Chapter 145

Olivia's fingers trembled as she typed the urgent message to Alexander. She needed to escape Mercy Hospital immediately.

Alexander didn't ask questions. His immediate concern was her location and wellbeing.

"Consider it done," he replied instantly. "I'll get you out safely."

Reading his reassuring words, Olivia felt some of the tension leave her shoulders.

Over the next few days, they carefully crafted an escape plan.

Fortunately, Liam hadn't placed Olivia under full confinement.

As long as she followed her treatment regimen and took her medications, she enjoyed limited freedom within the ward. But the doors remained locked.

Some days, Olivia felt like a prized bird in a gilded cage. She burned with questions for Liam. Yet each time she requested to see him, the staff claimed he was overwhelmed with business matters.

Olivia knew better. This wasn't about work. He was avoiding her - avoiding the pregnancy.

Then, without warning, her lead physician appeared. His visits only occurred for significant developments.

Olivia's pulse quickened at the sight of him. She rose from her chair, instinctively retreating toward the corner.

Using her phone's voice function, she asked why he'd come.

The doctor's face was unreadable, caught between professional detachment and personal discomfort. Finally, he spoke. "Olivia, we need to discuss your pregnancy."

Her stomach dropped. Her fingers flew across the screen: "Did Liam send you?"

The physician hesitated before nodding.

Tears threatened as she typed with shaking hands: "What does he want?"

The doctor cleared his throat. "Let me explain the situation. Your health isn't optimal for pregnancy. And with your impending divorce... raising a child alone would be challenging. Given your condition, could you truly provide this child with a good life?"

Olivia's reply was fierce: "I'll give my child everything. Liam won't be burdened. I'll sign any agreement. This baby is my choice, and I won't be pressured into termination."

She maintained outward composure, but fear coiled in her chest.

She knew Liam too well. When he decided something, nothing could sway him.

This conversation wasn't about her choice. It was preparation for what was coming.

Yet Olivia couldn't surrender. This was her child. She'd felt its tiny heartbeat.

The doctor's expression darkened. "Be realistic. In your condition, the fetus wouldn't survive to term anyway."

Olivia's world tilted. What was he implying?

Terror flashed in her eyes as she grabbed the doctor's arm, silently demanding answers.

Avoiding her gaze, he admitted, "The treatments these past days... they were modified. You wouldn't want the child to suffer, would you?"

The room spun. Olivia's hands shook violently. She'd anticipated Liam's schemes, but never this cruelty.

Rage and grief choked her. Tears streamed down her face as she swept everything off the nearby table in a silent scream.

The doctor extended a document with pity. "This consent form is mercy. Continuing would only prolong suffering."

Exhausted, Olivia collapsed to the floor, cradling her stomach. The weight of Liam's betrayal crushed her spirit.

Wracked with guilt, the doctor fled the room.

Outside, a younger colleague intercepted him. "You're really doing this? If Mr. Blackwood finds out-"

"What choice do I have?" the older man snapped. "Catherine has my family in her grasp. I want no part in their war. Once she signs, we're done. Any investigation won't touch us."

The younger doctor frowned. "Did you actually alter the medications?"

"Of course not!" The lead physician paled. "That's Liam's heir! He's desperate for children - keeps asking if she can conceive again. I just needed to scare her. Now that I've spoken to Olivia, we must proceed."

Olivia didn't know how long she'd been crying. Her hand rested on her flat stomach with growing dread. Had the tiny heartbeat stopped? The thought paralyzed her.

She stared at the consent form. Maybe the doctor was right. Maybe the baby was already gone.

But accepting that felt impossible.

Continuing the pregnancy seemed cruel, but letting go was unbearable.

Since Henry's death, Olivia had felt utterly alone in the world. This child would have been family - proof she wasn't completely solitary.

She knew if she terminated now, she'd never have another chance at motherhood.

Just then, Alexander's message arrived. The escape was set for tomorrow. Everything was arranged.

Olivia had once dreamed of fleeing to coastal Newport, raising her child by the sea in peaceful solitude.

Now she only felt crushing isolation.

Her phone buzzed again, but she lacked the energy to look.

Suddenly, the desire to run evaporated.

Escape wouldn't change her fate of being Liam's pawn.

When the ringing persisted, she saw Alexander's name.

With resolve, she declined the call and typed: "Plans changed. I'm staying. Thank you for your help, Mr. Hayes."