Chapter 421: Chapter 421

Chapter 421:

Eileen paused in her sweeping, turning to face Dalores. “When you realized you were pregnant, did you ever foresee it ending up like this?”

Dalores nodded slowly, a resigned sadness in her eyes. “I figured he might find out eventually. It’s difficult to conceal it from him if I remain in Onaland.”

Eileen frowned, concern lacing her words. “Knowing that risk, why stay in Onaland? Was it a gamble? Were you really risking your child’s life on a bet?”

Dalores suddenly lifted her head and quickly objected, “I never intended to gamble! But I’ve been in Onaland for so many years, and my savings don’t even reach five figures. How am I supposed to manage in a strange city? Besides, all my friends are here. When the baby arrives, I’ll have some support. But if I leave…”

“Dolores, the card he gave you could let you live well in another city, maybe even settle down,” Eileen interjected, unable to hold back. She understood Dalores’ predicament, but that was before the card came into play.

“I don’t want to be indebted to him. I refuse to let him think I can be bought,” Dalores declared, turning her head away in defiance.

Since Julio started supporting her, he had always treated her well. The food was exquisite, the accommodations luxurious. She had indeed used a lot of his money, but now, she didn’t want to feel more indebted to him. She would only use that card as a last resort.

“But by refusing to use the card, you’re showing him that you’re not easily swayed, which might explain why he’s treating you so harshly,” Eileen pointed out, beginning to see things from Dalores’ perspective. It reminded her of her own situation with Bryan. She had secretly resolved not to become just another woman in his life once Ruby no longer needed financial help.

Eileen felt the need to prove herself, to avoid appearing inferior in his eyes. She had even dreamed of amassing enough wealth to pay Bryan back one day. Ruby was the one holding her back, much like the unborn child in Dalores’ womb tied her down.

Raising the child on her own could be beyond Dalores’ means. With Julio now aware, Dalores felt cornered into choosing between abortion and keeping the baby, only to potentially lose custody later. Both options seemed bleak.

Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ; comm Dalores lifted her eyes to Eileen and asked earnestly, “What should I do then? Should I take his money and leave, only to be seen as a gold digger in his eyes?”

They exchanged a long glance, and suddenly, Eileen found herself speechless.

Recognizing her own stubbornness, Dalores lowered her head again. “I confess, I love him. I cling to the hope of a miracle, all while fearing his disdain. I can’t bring myself to leave, yet I refuse to submit to him.”

If only Dalores had yielded, perhaps Julio might have shown her some leniency.

Eileen thought the same. “Regret is futile. Now that you’re here, you need to make a decision.”

Eileen couldn’t advise her to keep the baby, nor could she push her toward an abortion.

.

.

.