Chapter 238
Ten minutes later, Julian appeared in front of Zoe.
He was still in his sleepwear, hastily thrown-on sandals slapping against the pavement.
His usually styled hair stuck up in chaotic tufts—he hadn’t even bothered to run a hand through it after her frantic call.
He wanted to scream.
That phone call had been bizarre.
How dare she speak to him like that?
He wasn’t the one who orchestrated that disastrous night at the hotel. He was just as blindsided as she was!
But the moment he saw Zoe’s tear-streaked face, his anger evaporated.
“What’s wrong, Dr. Montgomery?” Julian asked, then swallowed hard before adding, “My uncle didn’t break things off, did he?”
Zoe let out a hollow laugh, bracing herself against the nearby tree as she stood.
“I’m pregnant, Julian Whitmore,” she spat, the metallic tang of blood filling her mouth from how hard she’d been biting her lip. “And you’re the father.”
Julian’s face went slack.
“That’s impossible… It was just one time…” he muttered, voice shaking.
Before he could react further, Zoe snatched her bag and swung it at him with all her strength.
“You selfish, spineless coward!” she shrieked, striking him again and again. “What the hell am I supposed to do now? Tell me! What do I do?!”
Julian shielded his head, wincing. “Terminate it! What other choice is there? If Dominic finds out you’re carrying my child, he’ll murder me!”
Tears spilled down Zoe’s cheeks at his words.
“I want to! The idea of carrying your child makes me sick!” she choked out. “But if I do it now, I might never conceive again!”
Her legs gave out.
She crumpled to the ground, arms wrapped around herself as violent sobs wracked her body.
Julian finally grasped the gravity of the situation.
No wonder she’d lost it.
If abortion wasn’t an option, things just got infinitely more complicated.
He sank down beside her, hesitantly patting her back.
“I’m sorry, Dr. Montgomery,” he whispered. “This is all my fault. You were drunk that night, but I was sober. I knew you were my uncle’s girlfriend, and I still…” He slapped his own face hard. “I’m disgusting.”
Zoe lifted her head, some of her fury dissipating at the genuine remorse in his expression.
“We’re keeping it,” she said after a steadying breath. “Dominic doesn’t love me. Once he finds another doctor for Sophia, he’ll discard me without a second thought.”
She’d always known Dominic was searching for someone else to treat his sister’s condition.
Julian paled. “You can’t let him find out it’s mine. He’ll actually kill me.”
“Are you that terrified of dying?” Zoe sneered.
“I’m twenty-six! I haven’t even lived yet!” Julian shot back, helping her up. “Aren’t you scared? Though, even if he finds out, he wouldn’t kill you. You did save Sophia once.”
His words sparked something in her.
If the worst outcome was Dominic leaving her, then what did she have to lose?
“Go home,” she ordered, pulling away from him. “I’m going to the hospital for confirmation. I’ll contact you once I know for sure.”
She jabbed a finger into his chest.
“From now on, you do exactly as I say. Or you’re dead.”
Julian had no choice.
That unborn child was proof of his betrayal.
And now, Zoe held all the power.
Meanwhile, across town, a sleek black Rolls-Royce glided to a stop outside Willowbrook Psychiatric Center.
Dominic and Sophia stepped out.
The moment they entered, the attending physician greeted them before directing Dominic to the waiting area.
“Don’t be afraid, Sophia. I’ll be right outside,” Dominic murmured, attempting to release her hand.
But Sophia’s grip only tightened, her fingers trembling around his.