Honestly, Janice didn’t want to see Ariel and Jayson tangled up again over something like this. Since Ariel had already decided to end the pregnancy, there was no need to make things moreplicated.


    Ariel had made up her mind long ago. She shook her head, her face expressionless. <b>“</b>No. Let’s just pretend


    none of this ever happened.”


    In her view, it was only a matter of time before she and Jayson officially separated. Besides, she wasn’t


    in any condition to carry a pregnancy to full term. Telling him would only create more problems. 1


    She didn’t want the trouble of discussing with Jayson whether to keep the child and risk him


    discovering her illness. There was simply no need for him to know. It was her body, her choice.


    Liam regarded Ariel thoughtfully. As he had suspected, the problems between her and Jayson ran deep.


    “I know this is a lot to process,” he said gently. “Don’t worry. Take some time to calm down and gather


    your thoughts. When you’re ready, make an appointment with the obstetrics and gynecology department for the procedure.”


    He didn’t intend to pressure her. As long as she had decided on an abortion, there wouldn’t be major


    issues affecting the treatment n.


    “Thank you.” Ariel lowered her gaze. Her expression remained steady, though she felt as though all


    warmth had drained from her body.


    She knew she was about to endure unbearable agony. After all, she had long wished for this moment, waiting what felt like forever for it.


    But the child hade at the worst possible time. She couldn’t keep it.


    She also needed time to ept the cruel reality.


    “I have urgent work right now,” Ariel said slowly. “If I undergo the procedure immediately, I won’t be able


    to handle the workload. I’d like to schedule it for two weeks from now.”


    She had just joined the research project at the 719 base. With cancer already weakening her, an abortion now would leave her frail and sickly. Waiting until the first phase of work wasplete would allow her to cope better.


    Janice’s eyes reddened. She sniffled. “Your health has toe first. Everything else can wait. Nothing matters more than you.”


    Ariel only smiled faintly. She looked strong and resolute, but sorrow lingered in her eyes.


    Liam’s gaze lingered on her pale face. After a moment, he offeredfort. “Once you’ve undergone the procedure, I’ll work out the most suitable treatment n for you. There’s still a chance you could


    conceive again after you recover.”


    Then he nced at his watch. “Since you’re pregnant, I’ll need to adjust your medication and dosage to reduce any harmful side effects. After you’ve rested post–abortion, we can proceed with tumor removal surgery.”


    <b>For </b>now, Ariel had to avoid medications that might harm a pregnant woman; otherwise,plications could arise before the abortion and her condition could worsen dangerously.


    “I understand. Thank you,” Ariel replied quietly.


    Liam handed her a new prescription.


    After collecting the medicine, Janice apanied Ariel back to the ground floor.


    Just as they reached the lobby, Ariel ran into Wendy, whose baby bump was now obvious.


    Wendy was holding a number slip in her hand. Her expression darkened the moment she saw Ariel.


    She despised her. Ever since Lucas had caused a scene, Wendy had found it hard not to me Ariel.


    Lucas had drunk himself into a stupor while entertaining clientsst night and now suffered from severe stomach pain. That was why he and Wendy hade to the hospital.


    Ariel only gave her a brief nce.


    But Wendy fixed her gaze on Ariel. “Ariel, Lucas and I are getting married next month. I still need a bridesmaid. You should do it. Think of it as a gesture of goodwill for our union.”


    Ariel froze in her tracks.


    Janice’s jaw dropped. She stared at Wendy incredulously. “Don’t you have any friends? Why should Ariel do something like that for you?”


    Wendy ignored her. Her voice was cold. “Lucas and I went to the same high school and college. I’ve liked him for many years, but your presence was always in the way. You should never have taken his time and


    attention.


    “So now, you should do this to make up for the years we lost, and to show that things between you and him are truly over. That way, both you and I can finally be at ease.”