Her words were calm, even logical—but they cut deep.
So this was what I amounted to: a man unworthy of fatherhood, lucky even to raise another man’s child.
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as memories flooded back.
Ten years ago, I was the poor student everyone mocked. Clara, then our class monitor, stood up for me. I still remember her fiery words on the podium, calling out those bullies and exposing their arrogance. She shone like sunlight in my dark world, tutoring me, paying me generous fees, and giving me confidence.
I thought our paths were bound together forever. But after graduation, disaster struck. The Lynn family was accused of smuggling; their assets were seized, and her father died mysteriously in prison. Overnight, Clara became a fugitive, hounded by creditors.
I gave up my position at a Fortune 500 company to stay by her side. It took us three years to uncover the conspiracy—a frame-up by a corrupt vice president—and seven more to rebuild the Lynn Group from ashes.
Together, we begged key engineers to return, rekindled old partnerships, and rebuilt the company one deal, one drink at a time.
Everything I am today, I built with her.
And now, the woman who once saved me wants to kill our children—for another man’s dying wish.
She and I knelt together to beg the technical director back, bringing back all the key personnel, and, one drink at a time, we built the Lynn Group into what it is today.
When the debt collectors attacked, I stood in front of Clara and took the blows meant for her. Three ribs broken, internal injuries—pain pained nearly killed me. When the doctor later said my fertility might be impaired, Clara cried, held me tightly, and swore she would never leave.
I refused to surrender. Once our company recovered, I began treatment, step by step, with hope. Three years ago, the doctor told us I had made real progress. Clara and I were overjoyed, and soon after, she became pregnant—twins. I couldn’t sleep that night. I held her in my arms, tears streaming down my face, thanking heaven for finally granting us a miracle.
Now, facing her cold and determined eyes, my gaze fell to her belly. That same belly that once carried my dreams now felt like a knife to my heart. My throat tightened, tears blurring my sight.
“Clara,” I rasped, “that’s the child I’ve waited ten years for. Don’t you think it’s cruel to destroy them?”