Chapter 7: Painless Abortion

"What's happening?" Jessica inquired, finally comprehending the situation. "Wasn't the operation expenses covered by the culprit's insurance?"

The accident had resulted in Jessica undergoing a costly operation, and a substantial amount had also been spent on her son's burial. Before Dolores left the hospital, she had given Jessica some money, explaining that it was the remaining sum from the insurance claim against the offender.

Dolores found it difficult to find the right words to respond to Jessica's question. Silence filled the air, becoming a clear admission of her deception. Being a young woman, it was impossible for her to gather such a significant amount of money legally. Jessica's heart shattered as she struggled to accept the reality unfolding before her.

"You... Please don't tell me you resorted to selling yourself..." Jessica grabbed Dolores's wrist, unable to fathom the thought. "You can't go through with this pregnancy. We have to go to the hospital before it progresses any further."

"Why?" Dolores asked, trying to free her hand from Jessica's grip.

"If you have this baby, your life will be destroyed!"

Jessica couldn't let Dolores give birth to a child that didn't belong to her husband. If anyone discovered the truth, their lives would never be the same.

"Mom, please. I want to keep the baby," Dolores pleaded.

Regardless of Dolores's pleas, Jessica remained resolute and determined to prevent her daughter from proceeding.

That day, Jessica took Dolores to the hospital, even resorting to threatening to take her own life if Dolores refused.

Reluctantly, Dolores had no choice but to accompany her mother, not wanting to lose the last remaining member of her family.

Obtaining an abortion required undergoing several tests. Jessica left Dolores alone on a bench in the hallway, her hands instinctively covering her stomach, while she went to collect the test results.

Tears streamed down Dolores's cheeks uncontrollably. She felt utterly lost and powerless, unsure of what to do next.

"Matthew, I'm fine. Don't worry so much; it's just a minor burn," Helen said, flashing a faint smile.

Helen was dressed elegantly, wearing a well-fitted black skirt that accentuated her curvaceous figure, along with a suit jacket draped casually over her shoulders. Matthew, on the other hand, wore a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, revealing his muscular arms as he embraced Helen protectively.

Concern filled Matthew's eyes as he looked at her. "You got scalded. If it's not treated properly, it might leave a scar."

Resting against Matthew's chest, Helen chuckled. "If it does leave a scar, will you think I'm ugly?"

"Don't be absurd!"

Helen giggled, knowing that Matthew wasn't someone who judged based on appearances alone.

Dolores slowly raised her head, drawn by the familiar voice. She saw Helen leaning on Matthew, walking down the corridor together. They appeared to be a perfect match, like a couple destined to be together.

The sight made Dolores feel like a complete outsider—a young girl who had lost her virginity at a young age, carrying an unknown man's baby in her belly.

She watched the pair until her mind began to drift, a flicker of astonishment passing through her eyes.

"Next patient, please."

The operating room door swung open, and a nurse stood in the doorway, allowing a young woman to pass through. The woman clutched her abdomen, muttering, "If it's supposed to be a painless abortion, why the fuck does it hurt so much?"

Matthew's brows furrowed as he locked his gaze onto Dolores's face. She had shown him how much she cared for the baby in her belly, so why was she now seeking a painless abortion? Anger welled up within him.

Helen followed Matthew's line of sight, her eyes landing on Dolores. The woman seemed familiar, but Helen couldn't quite recall where she had seen her before.

Glancing at Matthew, Helen asked, "Do you know her?"

"No," Matthew coldly lied, his lips curling.

Matthew had already formed many judgments about Dolores. To him, her personal life was a mess, considering she had gotten pregnant at such a young age. While she had displayed her motherly love in front of him, she had secretly decided to undergo an abortion. What a deceitful woman!

"Have you thought it through?" the nurse asked Dolores, seeking confirmation repeatedly.

Dolores didn't want others to know about her predicament. Although she was reluctant, heartbroken, and felt helpless, she nodded. "I have thought it through."

"Then follow me."

Dolores lowered her head, avoiding eye contact with anyone, and followed the nurse into the operating room. The room's doors closed, shutting out the outside world.

Helen felt a slight unease as she noticed Matthew's anger towards the other woman. She reached out and held his arm, speaking softly. "Matthew."

Matthew's expression remained stern. "Let's go."

Helen's grip tightened on his arm. She glanced back at the closed door of the operating room, then at Matthew's reaction. It seemed like he knew the woman, but she had been by his side for so long, and there had never been another woman in their relationship. She was certain she was the only one. So who was that woman they had just seen? And why was Matthew so enraged?

"Matthew, the woman we saw earlier..."

Matthew embraced Helen tightly, refusing to engage in that conversation. "It's not important. Let's just forget about it."

Helen could only nod, suppressing her curiosity. She knew it was best not to inquire any further.

Inside the operating room, when Dolores caught sight of the gleaming, sterile instruments, she flinched. No, she couldn't give up her child. She couldn't proceed with it!

"Lie down," the doctor instructed.

"I've decided not to go through with it." Dolores shook her head, turned around, and fled.

She ran so fast, too frantic to pay attention to what lay ahead, and ended up colliding with a man and a group of people.

Covering her face, she apologized repeatedly. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

"Dolores?" Sampson thought it might be her, but he couldn't be certain since she had her face covered. He attempted to ask.