14: I’ve Decided to Have an Abortion

Lillian waited from dawn to dusk, but a reply from Oliver never came. Her phone lay silent, as if cut off from the world. She used to wish for such quiet when she was busy working, longing for a moment of peace. But now...

As twilight deepened, her phone finally chimed—a message. Startled, she grabbed it, only to feel a sinking disappointment. It was Sophie asking, "How are you holding up? Did you come clean to him?"

Lillian stared at her phone, a hollow laugh escaping her. It was laced with self-mockery. She had known the outcome, hadn't she? Yet why couldn't she let go? Why expose her wounds for all to see, only to be disregarded?

How was she supposed to face him now?

Leaning against the bed, Lillian lay back, eyes closed. Where was he now? What was he doing? How had he reacted to knowing she was pregnant? Would he tell Serena? How would Serena see her now?

In an instant, Lillian felt every ounce of strength drain from her limbs.

That night, Lillian could only stomach a few sips of