?<strong>Chapter 696:</strong>


    Alicia felt a nagging unease deep inside.


    “Doctor, could I be pregnant?” she inquired.


    The specialist passed her the report.


    “You are pregnant, Alicia, but the HCG levels are rmingly low. We should conduct additional tests to determine if it’s an ectopic pregnancy.”


    A shiver ran through Alicia’s body.


    An ectopic pregnancy?


    She had always been aware of her frail health, whichplicated the possibility of conception, and the likelihood of carrying a pregnancy to term was slim.


    She and Caden had taken careful measures to prevent pregnancy.


    Except once.


    Just that single time in the car…


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    How could this have happened?


    Holding the report firmly, Alicia said, “I’ll take your advice.”


    She endured the follow-up tests by herself.


    The waiting period was agonizing, punctuated by asional, mild abdominal pains that served as a harsh reminder of the poorly timed pregnancy.


    When the results of the follow-up tests finally arrived, they confirmed that it wasn’t an ectopic pregnancy, yet the oue was still troubling.


    The specialist borated, “Regrettably, your uterine lining is too thin to safely support a pregnancy.”


    A cold fear enveloped Alicia.


    “Can the pregnancy survive?”


    “It’s premature to make any predictions, but your body is at its limit. You’re at continuous risk of miscarriage over the next nine months. Should the fetus grow, it could endanger both your lives. You must consider all implications carefully.”


    Alicia gripped her fists tightly, her heart filled with pain.


    So the dream was real.


    Caden and she truly had a child.


    But it was also a dagger, piercing her heart.


    With tears gathering, Alicia asked, “What do you rmend, doctor?”


    The specialist adjusted her sses and, with a tone of regret, suggested, “An early termination is advisable while it’s still feasible, to protect your health. Take three years to heal, and then attempting pregnancy again shouldn’t be toote.”


    Alicia shook her head, her voiceden with grief.


    “Would a termination not also pose risks to my health? Could I conceive again afterward?”


    “It varies. With the right care and resources, future pregnancies could be possible.”


    “Is there absolutely no other option?” Alicia’s voice was heavy with despair.


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