Heartache

Days had passed, yet Emma Hart had not caught a glimpse of Ethan Turner.

Amidst her bustling work, thoughts of him brought an unbearable heartache.

She had once loved him wholeheartedly, and now, knowing of her pregnancy, he had cut her off without a chance for explanation, revealing the true nature of the man she had loved.

Biting her lip in a silent struggle against tears, Emma reflected on her once firm intention to give herself to him. Her heart churned with sour bitterness at the thought, a testament to the fickle nature of men.

Ethan Turner had disappointed her, and in his stead, Damien Sterling emerged, entangling her in his devilish grasp.

Gently caressing her belly, Emma pondered the absurdity of her situation.

The child was innocent, but how was she to care for the life growing inside her? What was she to do?

Furrowing her dark brows in distress, Emma stood up and noticed a small advertisement card on the floor.

Puzzled, she bent down to pick it up.

The bold letters on the card widened her eyes in shock.

"Is this what fate has in store for you?" Touching the nascent life within her, Emma clutched the card tightly in her other hand.

Trembling, she dialed the number.

A professional yet gentle voice answered, "Hello, this is Shengxin Hospital. When would you like to schedule your procedure?" At the sound of the voice, Emma hesitated and hurriedly ended the call, then turned off her phone in fear of a callback.

Meanwhile, Damien Sterling was entangled in a conversation with his grandfather.

"Damien, when will you bring her back to discuss the wedding?" asked the elder Sterling, sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea, his tone serious despite his relaxed demeanor.

Damien sat in an armchair, frowning slightly, silently listening.

Elsewhere.

Emma was delivering milk to various homes, her second part-time job. She was due to distribute flyers later.

Smiling at a customer, her eyes dimmed as she passed over the milk.

Her pregnancy was taking a toll on her frail body, and she knew she needed to find a solution soon.

Sweat trailed down her pale neck as she supported her waist.

"Emma Hart, you are fired. Your repeated tardiness and fainting during an argument with Mr. Sterling have cost our company greatly. No one dares to cross Sterling in this city; you truly are clueless," the manager said coldly before hurrying off to other tasks, leaving a dejected Emma behind. Her heart ached terribly, and she felt a sharp pain in her chest.

The job she had worked so hard to secure was ruined by that man's appearance, along with the unwanted child he had left her with.

Emma slowly crouched down, feeling as though her strength was being drained.

Heartache, helplessness, anger, despair - a whirlwind of emotions gripped her heart, tightening it painfully.

All because of him... 

She hugged her knees while crouching on the ground, seeking a semblance of comfort and safety. Her eyes, moist with unshed tears, were swallowed by a forced smile.