Chapter: 289

Bethany gave a hollow, humorless laugh. "Yes, I thought so too."

“And the baby?" Aimee blurted out. “If you decide against keeping it, don't face the procedure alone. You must tell me, and I'll be there for you. Do you understand?"

When Bethany didn't respond, Jayson said, “Bethany, you're not thinking about-"

"Don't worry," Bethany interrupted, her hand resting gently on her stomach. "I'm not going to keep the baby. If I were to have this child, how would it fit into our lives? Growing up in a broken home, with his father's parents responsible for the death of his maternal grandmother, would make his life painfully complicated."

She felt that if the child could think, it would not choose to be born into such turmoil.

Just like she sometimes wished her mother had never had her.

"I'll arrange for a doctor to handle the procedure. The Bates family doesn't need to know about this baby." Jayson quickly understood what Bethany meant.

“Thank you," Bethany said, looking at Jayson with a hint of remorse.

He had been her steadfast support, repeatedly helping her, and now he was tangled up in this mess too. The Bates family could even target him and Aimee.

To protect them, she had to stop relying on romantic notions.

She had given up.

Maybe her mother's death had been a harsh awakening, or perhaps it was because of those unanswered calls.

In Francine's ward, doctors moved in and out, occasionally pausing to monitor her condition before departing with heavy sighs.

Jonathan, who had been standing nearby the entire time, now showed visible signs of anxiety on his face.

He would have left already if he wasn't concerned about worsening his parents’ already low opinion of Bethany.

After the lead doctor made a third visit and exited, Jonathan could no longer contain himself. "Has there been any word from Bethany?"

"I would have informed you the moment she responded." Godfrey showed his phone to Jonathan as evidence.

Suddenly, Jonathan stood and moved towards the door.

Godfrey stepped in front of him. "Where do you think you're going?"

“To have a smoke."

"I'll join you."

Jonathan's brow creased. "Should we leave Mom by herself?"

“There's a nurse with her. Your mother won't be waking up soon, so let's step out for some fresh air."

"Then can I borrow your phone for a sec?" Before Godfrey could protest, Jonathan added, “I need to give Brody some instructions. I've been away from the office too long; I can't lose touch."