Chapter 160 Getting Married Just Like That
Hearing Susan, Henry furrowed his brows, clasping his hands. He looked down, deep in thought, before finally meeting Susan and Dorothy's eyes.
"It’s up to Dorothy. If she wants to keep the baby, I'll take responsibility. If she wants an abortion, I'll cover all costs. And if you need emotional compensation, I'll help as much as I can," Henry said seriously.
"I don't want your money!" Dorothy immediately shook her head.
Susan, noticing Dorothy's reaction, knew money talk was off-limits. Dorothy wouldn't give up the baby, and her gaze at Henry showed she was already in love.
Susan then told Henry, "Dorothy's over four months pregnant. The doctor said inducing labor now could cause infertility, so she plans to keep the baby."
Dorothy nodded vigorously. Henry nodded slightly, saying, "I respect Dorothy's decision."
Susan pressed, "What do you mean by taking responsibility if she keeps the baby?"
Dorothy, anxious, wanted to ask herself, but Susan signaled her to stay calm. It wouldn't look good if Dorothy seemed too eager.
Henry paused, then said, "I'm willing to marry Dorothy, if she agrees."
Before Susan could respond, Dorothy smiled and nodded. "I am willing!"
Susan frowned slightly but said, "Then you should get married right away."
Dorothy's gloom vanished, replaced by a smile.
Henry added, "If we marry, Dorothy will need to take a break from school. Let's get the marriage certificate first and have the wedding later. What do you think?"
"I agree," Dorothy quickly said before Susan could respond.
Susan felt a bit worried but nodded. "Given the situation, that's the best plan. Just make sure you treat Dorothy and the baby well."
Henry, with a complicated expression, nodded. "I will."
With that settled, Susan and Dorothy left Henry's house.
Outside, Dorothy complained, "Susan, why did you drag me away? I'm marrying Henry tomorrow."
Susan rolled her eyes. "Dorothy, you need to be more reserved. Being too eager makes you seem less valuable. Let him come pick you up for the registration tomorrow, okay?"
Dorothy nodded obediently.
Susan smiled. "Alright, you're about to be a mom. Be more cautious. Take care of Henry, yourself, and the baby, okay?"
"Okay." Dorothy nodded and suddenly hugged Susan tightly, catching her off guard.
"What's up now?" Susan patted her back.
Dorothy, choking up, said, "Susan, thank you! I don't know what I'd do without you."
Seeing Dorothy's tear-streaked face, Susan felt a pang of heartache. She wiped Dorothy's tears with her thumb and smiled. "I'm your sister. Of course, I have to look out for you. But you messed up, and there's no point dwelling on it. Just take control of your life and happiness from now on."
"Okay," Dorothy nodded tearfully.
"Let's go. Mom's waiting for us." They smiled at each other and ran home hand in hand.
The next morning, Henry came to pick up Dorothy and formally met Catherine.
Susan hid in her room, avoiding Henry's complicated gaze.
Two hours later, Dorothy and Henry returned, elated. Dorothy was a completely different person from the past few days. Susan was genuinely happy for her, hoping for a good start.
In the afternoon, Dorothy packed her belongings into two large suitcases.
Seeing the luggage, Catherine teared up. "I never thought you'd get married so soon."
"Mom, I don't want to leave you either." Dorothy hugged Catherine.
Susan's eyes were also a bit red, but she kept her composure. "Mom, Dorothy finding happiness is a good thing. Don't cry!"
Catherine quickly wiped her tears and Dorothy's, saying, "Dorothy, I like Henry a lot. He has a respectable job and a good family background. Although he's much older, you're still marrying up. Be a good wife and mother, support your husband, and raise your children well."
"Mom, I know. Henry's waiting for me downstairs. I'm leaving now!" Dorothy eagerly dragged her suitcase out.
Susan helped carry the suitcase downstairs. Seeing this, Henry hurriedly opened the trunk and put the luggage in the car.
Henry looked at Susan, as if wanting to say something, but didn't.
Susan glanced at Dorothy and told Henry, "Henry, take good care of Dorothy, or I won't let you off!"
"I know," Henry nodded.
Dorothy happily took Henry's arm and shyly said to Susan, "Susan, don't worry."
"Go on," Susan waved.
Watching them drive away, Susan felt Henry was distant and cold towards Dorothy. But Dorothy had caused all this. Hopefully, with time, he'd realize how lovely she was.
Upstairs, Susan saw Catherine standing by the window, still looking out.
"Mom, stop looking. They're long gone," Susan smiled.
Catherine withdrew her gaze and muttered, "My daughter is getting married just like that."
Then she turned to Susan, "By the way, about your situation..."
"Mom, I'm in a hurry to find a job. Let's talk next time." Afraid of a lecture, Susan quickly grabbed her bag and ran out.