Chapter 640 Keep the Child
Desiree was so stunned she couldn't even react; the news hit her like a ton of bricks.
The doctor soon prescribed her some folic acid supplements to make sure their baby would develop healthily.
They didn't say a word until they got into the car. Once inside, Harold finally turned to Desiree and asked, "You..."
"I had no idea either. I missed my period for a month, but my cycle's always been all over the place, so I didn't think much of it," Desiree blurted out before he could finish, her voice tinged with panic.
Desiree was completely at a loss.
Her parents hadn't even given their blessing to her relationship with Harold yet.
Just a few days ago, they were trying to set her up with Daryl. If they found out she was pregnant, Desiree couldn't even begin to imagine the fallout.
But even so, Desiree never considered not keeping the baby.
This was her and Harold's child.
Just thinking about that filled her with a warm, tender feeling, and she couldn't help but dream about the future.
Harold noticed her hesitation and asked, "Do you want to keep this baby?"
Desiree nodded firmly.
She had already decided that even if her parents didn't approve, she would still have and raise this child.
But Harold told her, "We can't keep this baby. It will affect you. It's still early, so it should be easier to handle."
Desiree looked at Harold in disbelief, her eyes blazing with anger. "Harold! This is your child. How can you say something so heartless?"
"It's exactly because of that; I have to be firm," Harold said, his brows furrowed, clearly struggling. "We haven't even gotten your family's approval yet. This child would be born without a proper status. Think about the risks of childbirth. Desiree, you're still young, and so am I. We don't need to rush into having a child."
Harold was trying to consider her perspective, which slightly lessened Desiree's anger.
But she remained very determined.
Maybe it was her attachment to this unexpected baby, or maybe it was the bit of rebelliousness buried deep in her heart since childhood.
It was like a seed planted in her heart, lying dormant for many years.
Until the day Tessa dragged her to the Fields Family banquet, it began to sprout, and this baby was undoubtedly a catalyst.
"No matter what you say, I won't change my mind," Desiree said resolutely. "I want to keep this baby, and no one can persuade me otherwise."
Harold couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated by her stubborn attitude.
Desiree had always been a person with strong opinions.
But today, he realized she was not only opinionated but also very stubborn.
In the end, Harold gave in.
He couldn't stand to see Desiree upset, so he agreed to her decision to keep the baby.
But he also laid down some conditions, the most important being that Desiree should cut back on her visits to the company and absolutely not overwork herself.
He was very firm on this point, and no matter how many times Desiree tried to argue, he wouldn't budge.
Then, Harold calmly told her, "You want to keep the baby, and I agreed. So, in return, you should meet my demands. You don't need to worry about the company's affairs. Trust me, okay?"
After saying this, Harold's long, narrow eyes softened. Desiree was most afraid of Harold being like this, and she instantly couldn't argue anymore.
They both decided to keep the pregnancy a secret for now and not tell Liam and the others. Desiree was also worried that Tessa would cause a scene at the company if she found out.
But Desiree's constant absence from home, along with her early departure from the Fields Family banquet, made Tessa very anxious.
She and Liam discussed it and decided to call Desiree back.
In the living room, Liam, wearing glasses, sat on the sofa, pretending to read a newspaper but actually glancing at the door every few seconds, his fingers tapping impatiently.
"Liam, you can't act like last time! You promised to speak nicely, so don't yell at Desiree and start another argument," Tessa reminded him.
Liam responded half-heartedly, "Got it. We'll talk when Desiree gets back."
Tessa didn't take his attitude to heart. After decades of marriage, she was used to Liam's stubborn pride.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she heard the door gently open.
"Desiree, you're back. We've been waiting for you. What are you carrying?" Tessa walked out to greet her. Desiree, hiding her surprise, paused and handed Tessa a box of tea leaves. "This is for Dad."
As a businessman, Liam had few preferences, with tea being his sole indulgence.
Few people knew this, and outsiders racked their brains trying to figure out what gift to give Liam. But as his daughter, Desiree certainly knew.
She had bought his favorite black tea.
When Tessa handed the tea leaves to Liam, she clearly saw a slight smile on his lips.
Yet he still maintained a cold demeanor.
"Thank you," Liam said indifferently, putting the tea leaves away as he spoke.
Mistaking his reaction for dislike, Desiree felt her eyes dim instantly.
Seeing this, Tessa knew it wasn't good. She glared at Liam for not speaking plainly and then turned to Desiree with a smile. "What have you been busy with these past few days? You don't go our company. Instead, you run around all day. What are you thinking? And about Bronte..."
Desiree quickly interrupted Tessa.
Realizing she didn't want to hear more, Tessa, who had switched to a gentler approach, didn't continue.
Desiree carefully avoided letting Tessa touch her belly.
Although she wasn't showing yet, she didn't want to risk that slim chance.
This made Desiree a bit cautious.
Liam clearly noticed this. While eating, he glanced at her and casually mentioned, "I heard Harold's company is facing some issues."
Desiree was taken aback.
"He means that if he needs help, we can introduce him to some clients," Tessa quickly explained.
Desiree wanted to refuse because she felt Harold wouldn't accept help from others.
Even when she usually went to help, he seemed reluctant, always telling her to rest more. How could he possibly accept Liam's help?
But Tessa was insistent, and Desiree had to agree, "I'll talk to Harold about it when I get back. Tomorrow, I'll go to the company to ask his opinions."
Liam nodded. "Once you've talked to him, bring Harold over."
He meant to bring him to Sandvik Corporation.
The next day, Desiree went to the company and told Harold about it.
"Do you want to meet my dad?" she asked cautiously.