Chapter 178 I'll Think About It
The adage that true friendship is revealed in times of hardship held true for Amelia. In the day's unfolding events, she witnessed Ava's unwavering loyalty. Despite Ava's own delicate condition of pregnancy, she had stepped in to shield Amelia. This act of selflessness solidified in Amelia's heart that Ava was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, a friend for life.
"Please, there's no need for formalities between us," Ava insisted, her voice laced with frustration. "We're close friends, and of course, we help each other. Those men have been apprehended by the police, they'll face the consequences of their actions. I'll have a word with Alex, see if he can exert some influence to ensure they serve an extended sentence. Their behavior was utterly unacceptable."
"Ava, have you been crying?" Amelia's gaze fell upon the telltale redness rimming Ava's eyes.
Caught off guard, Ava offered an awkward smile in response.
"Is it about your husband?" Amelia ventured. "I must admit, I had my doubts about him prior to today. But witnessing his willingness to protect you when it mattered most has altered my perception of him somewhat. Few men would demonstrate such courage."
"Yes, it's just a shame..." Ava's voice trailed off into a soft sigh. "I'm conflicted. I can't deny that he has his redeeming qualities, but then there's the issue with Isabella..."
A bitter smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Had I not married Alexander, perhaps we could have maintained a platonic relationship, free from this heartache. Alex, he would have remained a good man in my eyes. His affair with Isabella would have been none of my concern. My only error was marrying him and bearing his child."
Her gaze fell to her stomach, her hand instinctively cradling the gentle swell.
Perfection, be it in life or in a husband, was a mere illusion.
"Ava, don't you think it's time to tell him about the baby? It's inevitable that he'll notice your growing belly eventually. If divorce isn't on the horizon, it's only a matter of time before he discovers the truth."
"Indeed, not much longer," Ava conceded. Initially, she had chosen to withhold the news from Alexander, believing their divorce to be imminent and her departure to follow shortly after.
However, the reality was that their divorce wasn't impending. It could be months, even years. Secrets, she knew, were difficult to maintain.
"Ava, you really need to give this some thought," Amelia advised. "If divorce isn't an option, then you should tell him. If he discovers the truth on his own, it could spark another heated argument."
"But what if he doesn't want this child?" Ava's voice trembled with apprehension.
"Sweet girl," Amelia responded, her tone gentle yet firm. "This child is yours too. What does it matter if he doesn't want it? If you choose to keep the baby, what can he do? And if he tries to force you into an abortion, just leave. He can't possibly pursue you to the ends of the earth to make you comply, can he?"
She paused, mulling over her next words before adding, "Besides, there's a chance he might want this child. He could be overjoyed by the news, sever ties with Isabella once and for all, and dedicate himself to you completely."
A sudden pang of hope and fear struck Ava's heart, "Amelia, don't raise my hopes. I'm afraid I'll take your words to heart."
The prospect of hope terrified her, the potential disappointment too crushing if reality failed to align with her desires.
"All I'm suggesting is that you give it a try. The worst-case scenario is that you leave him. You're not divorcing him yet anyway. Who knows what the future holds? Besides, you can't conceal the baby from him indefinitely."
Amelia's words rang with undeniable logic.
Ava nodded, her mind heavy with consideration. "Alright, I'll give it some thought."
