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?”
For a moment, guilt flickered in her eyes. Then she looked away. “I’m sorry, Ethan. I’m doing this for Felix. I don’t want him to die with regrets.”
She hesitated, then continued, “Your sperm quality isn’t good. Even if this baby is born, it might have problems. Felix is young, healthy. If he fathers a child, that child will have a better future—a higher IQ, maybe even brilliance.”
I gave a bitter smile. “So, in your heart, I’m defective. And you think my child would be too.”