Chapter 17
In the afternoon, Jane accompanied Lucy through a series of checkups.
The doctor stated that both the mother and the baby were currently in good health, but Jane, still worried, pressed further. “Her morning sickness is extremely severe; she vomits everything she eats. Her body can’t sustain this long-term p>
The doctor explained patiently, “There’s no instant cure for morning sickness. We can only try to find foods that suit her taste. Small, frequent meals, try different things. It usually eases as the pregnancy progresses p>
Lucy, clutching her ultrasound and test results, looked up at the doctor. Her tone was calm but carried an unquestionable resolve. “Doctor, please schedule an abortion for me p>
The doctor paused. “Why don’t you think it over? Or discuss it with your family p>
Lucy’s fingers twisted the paper in her hands, as if summoning every ounce of her strength to remain firm. “No need. I’ve made up my mind p>
The doctor gave her a long look, then gently took the ultrasound scan from her hand. “To be honest, I don’t recommend this procedure for you. Your uterine lining is naturally thin; you have a constitution that makes conception difficult. Since you’ve conceived, won’t you reconsider keeping it? So many people suffer trying to have a child. This is a pity p>
She handed the scan back, softening her tone. “Think it over again. I’ll book you a slot for tomorrow afternoon tentatively. But as a doctor, I really have to advise you to think thrice p>
Lucy nodded silently. “Okay p>
Just as they left the consultation room, the phone on the Chief of Staff’s desk rang.
It was the Hospital Director, his voice stern. “Our hospital will not be performing the abortion procedure for Ms. Lucy that you just scheduled p>
“Why can’t we perform it?” the Chief asked, bewildered.
The Director’s voice came through the receiver, authoritative and absolute. Tell her we can’t do it. Because she is the young Mrs. Sherwood of the Capital. The Sherwamy has put the word. out, anyone who dares perform this surgery on her is an enemy of the Sherwoods p>
The Chief answered immediately, “Understood p>
Hanging up, she typed a message into the system and sent it.
Lucy saw the notification and handed her phone to Jane, her tone laced with
sarcasm. “We just set it for tomorrow afternoon, and now they’re saying they can’t do it p>
Jane looked at the message and got
it right away. Thurston’s text from
noon was still fresh in her
mind Kingsley had indeed pulled
strings to scare every hospital away from taking the case.
“It’s fine,” Jane looked up at Lucy, her voice soothing. “If your mind is made up, I can
contact other hospitals. We’ll find one that isn’t afraid of the Sherwoods p>
Lucy nodded, her voice calm but firm. “Okay. Sorry to trouble you, Baby Jane. You’re the only one I trust right now p>
Jane held Lucy’s cold hand and said softly, “Don’t worry. Leave this to me p>
Back at home, Jane specifically
asked the cook to prepare clear
vegetable soup and light side dishes, hoping Lucy could eat more. But Lucy barely managed a few bites
before she couldn’t force down
another bite.
Jane didn’t force her, helping her to the guest room to rest.
Between the lack of food and the exhausting battery of tests, Lucy was drained.
As soon as she lay down, she fell into a deep sleep.