cassandra reassured her.
"Aidan said he's taking me to the hospital tomorrow to terminate the pregnancy," Lucia said, her voice choking up.
"Which hospital?" Cassandra pressed.
"I don't know. But I don't want to go. I want this baby." Lucia's sobs grew louder.
"Just tell him to go to City S First Hospital first thing tomorrow morning. I'll speak with him then.” Cassandra made her decision swiftly.
“Hold on. I won't agree to this. I won't take you there.” Matthew flatly refused.
Cassandra glanced at him, but ignored his objection and addressed Lucia directly. “It's settled. Meet me at First Hospital at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. I'll handle it for you.”
"Okay, sorry to trouble you." Lucia replied.
Cassandra hung up before Lucia could say more. Then she turned to Matthew. “If you let me handle my grandchild's affairs, I'll tell you where Daphne is. Is that acceptable?"
"How's the boat arrangement coming along?" Matthew asked Pierre.
"The earliest we can arrange a boat is tomorrow evening," Pierre replied.
"I'll take you to the hospital as promised, Cassandra. But once we're there, you must tell me Daphne's whereabouts. Or I won't spare either your life or Lucia's.” Matthew warned.
"I understand," Cassandra said, her voice trembling slightly.
By the time the car pulled up near the hospital, daylight had fully broken.
Across the street, a snack shop was packed with people.
Alison's gaze lingered on the food displayed outside the shop.
Matthew noticed her stare and ordered Pierre, "Get out. Buy some food. Hurry.”
"Yes, Dad," Pierre nodded.