Chapter 72
Marlon bad no clue How Patrick would react when he found our about the baby.Would he freak out? Ot maybe he'd just get even meaner? Marlon was mostly scared that Emily would end up getting hurt.
Emily looked down, feeling a bit hurt as she spoke. "Marlon. please don't tell him. okay? If he finds out I'm pregnant with his kid. he ll definitely make me get an abortion."
Emily didn't dare to take the risk. She suspected that Patrick probably wouldn't want the child. However. she didn't want to terminate the pregnancy. So the best solution was to keep it a secret from him.
Seeing Emily beg like that. Marlon was shocked. He knew Patrick wasn't great to Emily. but he didn't realize he was that heartless, to the point where Emily had no hope of keeping the baby.
Patrick and Emily had been together for years, but Patrick never gave her any real status. She was like an accessory to him, without any respect.
Marlon thought Emily deserved so much better. She had sacrificed so much for Patrick, only to get treated like this. He couldn't understand why she still wanted to keep the baby, and he didn't know what to do.
Marlon said gently, "Do you really want to raise this child on your own?As a friend. I think you should consider giving up the baby. You're still young, Emily. Even though you have a job at Hughes Group now. raising a child needs a stable family. Have you thought about how you ll explain things to your child when they ask about their father?"
Marlon's voice was soft and caring. He looked at Emily with concern. He knew her decision was tough, and her future would be even tougher. He
didn't want her to go through it alone and hoped she d think about her own future.
Hearing Matlon's words. Emily lifted het head with derermination. She looked straight at Marlon and said. "So if I tell Patrick. he ll suddenly want ro be a dad? Take responsibility and raise the child with me? No way! If he was willing to take responsibility. he would ve given me a proper status years ago."
Emily knew it wouldn't be easy. but she wasn't about to give up her baby.This child was her hope. She didn't want it to be a burden on Patrick or something she'd regret later.
"Marlon, if you really see me as a friend. promise me you won't tell Patrick about this." Emily's voice was soft but firm. She gazed at Marlon,her eyes filled with pleading.
Marlon could no longer bear it and nodded. conflicted. "Emily, have you ever thought? Maybe I could..."
He was torn, not sure what to do. He looked at Emily, his eyes filled with compassion. He knew that Emily's decision was difficult. and he also understood that her future would be challenging. He didn't want her to bear so much alone; he hoped she would consider her own future.
Emily placed her hand on his, saying. "Marlon, you're not just my friend.you're also the CEO of Hughes Group. Your family isn't just any family.I ve met your parents; they'd never accept a woman carrying another man's child. I don't want to hurt you, but I've only ever seen you as a friend. not anything more."
Emily's voice was low and gentle as she looked at Marlon. her gaze resolute and pure.
Marlon felt like his heatt hed been shattered. He knew Emily was right.but it was still hard to accept. His eves were fifled with pain and helplessness. He felt like his world was falfing mpwrt.
He had hoped that Emily working at Hughes Group might make her see his feelings. He even considered being a stepfather to her child. But he never expected such a firm rejection. Marlon smniled bitterly.
"Do I not have a single chance?" Marlon asked. unwilling to accept it. His voice was low and gentle as he looked at Emily. He knew his request was unreasonable. but he had no other way. He didn't want to give up on Emily: he felt she was the best girl he had ever met.
Emily forced a smile at the corners of her mouth and said to Marlon."Marlon. can wve be good friends for life? If you're willing. when the child grows up. you can be their godfather." Emily's voice was low and gentle:she knew her words would hurt, but she didn't want to give Marlon false hope. She believed he was a good person who deserved a better future.
Marlon let out a deep breath, leaned back in his chair. crossed his legs.and proudly lifted his chin, saying. "I don't want a godson; how about a goddaughter?"
Marlon grinned, but the thought of a child resembling Patrick made him feel sick to his stomach.
Emily smiled knowingly, touched her belly, and softly said. "Of course. as long as you don't mind."
The atmosphere in the room warmed up. Sunlight streamed in. making everything feel peaceful. Their conversation was filled with warmth and care, their eyes full of hope for the future.
Leaning against his car, Marlon lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. He looked at his reflection in the window-6 feet 5 inches tall, broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs. and a good family background. He thought. 'Why couldn't I win over Emily?