Chapter 39 Crossroads
Teresa had swiftly adapted to her new life in Jena, thanks to Diana, because she kept Teresa company.
Her uncle Patrick had purchased a spacious apartment for her, which she now is sharing with Diana. Diana insisted on contributing by taking charge of their evening meals.
Their shared pursuits, studies, chores, shopping fostered a seamless transition to this new chapter.
One Monday morning, Diana's concern pierced the routine. "Teresa, you've been sick every morning. You're not pregnant, are you?"
Teresa's world spun at the suggestion. Pregnant? It seemed impossible, especially after taking emergency contraception pill, but her late period suggested otherwise.
Diana, half-joking, suggested a quick fix: "If it's true, just have Liam marry you."
Teresa denied the possibility, but Diana was unconvinced and hurried out to get a pregnancy test from the pharmacy downstairs.
Left alone, Teresa's thoughts were coming in waves. Her period was late, and despite her protestations, she started to worry.
By the time Diana returned, Teresa was slumped on the floor, her face was pale.
Meanwhile, Gabriel, having completed a business deal in Erfurt, unexpectedly found himself in Jena,following Teresa. He had instructed Finley to keep tabs on her.
When Teresa left her class abruptly, Gabriel ordered his driver to follow her bus.
The driver was obliged, maintaining a discreet distance.
Gabriel's focus was all on Teresa, who was now heading to the hospital with determination.
At the hospital, Teresa's request for an abortion was met with rejection, because it was against german laws and his ethics.
Reeling from the encounter, she stepped outside, only to bump into Gabriel.
"So, you're here for an abortion?" he taunted. His tone suggested he knew of her intentions.
Teresa tried to brush past him, but Gabriel's grip was unyielding.
He accused her of infidelity, insinuating the child wasn't Liam's.
Teresa attempted to slap him, but Gabriel caught her wrist, offering to see the child as his if she married him.
Repulsed, Teresa freed herself and fled.
Distraught, Teresa wandered into a restaurant, in which she saw a mother and daughter sharing a meal. Their bond, so pure and unguarded, it stood in stark contrast to her current turmoil.
After the meal, Teresa returned to her apartment, ignoring the vibrations from her phone.
Diana greeted her with relief and posed a hypothetical question about pregnancy and proposals.
Teresa's silence spoke volumes, she wondered if Liam would still want her if the child wasn't his.
The next day, when Teresa was still dealing with her morning sickness, Liam arrived unexpectedly.
Diana, oblivious to the tension, left them alone.
Liam silently cleaned up the broken glass from Teresa's earlier distress.
When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but probing, "Who is he?"
Teresa’s tears were pouring, she told the truth about the night she couldn't recall.
Liam was feeling angry, sad and even somehow useless, because he weren’t there to help her..
He ordered Teresa to terminate the pregnancy.
Despite her willingness, Teresa admitted she couldn't find a clinic.
Liam's resolve was unwavering. "I'll handle it," he promised.
"Okay," she agreed.
