Chapter 65

The flimsy paper trembled in Olivia Sinclair's hands as her vision blurred. The world around her seemed to warp, reality slipping through her fingers like sand.

She barely registered the doctor's next words. "Her blood work shows severe anemia and malnutrition. She hasn't fully recovered, and now with the pregnancy draining her nutrients, it caused the fainting spell."

"She was malnourished before," Natalie Bennett murmured, equally stunned. She had just begun processing Olivia's decision to leave Liam, and now this? Her thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind.

The doctor folded her arms. "It's your choice. Her current condition isn't ideal for carrying a child, but termination isn't medically necessary."

This wasn't a Blackwood-affiliated hospital. Marcus Whitmore must have taken Olivia somewhere discreet—somewhere the Winslows had no influence. The staff likely didn’t recognize Liam or his family.

Olivia exhaled slowly. If she could trust Marcus to keep this quiet, she could control the narrative.

The doctor tilted her head. "Well? What are you thinking?"

Olivia blinked, snapping back to the present.

Natalie cleared her throat, cheeks flushing. "She's... confused. She thought she wasn't fertile when they—you know."

The doctor smiled knowingly. "There's no such thing as a completely safe window. Without protection, pregnancy can happen at any time."

Olivia's pulse roared in her ears. She had no regrets about leaving Liam, but this? A child—his child—again? After the last time, when the doctor told her she might never conceive again?

"Olivia?" Natalie pressed gently. "Do you want to tell Liam? Or... we could have the hospital contact him discreetly."

Olivia shook her head violently.

The doctor nodded. "Take your time. If you decide to keep it, I can guide you through the precautions." With that, she left, the door clicking shut behind her.

Silence settled—until the door swung open again.

Daniel Bennett stepped in, brow furrowed. "Marcus had to leave—some emergency." His gaze flicked between them. "What's going on? Can I know?"

Olivia exchanged a glance with Natalie. She trusted her best friend implicitly, and Daniel was family. She nodded.

Natalie exhaled. "Olivia's pregnant."

Daniel's jaw slackened. "Damn."

Another heavy silence. Olivia gestured sharply—keep this secret.

"Of course," Natalie said instantly.

Daniel nodded. "Not a word."

"You're not telling Liam?" Natalie asked carefully.

Olivia's throat tightened. She remembered the first time—how she'd handed Liam the ultrasound, heart swelling with hope.

His reaction had crushed her.

His face had darkened as he stared at the image. "Why now?" he'd muttered, voice thick with frustration—not joy.

After that, he'd sent doctors to monitor her, but his indifference never wavered.

He hadn’t wanted that baby.

And Margaret Winslow? She'd whispered fears about Olivia's "condition" being passed down. Liam never contradicted her.

Then, while he was away, Margaret had cornered Olivia. Pressured her. Made her feel like Liam had approved it.

Afterward, the doctor's words had been a death knell: Your uterine lining is too thin. Conceiving again will be difficult.

Yet here she was. Pregnant. Against all odds.

This child was a miracle. And she would protect it.

Olivia signed fiercely to Natalie and Daniel—No one tells Liam. She'd beg Marcus for the same.

Natalie sighed. "Alright, but..." Being a single mother wouldn’t be easy, especially with the Blackwoods as enemies.

Still, she squeezed Olivia's shoulder. "Don’t worry. I’ll be the best godmother this kid could ask for."

Olivia managed a weak smile.

"Shit!" Daniel suddenly cursed, staring at his phone.

Natalie frowned. "What?"

"Nothing. I—I need to call the doctor about something." He scrambled for an excuse.

But Natalie's phone buzzed too.

Olivia leaned over—and her blood turned to ice.

Blackwood Enterprises Announces Press Conference: CEO Liam Blackwood Appears with Evelyn Hartley!

The screen blurred.

Her stomach dropped.

No.

Not again.