Chapter 30

Emily was totally overthinking it. Watching Melissa chop potatoes was like watching a horror movie; she almost sliced her finger off.

What did you expect from a spoiled rich girl? Cooking was definitely not her thing.

Whether it was hormones or Emily's shaky hands. it took forever to make four or five dishes, and the whole place reeked of vinegar.

Melissa took a bite and couldn't hide her grimace, "Emily, your cooking has seriously gone downhill. Why'd you put so much vinegar in this?"

Emily was munching away, talking with her mouth full, "It's not that sour." Seeing Emily wasn't kidding, Melissa tried the cabbage next,but it was so sour she couldn't even swallow it.

Melissa suddenly had a lightbulb moment and grabbed Emily's wrists,"Something's up with you!"

Emily looked confused,"What's up with me?"

Melissa gave her a once-over, "You can eat something this sour... are you pregnant?"

Emily tapped Melissa's hand with her fork, "Stop talking nonsense!What do you know about pregnancy? You've never even been in a relationship!"

Emily knew she couldn't be pregnant. Every time she and Patrick

were together, he made sure she took emergency contraception afterward.

At first, she thought he was being considerate. Later, she realized Patrick looked down on her background and thought she didn't deserve to bear a child for the Rivera family.

Seeing Emily's serious expression. Melissa didn't dare say more.

Melissa noticed that whenever Emily mentioned Patrick, the light in her eyes would dim.

Back in college. Emily was head over heels for Patrick. Just a glance from him could make her happy for days. But now, all that was left was bitterness.

Lost in thought. Melissa's phone buzzed. She answered without looking. "Let me speak to Emily," a demanding voice said.

Melissa glanced at Emily, hesitated, then handed over the phone,′′I7S Patrick's number, but it's a woman speaking."

"Emily, you're such a jinx! Always playing these manipulative games!It's disgusting!" Shirley's voice came through.

"Are you done? Got nothing better to do than use Patrick's phone to insult me?" Emily shot back without hesitation.

Shirley said, "Why wasn't it you in the car accident? You're the one who should die! Your mom's a whore, your brother's an idiot, and you're no better, sleeping around with everyone! You don't deserve to be with Patrick!"

"Shirley, you know phones can record, right? Slander.personal attacks, insults-enough to get you three months in jail." Emily said coldly.

"Hmph! Jinx!" Shirley hung up, not daring to push further after hearing the word "record."

Patrick was in a car accident?

Emily was sharp. If something could make Shirley lose her cool. it was probably about Patrick. Judging by the timing, he must have had the accident while coming to see her.

With that thought, Emily stood up, feeling anxious.

"Melissa, I can't eat anymore. I'm going to rest. I'm heading back to Pearl Peak City tomorrow." Emily started walking to her room, but after a few steps,she collapsed.

"Emily!" Melissa rushed over, panicking.

At Silverbrook Central Hospital, the doctor came out of the emergency room and spoke to Melissa, "The patient is awake. You can go in now. But there's something you should know-she's six weeks pregnant. This fainting spell was due to emotional stress and physical exhaustion. She needs to take it easy from now on."

Melissa, shocked and worried, walked into the room. Seeing Emily's pale face, she didn't know how to start.

Emily forced a smile, "It's just low blood sugar. I'm fine."

Seeing her like this, Melissa guessed Emily didn't know she was pregnant yet. She spoke softly. "Emily, the doctor said you're six weeks pregnant."

Emily didn't respond. Over the past few days, her appetite had increased, and she, who usually avoided sour food, had been craving sour flavors. All the signs...

"Me? I'm going to be a mom?" Emily murmured. Every time she and Patrick were together, they took precautions, except for that one time in the car. She hadn't considered the possibilty of pregnancy.

But Emily quickly accepted the reality. She gently touched her still-flat stomach, feeling a tiny life inside. The thought excited her.

"Emily, I've been meaning to ask, what's really going on between you and Patrick?" Melissa asked cautiously.

"Didn't I tell you? I dumped him," Emily said calmly.

"I thought you were joking!" Melissa was worried. "What about the baby?"

"The baby has nothing to do with him," Emily said firmly.

"But you're still young. Having a baby is a huge responsibility.Your brother's health isn't good either. I really don't think you should keep it." Melissa tried to persuade her.

Emily was silent. She knew her mother was in rehab, her brother's condition was difficult, and she had just quit her job at The Rivera Group. Having a baby now would be a heavy burden.

"Emily, don't let a baby tie you down! Listen to me, the procedure is simple. Just close your eyes, and it'll be over," Melissa held Emily's hand tightly,speaking earnestly.

Emily fell into deep thought. After Patrick dealt with the debt collectors, her debts were temporarily cleared. Patrick gave her $100.000 a month. After family expenses, she saved quite a bit. If she was frugal and found another job, raising a child wasn't impossible.

Besides, she had seen too many homeless children. Their helpless,desperate eyes had pierced her heart. And the doctor had mentioned she had a low chance of conceiving. If she terminated this pregnancy,she might not get another chance.

Emily touched her stomach, feeling the tiny heartbeat, a sensation both strange and warm. It strengthened her resolve.

"Melissa, I've made up my mind. I'm keeping this baby. Trust me, I'll be a good mom." Emily said softly, her voice full of determination.