Chapter 28 Abortion

Yvette walked away without a hint of hesitation.

Albert watched as Yvette gradually walked away. Her silhouette appeared somewhat lonely, blurred by the drizzle.

In his perception, she always seemed resigned to circumstances, never inclined to show her displeasure towards him. She exuded an aura of independence in her life. Despite her slender and fragile appearance, her character exuded resilience.

Throughout their interactions, he had consistently overlooked her emotional cues.

While Albert desired to call out to her, he was at a loss for words. He could only watch helplessly as she departed.

After being hit, Yvette didn't tell anyone. Because there weren't many people present at the time, the matter didn't escalate.

In the evening, she received a call from Violet. 

Within a day, Violet had met everyone.

Violet apologizing on behalf of her best friend was something Yvette hadn't expected.

The two met at a café, where the outdoor tables and chairs were made of wicker, giving it an artistic feel. A red sunshade stood on the ground, and the sunset poured in with rich colors, falling on the glass tabletop. The colorful light reflected was as beautiful as a scene from a movie.

Yvette rarely came to such artistic places. She felt a bit uneasy from the moment she entered.

"Would you like some coffee?" Violet asked.
Yvette waved her hand, refusing, and opted, "Just plain water is fine."

"Okay," Violet agreed, quickly ordered, and the waiter left with a smile.

Yvette sat in the chair with Violet across from her. They exchanged a glance but didn't speak.

Violet's fingers played with a potted plant in the café, the leaves trembling with her touch.

Violet thought for a long time before speaking, "I'm really sorry, Dr. Orlando. I promise this won't happen again."

Yvette knew she was talking about her best friend hitting someone and replied restrainedly, "It's okay."

Violet suggested, "Perhaps you should go to the hospital for a check-up, and I'll cover the medical expenses."

"It's all right, I'm fine now," Yvette smiled. "I apologize for Sylvia approaching you. I'm unaware of what she might have discussed with you. In any case, please don't dwell on it."

After the conclusion of their insincere polite exchange, both of them lapsed into silence. A heavy silence settled between them.

Yvette still had the night shift ahead of her. She took a deep breath and said, "If there's nothing else, I should head back to work."

"Very well," Violet responded, displaying her astuteness. "I won't keep you any longer."

Yvette gave a tight-lipped smile, then rose and walked past Violet.

Just two steps out, she heard Violet's low, somber voice.

Violet asked, "Is there really a baby inside?"

Yvette understood the content of her words and felt a chill down her spine. She instinctively protected her belly.

Seeing her sudden vigilance, Violet quickly explained, "Don't worry, I'm not that crazy."

Yvette maintained her standing posture, casting her gaze downward towards her.

She seemed to talk to herself, "He hates children, but if he made you pregnant, he must have some feelings for you."

Yvette's hanging hand clenched, her nails almost digging into her palm. But she didn't show any emotion on her face.

"This baby is merely an accident," she said.

Violet's eyes slightly reddened as she sat there in silent contemplation. 

Their relationship was indeed rather awkward, devoid of familiarity or friendship. Their only shared connection was their involvement with Albert, who was also the reason for the current subtle awkward atmosphere.

After a long pause, during which Yvette was unsure whether to stay or leave, Violet finally spoke up with a measured voice.

Violet asked, "If I implore you, could you return Albert to me?" 

Yvette thought she had misheard, and remarked, bewildered, "What?"

She continued, "Would you consider terminating this pregnancy?" Violet's eyes were filled with entreaty.

A woman normally too proud to entangle herself with a rival was now showing vulnerability before her adversary, even making an undignified plea.

Violet added, "If you return Albert to me, I will provide you with any compensation you desire."

Seeing Yvette's silence, she suddenly stood up, grabbing Yvette by the arm. Her emotions were beginning to slip beyond her control.

Violet demanded, hysterically, "Can you? Dr. Orlando, I beg of you."

Yvette looked down at the tightly grabbed sleeve, wanting to shake her off. But the grip was firm, leaving her standing there motionless.

"Ms. Swift, this matter is not for me to decide alone," Yvette bit her lip, and suggested, "Alternatively, could you perhaps consult Albert?"

Yvette lowered her head, and continued, "...If he wants me to terminate the pregnancy, I will do it."

The two of them were so engrossed in conversation that they failed to notice the sudden changes around them.

Patrons sipping on coffee, pedestrians passing by, and delivery staff were all drawn to the jarring sound of a car speeding by, tires screeching against the ground.

"Run!" a man shouted.

But it was too late. A truck surged across the edge of the road in an instant, heading straight towards them.

"Crash—"

The awning was struck and collapsed in an instant.

With a deafening noise, Yvette's vision was immediately engulfed in darkness. The next moment, she lost consciousness.

In her daze, Yvette only remembered being lifted into an ambulance. By the time she came to, she had no idea where Violet was, which could be considered a stroke of luck. She was at least spared from confronting those awkward moments once again.

The emergency room was busy, and the glaring lights made her head feel tense. Several people were brought in with her, and some were said to be seriously injured. She was lucky, with no major issues.

The nurse inquired, "Bed 18, the doctor said you need an ultrasound. Has your family arrived?"

The nurse had urged several times. Yvette regretted asking about the child. She held her phone, hesitating.

The thick darkness made her feel fearful. When she woke up earlier, she was too flustered, and her first reaction was to grab the doctor and ask about the child.

After calming down, she realized she didn't have abdominal pain. The bed and her pants were clean, indicating no bleeding. There should be no problem. But as a doctor, knowing the patient was pregnant, they naturally wouldn't take it lightly.

Yvette was unsure whom to call. Logically, she should have contacted Albert. However, she was uncertain if Albert would come to her aid.

Clutching her phone tightly, after some contemplation, Yvette decided to make the call.

"Ring—ring—ring—"

The prolonged wait made Yvette ponder whether to hang up. Before she could make up her mind, the call was answered.

A voice came from the other end. "What is it?"

His voice was fast and cold, making Yvette's anxiety and faint hope extinguish like sparks doused with water.

Albert, seeing Yvette not speaking, said impatiently, "Yvette, I'm busy with something urgent right now."

His attitude left Yvette with no illusions. She said, "Okay, you go ahead."

Before Yvette could hang up, she heard the brief and urgent "beep-beep" of the call being disconnected, different from the waiting tone.

The abrupt and mocking sound of the disconnect signal, short and stark, resonated in her ears, almost as if it was ridiculing her audacity.