Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 655

Wendy wasn't exactly sure either. It was undeniably strange that Ariel had decided to get an abortion yet was keeping it a secret from Jayson.

Wendy knew she had to make sure Ariel no longer had any chance of swaying Lucas. She needed to come up with a perfect, foolproof plan.

On the other hand, Cecilia's head shot up the instant she heard those words. She failed to mask her reaction—her face revealed utter shock.

Ariel was pregnant with Jayson's child!

Cecilia had never paid much attention to the matter before, since Jayson and Ariel hadn't had children even after being married for several years. But now, it felt as though alarm bells were blaring in her head.

Neither Wendy nor Lori noticed the fleeting expression on Cecilia's face.

Meanwhile, Lori felt slightly relieved. More often than not, she shared the same opinions as Wendy on certain issues.

She was about to continue the conversation when Cecilia suddenly rose to her feet. Her face was expressionless as she said, "I just remembered I have some errands to run. I'll be going now."

Lori hadn't expected her to leave so quickly. She had been hoping to strengthen ties with someone like Cecilia—perhaps even grow closer.

"That's a shame. I'll see you out, then. We can do this again next time."

Cecilia showed her no special courtesy. With her usual haughty air, she turned and strutted out of the room. She had been generous by agreeing to visit the Sanderson, and what she learned today was far more valuable than she anticipated.

…

By the time Ariel left the hospital, it was already late. She had made an appointment with the OB-GYN specialist to undergo the procedure the following Saturday.

She just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.

Rather than agonizing day after day, Ariel would rather make up her mind and finalize her decision.

She couldn't risk her own life for the child. First, she had to terminate the pregnancy before proceeding with her treatment. There was no other option.

The best way was to have the abortion quietly, without alerting anyone. That way, no one else's life would be burdened by her decision.

As she reached her residential area, the sun was already setting.

Stepping out of the elevator, Ariel couldn't help but glance toward Jayson's unit.

He still wasn't home.

It must not have been easy for him to decide to be so honest with her today. Likewise, it wouldn't be easy to collect his thoughts and face her again so soon.

Ariel entered her apartment.

As Ariel locked her door, she glanced at the opposite unit. Jayson still hadn't returned.

He had been a constant nuisance since moving in next door—always running into her whenever she went in or out. Slowly, she found herself unable to ignore his presence. But Jayson hadn't gone home that night.

It had taken all his courage to share his true thoughts with Ariel. Yet she hadn't responded—she didn't even deny his suspicions.

Naturally, that had put Jayson in a gloomy mood.

So instead of going back, Jayson spent the night at the office. There was a private room for him to rest in. After a shower, he buried himself in work.

It was just past 10:00 am when Jayson leaned back, massaging the bridge of his nose.

Arthur suddenly entered, holding a tablet. His expression was grim. "Mr. Larkin, you've received an email. You need to see this."

Jayson raised his head. "What email?"

Arthur placed the tablet on his desk.

Jayson looked down. Several photos were displayed on the screen—shots of Ariel walking into the OB-GYN department.

At the end of the email was a single line which read, "Congratulations, Mr. Larkin. You're going to be a father soon."