Isadora blinked, her eyes wide and unfocused, as if she hadn''t quite processed what the doctor was saying.


    "What did you say?" she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.


    The doctor, calm and professional, repeated, “Miss, your body is very weak right now. In the first three months of pregnancy, it''s important to get plenty of rest, or there''s a risk of miscarriage."


    Preg...nant?


    The word crashed through Isadora''s mind like a thunderp, leaving her reeling. How could this be?


    She shot upright in bed, staring at the doctor, desperately searching his face for some sign that this was all a mistake.


    "Doctor, are you sure?" she demanded, her voice trembling. "Can you check again? How could I possibly be pregnant?"


    The doctor held up a printout. "We already ran two tests while you were unconscious. Here''s your ultrasound. The results are clear."


    Isadora took the sheet, her hand shaking. She stared at the grainy ck-and- white image, then down at her stomach in disbelief. This couldn''t be happening.


    Victor and I... we already broke up.


    That thought hit her like a punch to the gut. Her fingers curled into a fist, her face turning even paler as reality set in. This was thest thing she''d expected, and she had absolutely no idea what to do next. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear.


    The doctor spoke again, gently but firmly. "What about the child''s father? You''ll need to start regr checkups now. It''s best if you stay in the hospital for a few days, just to be safe. You should call the father to help with the admission paperwork."


    Isadora bit her lip, hesitating. "Doctor... is there any way I don''t have to keep this baby?"


    Finally, the doctor gave her a second, more careful look. Isadora was strikingly pretty, with bright, intelligent eyes and perfect features, but right now, she looked ghostly pale, her shoulders hunched in on themselves, hands clenched tight in herp a picture of misery.


    "Having a child is a blessing," the doctor said softly. "You should treasure this. There are so many people who want a child and can''t have one."


    Isadora seemed to shrink even further, as if she might copse right there on the bed.


    The doctor''s expression softened, assuming the worst that Isadora was on her own, abandoned by some unworthy boyfriend.


    "If you... decide not to keep it, you''ll need to make a decision soon. After three months, the risk to your health increases significantly."


    After the doctor left, Isadora slid off the bed and stumbled out of the hospital, barely aware of where she was going. The sunlight outside was blinding, but she felt frozen to the bone.


    This baby couldn''t havee at a worse time.


    Just then, her phone rang, the sound slicing through her fog of panic. It took her a moment to register it, then she fished the phone out of her bag.


    Nte.


    Isadora answered, her voice t. "Hello?"


    Nte sounded frantic. "Isadora, you need toe to me right now."


    "What''s wrong?" Isadora asked, her tone dull.


    "Just get over here. I''ll send you the address." Nte hung up without another word, immediately texting her the location.


    With no other choice, Isadora hailed a cab and made her way to the opulent Regal Pce Hotel.


    The ce was legendary for its extravagant parties-frequented by the city''s elite, socialites, and A-list celebrities. A long red carpet stretched from the grand entrance all the way into the ballroom, and the driveway was packed with gleaming sports cars.


    Nte was waiting outside, dressed to kill in a ck designer evening gown and sparkling crystal heels. Clearly, she was here for some high-profile event.


    Isadora approached, confused and exhausted. "Nte, what''s going on?"


    Nte''s eyes shed with anger. "Do you know who''s inside? Victor! Your boyfriend-the city''s golden boy!"