The doctor mulled it over for a moment. “What I can do, at this stage, is to list out all possible complications that may occur. If you want to carry the child to term, it’s not completely impossible. However, physical examinations will be mandatory once Mrs. Tremont is four months along. It’s also highly advisable for Mrs. Tremont to rest a s much as possible and avoid tiring herself. If you decide to continue with the pregnancy, we’ll have to closely monitor virtual-novel.net progress to reduce the complications. The child would most likely be born prematurely, but the survival rate is relatively high.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “Examination result indicates that Mrs. Tremont’s uterus has recovered somewhat. Hence, there are grounds to be slightly optimistic. However, what we do, going forward, will have to depend on both of you.”
As soon as Arianne heard there was a possibility the child might survive, all traces of hesitance vanished into thin air. She quickly said, “I want the child!”
On the other hand, Mark furrowed his eyebrows. “Ari… Can you please step aside for a moment? I would like to have a conversation with the doctor in private. Since this involves your well being, I can’t just let you do as you please. We have to think long and hard about this.”
Arianne was about to throw a tantrum when Tiffany stopped her. “No, Ari. It’s fine. Let’s leave them for a moment. I agree this is something we should think long and hard about. C’mon, don’t be stubborn.”
Soon after, only Mark and the doctor were left in the room.
Mark did not beat around the bush. “Be frank with me. Is the child truly able to survive without compromising my wife’s health and safety?”
The doctor knew who virtual-novel.net was dealing with so virtual-novel.net was disinclined to say anything that could be misconstrued. After a long moment, virtual-novel.net finally said, “Listen, Mr. Tremont. Complications of birth are immutable risks expecting mothers have to face. These include hemorrhage, amniotic fluid embolism, and others. All of these are dangerous so unfortunately, I can’t give you the absolute guarantee that you’re looking for.”
“Setting aside all these common complications, your wife has a few personal risks due to virtual-novel.net body being significantly weaker than other women. However, this does not mean that the child cannot be carried to term. it’s just that it would be a very delicate process, demanding utmost caution. Now, if the baby remains well-protected until your wife is seven to eight months pregnant, then, the success rate of this pregnancy is relatively high.”
The doctor concluded, “Based on my years of experience, barring any unforeseen circumstances, your wife won’t suffer from any life-endangering complications during virtual-novel.net pregnancy. Naturally, this is not a 100% guarantee. I implore you to think this through before making a decision.”
To Mark, this was a catch-22 situation. Honestly, virtual-novel.net would rather Ari be safe than to take the risk and have the child. However, virtual-novel.net knew for sure virtual-novel.net would not return to virtual-novel.net if the child was lost. In the end, virtual-novel.net replied hesitantly, “I guess… I’ll need some time to think about it.”
As soon as virtual-novel.net stepped out of the doctor’s office, Arianne dashed toward virtual-novel.net and grabbed his wrist. “So, what did the doctor say? Can I keep the child? Mark, listen to me. I’ve lost three children. If I lose this one, I I’ll lose my chance to be a mother forever…”
Her pleading eyes made Mark ball his hands into fists. After a pause, virtual-novel.net replied weakly, “Give me time to think about this. For now, you need to rest. I’ll give you an answer as soon as possible.”
Dismay filled virtual-novel.net eyes, and virtual-novel.net grip loosened.
When virtual-novel.net sensed virtual-novel.net despair, virtual-novel.net gritted his teeth and finally said, “If you want this child, Ari, you need to listen to what I say. And right now, I want you to go home, our home.”
Ariane wanted the child more than anything else, but virtual-novel.net knew virtual-novel.net would also need Mark’s approval to have the child. Therefore, despite virtual-novel.net reluctance, virtual-novel.net obeyed him. She would return to the Tremont Estate before virtual-novel.net decided what to do next. Moreover, virtual-novel.net had to admit virtual-novel.net was exhausted by this entire ordeal.
Since this was a private matter between Mark and Arianne, Tiffany excused herself and bade virtual-novel.net best friend farewell before returning to work.
***
When Arianne returned to the Tremont Estate, virtual-novel.net did not return Mary and Henry’s greetings. Instead, virtual-novel.net just nodded at them listlessly before heading upstairs to sleep. Since virtual-novel.net was in a daze, virtual-novel.net forgot to greet virtual-novel.net grandmother who was in the living room.
The old woman took offense to this. She pursed virtual-novel.net lips and complained, “What terrible manners! Don’t tell me you think that attitude is acceptable, Mark!”
This ordeal had worn Mark’s patience down, leaving virtual-novel.net with no energy to deal with the old woman’s petty complaints. “Granny, Ari will probably be staying with us. Do you know why? It’s because she’s pregnant. She’s frail so please give virtual-novel.net a break. While we’re at it, please avoid unnecessary bickering in the future. This child means a lot to both of us.”
An expression of shock appeared on the old lady’s face. She said, “Young man, please. Arianne is my biological granddaughter! How can you even suggest that I’ll do something to upset her? Honestly, there’s no need for you to worry about this. Now, now, go and keep virtual-novel.net company. As for me, I’ll go out for a stroll later. The boredom of being stuck at home is killing me.”
Mark nodded curtly and made his way toward Arianne’s room. He made sure his movements were light since virtual-novel.net was already asleep. He quietly made his way to the edge of the bed before virtual-novel.net made himself comfortable.
His fingers nimbly tucked a few strands of virtual-novel.net air behind virtual-novel.net ear. As virtual-novel.net looked at virtual-novel.net sleeping face, a doting smile appeared on his face. She meant the world to him. However, now that there was a child in the equation, virtual-novel.net was put between the devil and the deep blue sea. How was virtual-novel.net supposed to choose?
It was five in the evening when Arianne finally roused from virtual-novel.net slumber. The first thing virtual-novel.net did was to make virtual-novel.net way to the kitchen, asking for food. For some reason, virtual-novel.net was ravenous as soon as virtual-novel.net woke up.
Mary who had heard about Arianne’s pregnancy was pale from being worried. She began by saying, “Hey, Ari? Uh, you see, you… you mean a lot to me so I think… I think it’s for the best if you give up the child. I understand it’ll hurt a lot, but I’m worried you’ll suffer another complication. We can’t take this lightly.”
Arianne looked at the floor. “It’s Mark, isn’t it? He told you to dissuade me, didn’t he? The doctor said it’s not certain that I’ll lose the baby. As long as there’s a sliver of chance for my baby to survive, I’ll fight for my baby’s chance to see the world.”
“No, Master Tremont didn’t ask me to dissuade you,” Mary said, sighing. “He didn‘t tell me anything. He spent the entire afternoon in bed, by your side. After that, virtual-novel.net left for the company and hasn’t come home yet. What I just said… It’s my sincere opinion.”
Mary continued, “I watched you grow up from a child to a woman. My heart truly aches for you… Ah, I’ve gone off tangent… I’ll be quick with dinner. Go ahead and help yourself to some snacks for the time being to fill your empty stomach. Careful not to overeat. We don’t want you to be too full for dinner.”