Lisette was under constant surveillance. Regardless of her actions, there was always someone keeping an eye on her. She understood that Rhea feared she might attempt to leave with the baby because she had persistently denied the child’s existence. Lisette was now overwhelmed by a deep sense of panic. She knew that keeping the baby was not an option. No matter what she claimed, she had no influence over the situation. Despite her anxiety, William made his return. The following morning, William arrived at the hospital. He was dressed in a suit, his overcoat draped elegantly over his arm, emanating a blend of authority and grace.

His presence was almost overpowering. Lisette looked at him, feeling as if it had been a lifetime since they separated from each other. Once the guard left and the door to the room was shut, William took a seat at the edge of her bed, crossing his legs with an air of authority. Instinctively, Lisette sat up, reaching for his coat to hang it up—a habit she had picked up over the past year. But her hand halted mid-motion as William placed the coat at the foot of the bed. He glanced at her stomach. “You’re pregnant?” His tone was as nonchalant as if he were commenting on the weather. Lisette’s fingers recoiled, and she pulled her hand back, bowing her head. “No, there was something wrong with the test.” At this point, she clung to denial. William’s gaze lingered on her face for a full minute before he spoke. “Terminate it.” Terminate it … Lisette’s eyes widened in shock. How could he suggest termination so easily? No, I’m not pregnant. Lisette shook her head vehemently.

“I-I’m not pregnant … ” She clutched the blanket tightly, causing her nails to bend outward and her knuckles to turn white from the pressure. Despite her efforts to remain composed, her breathing grew ragged, and her body shook with tension. Taking deep breaths to steady her racing heart, she spoke with determination. “William, I’m not pregnant. “Believe me.” William stared at her for a long moment before rising. “I’ll make arrangements with the doctor. You should rest.” He left, his back straight and imposing, providing a false sense of security despite his cold and heartless words. Lisette’s eyes were filled with tears, her nails digging into her palms. “I want to keep this child. He will take my last name, Connor, not Preston.

He will have nothing to do with your family, William. Is that acceptable?” She knew how unreasonable and selfish her request must have seemed to William. But she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t bring herself to end the pregnancy. This was their child. A child with his blood … William’s posture grew rigid, his back becoming a cold, unyielding barrier. “Lisette, you’ve become unsensible.” The room grew heavy with silence. Lisette watched him, her eyes red and pleading. She implored, drawing on every bit of strength she had, “William, just this once, let me be unsensible. Please, just this one time?” “No.” Lisette collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down her face. Over the past year, William has been exceptionally kind to her.

People often said she must have done something incredibly virtuous in a past life to deserve his love, and she felt grateful. But who could have imagined that the man who once showered her with affection could now be so merciless? It was truly just a dream. A dream that could never be real. If she held on to it, she’d already have lost.