"I can make Calla my wife right now, provided she says yes. I'll love and care for her child as if it were my own," Pierre stated with absolute certainty."You... you've gotten together?" Mercer spun around, his eyes boring into Calla.She knew she had to make a decision now. She couldn't allow Mercer to hound her any longer, or she would never have peace.After a moment of hesitation, Calla slowly stood up and walked step by step toward Mercer.She looked up at him and answered, "My child needs a father and a stable family life!Enraged by this, Mercer lost all reason. He seized Pierre, his fist recoiling in preparation to strike. But at the last moment, Mercer shoved Pierre away. His fist slammed hard against the wall.A muffled groan echoed, and the wall shuddered at the impact.Calla turned her face away, unable to bear the violence.Pierre was a little shocked, but his eyes remained fixed on Calla.Then, Mercer tilted his head back and laughed. "Wishing you a lifetime of
Calla was consumed by guilt. She couldn't even be angry at Mercer; her pregnancy was unstable enough as it was. If anything happened to the baby, she would regret it for the rest of her life.The doctor's face remained neutral as he hung the stethoscope around his neck. Pierre's eyes were fixed on him. "Doctor, how is she and the baby?"Calla kept her eyes trained on the doctor, giving her full attention to his diagnosis.The doctor adjusted his glasses and replied, "There are signs of miscarriage."Hearing this, Calla sat up in shock and pleaded, "Doctor, please save my baby!""Doctor, is there any way to save the baby?" A somber look settled on Pierre's face.With a grave expression, the doctor said, "She needs to stay calm and remain on bed rest for at least two weeks. I'll prescribe some medication and give her injections to prevent a miscarriage—but I can't guarantee that it will work.""Alright, doctor," Pierre quickly replied.After seeing the doctor off, Pierre returned
Afterward, Pierre went to the nearest hospital to get medicine for Calla.Meanwhile, Calla rested in bed with peace of mind. She stared blankly at the ceiling, willing herself to abandon thoughts of Mercer. She wanted to stay calm for the sake of the baby.Calla remained bedridden for two full weeks. During that time, Fiona never left Pierre's house. She made nutritious meals for Calla every day and watched over her to ensure she took her medicine on time. Pierre was always attentive, bringing fresh fruit home for her daily. He even bought flowers to brighten up her room and lift her spirits.Calla's heart overflowed with gratitude for Pierre, yet she didn't know how to pay him back. She could only cherish this feeling in her heart, hoping for a chance to return the favor someday.After a month or so, Pierre brought Calla to the hospital for a prenatal check-up. Calla held a stack of test reports in her hand as she and Pierre walked out of the hospital, chatting and laughing as
As Calla looked up slightly, she was met with Peggy's gaze. At that moment, Peggy's eyes were filled with a flaunting attitude. With her chin slightly raised, she had a cold smirk at the corners of her mouth.Pierre finally caught on and jokingly remarked, "Really, Mr. Yule? Did you actually get her pregnant before marriage? Wow.""Don't make it sound so bad. We've already decided to get married next month. You must come. Ms. Sherman, you're invited to our wedding as well." Zayden corrected Pierre and then turned politely to Calla.Hearing this, Calla gave Zayden a polite smile without confirming her attendance."Well, congratulations! By the way, have you met each other's parents? No objections from them?" Pierre suddenly asked.Zayden replied with a smile, "We just found out about the pregnancy. I'm taking Peggy to meet my parents tonight. They've been dreaming of having a grandchild. Now that their dream has come true, I'm sure they won't object."Seeing how confident Zayden
Offended by Peggy's words, Calla calmly replied, "I'm not interested in your affairs."With that, Calla turned to leave. Now that she was pregnant, she didn't want to create unnecessary trouble for herself.However, Peggy swiftly blocked her path. She crossed her arms as she sneered. "You're feeling embarrassed because you can't compete with me, huh?""I'm not as self-absorbed as you are," Calla coldly responded. She couldn't understand why women like Peggy existed. If she had found herself a rich man, she should just enjoy her new life quietly. But Peggy had to announce it to the world, not realizing the danger of it all."Hmph, even though Mercer married you when you got pregnant, you didn't even have a wedding. Then, he divorced you immediately after your child died. You really got the worst of it, didn't you? "Not only did you gain nothing, but you ended up as a remarried woman. But I must say, I admire your seduction skills. "You even managed to snag Pierre. So, tell me. W
Pierre and Calla were at the dinner table. As Pierre was finishing his meal, Calla suddenly spoke up. "Pierre, I have something to discuss with you.""What is it? Go ahead," Pierre replied, looking up with a smile.Calla carefully began, "The doctor said I'm healthy now, and the pregnancy is stable. I think it's time for me to make some plans of my own. After all, I can't stay here to have the baby, right? "Even if I don't mind people gossiping, I'm worried it might affect your chances of finding a girlfriend in the future. Don't you think so?"She used a playful tone on purpose, hoping Pierre wouldn't disagree.As expected, Pierre's expression darkened, and he put down his cutlery. He had completely lost his appetite."You said your mother doesn't know about your pregnancy, right? Where could you, a pregnant woman, possibly go on your own?" Pierre asked, frowning deeply."I was thinking of going to Greendale. I'm familiar with the area, and it should be quiet if I rent a small
Two days later, Pierre drove Calla to Winona Price's house, their car loaded with luggage. After about an hour's drive, Pierre pulled over in a scenic area. The place was nestled between hills and a flowing stream, its waters so clear that you could see tiny shrimp and fish swimming within.It was fall, the season of harvest, and the apple, persimmon, and plum trees were heavy with ripe, reddish fruits. Among these trees stood an old, tall house, its blue bricks and white walls making it look like something out of a painting.Standing on this piece of land, Calla felt as if she could breathe easier. The beauty of the surroundings made it hard to look away. No wonder Pierre's grandmother liked living here alone—it was a secluded paradise. The thought of staying here for several months made Calla feel a little excited."Not bad, huh?" Pierre remarked with a smile as he knocked on the small courtyard door in front of them."I didn't expect there to be such an undeveloped place near
"Grandma, how have you been lately?" Pierre, who was also elated to see his grandmother, stepped forward to hug Winona."I've been great," Winona replied with a smile.After exchanging a few words, Winona noticed Calla. She gave the latter a thoughtful look before smiling. "So, is this the Calla you've been talking about?""Hello, Madam Winona." Calla quickly stepped forward and lowered her head respectfully."Grandma, she's a good friend of mine. Please don't be too strict with her," Pierre joked, playfully holding Winona's hand.Winona gave Pierre a sideways glance before turning to Calla with a smile. "I can tell just by looking that Calla is a good girl. I bet she's more capable than you are!"Pierre rubbed his nose and exchanged a smile with Calla.Calla took the opportunity to observe Winona more closely. Although in her 70s, Winona appeared to be in good health, with a strong and graceful demeanor. Her eyes, though aged, hinted at the beauty she must have possessed in h