Just then, my phone screen lit up with a text message.

*Ms. Delgado, this is Dr. Fox. Your latest test results show some abnormalities. We recommend you come to the hospital immediately for a detailed re-examination. This concerns the health of the fetus.*

I stared at the words *health of the fetus*.

My blood ran cold.

Grabbing my coat, I rushed out of the room.

In the living room, Simon sat on the sofa, surrounded by a haze of cigarette smoke.

Seeing me in a panic, he stood up immediately.

"It's late. Where are you going?"

I ignored him and headed for the door.

He chased after me, grabbing my arm.

"I asked you where you're going!"

"Let go!"

I struggled, but his grip was iron.

"Jasmine, what exactly are you trying to do?!"

"Just because I didn't agree to your demands, you're going out? Are you going to cheat on me?!"

His eyes were bloodshot, filled with humiliation and something close to madness.

I looked at him, and the absurdity of it all nearly made me laugh.

I unlocked my phone, pulled up the call log, and shoved the contact labeled "Dr. Freya Fox" in his face.

"Look closely at who I am going to see."

He froze.

"Jasmine, you... are you sick?"

I didn't answer. I wrenched my hand free.