Chapter 17

"What do you mean?"

Vivian's brows furrowed in confusion.

"According to your HCG levels, you're expecting twins. And preliminary scans suggest one boy and one girl..."

The doctor's voice held a note of sympathy. "Do you realize how rare fraternal twins are? This pregnancy is already a miracle given your fertility history. Are you absolutely certain about terminating?"

"Fraternal twins?" Vivian's fingers trembled as they clutched the medical report, her chest tightening with conflicting emotions.

"Medically speaking, your body isn't suited for easy conception. If you proceed with this abortion, future pregnancies may be impossible. I strongly advise reconsideration."

The doctor adjusted her gloves and turned toward the door. "Next patient, please."

A nurse approached with a clipboard. "If you've decided, follow me to pre-op."

Minutes later, the surgical light flickered to life. Vivian mechanically changed into a hospital gown, her face an emotionless mask as she approached the operating table—

—

The night air bit sharply as Vivian stumbled into the same dimly lit bar from yesterday.

She'd come to drown her sorrows, yet found herself ordering ginger tea and chicken soup instead.

In the end, she'd fled the clinic. One life was unbearable to extinguish—but two? Impossible.

"My foolish little ones," she whispered to her flat stomach, "of all the parents in this world, why choose us?"

She raised her teacup in a bitter toast. "To your new lives then—lives without a father's love."

The decision was made. She'd bear these twins alone. The physical pain meant nothing compared to the ache of knowing what they'd lack.

As she drained her cup, shadows converged around her booth.

"Boss! That's the bitch who put Brad in the ER!"

Vivian recognized the speaker—one of last night's would-be assailants. Revenge had arrived.

"Her?" Julian Blackthorn scoffed. The notorious crime lord hadn't expected his enforcer's attacker to be this delicate-looking woman.

"Yes, me." Vivian set down her cup with deliberate calm. "Block my light again, and you'll join your pervert friend in intensive care."

"Big words for such a tiny thing." Julian seized her collar. "Let me educate you about how things work in my territory—"

"Educate me?" A dangerous smile curved Vivian's lips. How perfect—a stress-relief punching bag delivered right when she needed it most.

Knuckles cracked.

A sudden blur of motion sent Julian crashing into a table. A towering figure now shielded Vivian like an impenetrable fortress.

"Who touched her?" Ethan Blackwood's voice could freeze hell itself. "Step forward. Now."