A Second Chance at Forever

Chapter 1456

Amelia glanced at Bernard and was struck by his chilling demeanor, his expression suddenly morphing into something dark and foreboding.. A shiver of fear rippled through her, but professional duty demanded she press on, explaining the dire nature of the situation.

“If Dr. Liana were here, her continuous care might have prevented the onset of the preeclampsia in Mrs. Laurence, Even with her frail health, there might have been ways to see her safely through childbirth. But now, with the sudden preeclampsia and her clotting disorder…

“Of course, clotting issues are common in pregnancies and can be treated to prevent major blood loss during delivery. But your wife’s condition is so precarious, and coupled with the high blood pressure, she’s at a high risk of hemorrhage and complications.

“We have two options on the table. One, if she insists on carrying to term, there’s a risk of death from the labor difficulties due to the baby’s size, excessive bleeding, or other complications, with only a 10% chance of survival. Two, we induce labor now. While it still carries risks, the fetus isn’t as large yet, and her survival chances increase to 30%,”

At seven months along and with no signs of premature labor, induction was the only viable option. It was risky, but it certainly offered a glimmer of hope when compared to the alternative.

Amelia’s calm and measured voice broke through to Bernard, each word hitting his ears like a death knell. His fingers were cold as ice around the report, and he felt a chill spread through his entire body.

It was Amelia’s voice that brought Bernard back from the edge of the abyss. “Mr. Laurence, if you opt for the second choice, we cannot delay. The longer we wait, the larger the fetus grows, and the greater the danger to the mother.”

Bernard’s gaze dropped, his long lashes casting shadows over the grim report in his hands. A bitter smile curled his lips, “What’s the difference? She’s likely to die either way.”

Amelia hesitated, then tried to console him, “M Laurence, 30% is significantly better than 10%. I’ll bring in the top specialists to push that number to 40%.”

“Really?” His question was laced with despair so profound it was palpable. Bernard had always been fiercely protective of Eleanor. The mere thought of watching her gamble with death again was akin to having his heart carved out. All they had wanted was a simple family life, but life had other plans. The irony of it all wasn’t lost on him.

His hollow laughter filled the room, shaking his well-groomed hair loose. But no amount of hair could conceal the agony in his eyes.

To keep the child meant a mere 10% survival rate for Eleanor, without it, 30%. Both choices were akin to stepping off a cliff into an abyss, plunging into hell. NôvelDrama.Org © 2024.

Why such a cruel choice had fallen upon them, he pondered. Was it a punishment for his past transgressions? If so, why should Eleanor, innocent Eleanor, also bear the suffering?

He’d rather face death himself than watch Eleanor being taken away from him. Yet, fate was merciless, he thought bitterly, as they were facing the threat of that very loss. After everything they’d been through – getting married, expecting their child, and finally leaving form Area Opaca – it was nothing short of ironic.

Bernard’s bitter smile, read as despair by Amelia and other doctors present, was testament to a soul plummeting into hell. Yet, no one dared attempt words of consolation. They all knew how devoted their CEO was to his wife. Who would be able to accept such a choice with grace?

The silence in the hospital conference room was deafening until Aidyn broke through, “Mr. Laurence, your wife sent me to check on the report.”

Bernard’s return to reality was slow. He tossed the report aside, stood up with shaky legs, and steadied himself against the table. Without a word, he indicated that neither option was acceptable, that this choice had brought a god to his knees.

Aidyn’s concern was evident as he watched Bernard’s pale face and unsteady gait. “Mr. Laurence, has there been something wrong with Mrs. Laurence’s report?”

Bernard didn’t reply. His steps quickened until he reached the hospital room door. He caught a glimpse of Eleanor through the glass and suddenly found himself unable to face her.

He turned and walked away, his voice echoing down the hallway, “If she asks, tell her I’ve got urgent business to tend to. Make sure she waits in the room for me. You and Scott keep an eye on her.”

Aidyn halted as Bernard left the hospital and stepped into his car, driving off at breakneck speed towards the old Laurence family estate.