Love's Bitter Edge (Eva and Leonard)
Chapter 213

Chapter 213 Not Supposed to Happen

After leaving the Harmon residence, I headed straight to the hospital to see Julian.

This baby felt like a ticking time bomb. I knew my condition-just standing in that ballroom had nearly made me pass out. How was I supposed to carry a pregnancy to term?

If the baby was indeed affected by the radiation, even if I managed to give birth, they'd face a lifetime of suffering. I couldn't bear to bring a child into the world to endure that kind of pain. Julian studied my recent test results, and his face had a conflicted look.

"You're right that the pregnancy needs to be terminated. But your body's too weak. All your markers are below the threshold," he said, his voice calm but serious.

"You could undergo the procedure, but your recovery would be difficult-especially after two. relapses:"

It was what I had expected, yet hearing it confirmed still left me feeling hollow. I sighed, unsure what to say. There didn't seem to be any other option besides ending the pregnancy. Julian took off his glasses, looking tired.

"Eva, you've got one week. Focus on getting stronger. If you can't manage, take time off work, " he advised.

"Eat well, rest up. If you lose your health, you lose everything. Someday, you can honor your child in other ways.

His attempt to lighten the situation with that last comment almost made me laugh.

""You're so superstitious."

"I just respect people's beliefs," he shrugged, then looked at me more intently.

"If he knew how much you struggled with this decision-how much you wanted to fight for him-he'd forgive you."

I understood who he meant by "him." The little one inside me. He might only be a tiny cluster of cells right now, but he was still my child, bound to me by blood.

I didn't know if Leonard would ever remember this, but I was certain he'd be devastated when he found out.

1 swallowed back my emotions. "Alright, schedule the procedure for next week."

Julian studied me for a moment longer before nodding.

"I'll be there for the procedure, observing and collecting data," he said.

"Afterward, you'll need to stay in the hospital for a few days. I need to monitor your recovery

TC cups) Not Supposed to Happen

closely."

He hesitated for a moment. "By the way, what's going on with Leonard? His mental state should've improved by now. I reviewed his case, and this shouldn't be happening." His words made me forget my sadness momentarily.

"What do you mean this shouldn't be happening?"

He adjusted his glasses and said, "Before I started working in oncology, I spent two years in neurology."

"Based on Leonard's symptoms, at most, he should've had a severe concussion leading to temporary c

confusion. With the right medication and recovery, he should've improved by now.

"I studied his reports. There's a 90% chance there was no significant damage to his central nervous system. Are you sure he's not pretending?"

Looking at Julian's serious expression, I shook my head in silence.

Why would he have pretended? He barely even knew Amelia back then in college.

And if they had been together all along, I wouldn't have come into the picture.

And if Leonard had fallen for her while I was abroad, they would have been married by now,

Yet, as I thought about Leonard's strange behavior and outbursts, I realized we needed at second opinion.

"Could you arrange a specialist consultation? Maybe someone from abroad?" I asked, hoping for clarity. Julian grinned, his lips curving into a sly smile.

"You're in luck. My mentor-an expert in neurology is giving a lecture at the hospital tomorrow," he said.

"I've already booked an appointment for Leonard. Cases like his don't come around often."

He slid a file across the desk toward me.

"Leonard's been diagnosed with a mental disorder, which makes you his primary guardian," he explained. "I need your signature to allow us to use his case for academic research. His privacy will be protected, of course. Just sign here." Julian handed me a pen, his sly expression making him look like a cunning fox.

1 signed the papers,

papers, still feeling a little dazed.

It was a simple request: Leonard's medical data would be used for research and teaching without compromising his privacy.