Chapter 4

"Devin, what are you thinking? Such a high dose of chloramphenicol will definitely cause fetal deformities! You can be stubborn about other things, but Yvonne is five months pregnant! The further along she is, the greater the harm to her and the baby!" Ava exclaimed.

That day, I called Yvonne countless times, but no one answered.

Louis then sent me a text. "Devin, stop calling. Ms. Larson's phone is with me."

The moment I looked up, I saw Louis standing there as he watched me with a triumphant smile.

Furious, I charged at him. "I'm calling the police! I'll have you arrested!"

"Oh?" Louis smiled contemptuously.

"What crime have I actually committed? What serious consequences have occurred? Besides, even if I get arrested, I'll be out before long.

"Also, your daughter really likes me. When I get out and pick her up from school, do you think she'll come with me? Devin, do you think your daughter can withstand the turmoil?"

He was actually threatening me using my young daughter.

I was filled with rage and resentment, but in the end, I gave in. I knew deep down that I couldn't confront such a madman head-on.

That was the first time in my life I felt so powerless and pathetic.

Moreover, Yvonne's physical condition was critical and couldn't be delayed. Ava said that if we delayed any further, her life would be in danger.

Left with no choice, I gave Yvonne sleeping pills, and the surgery was scheduled for that afternoon. With trembling hands, I personally signed the form and chose to give up our daughter.

From the moment I learned of her existence to the moment I lost her forever, only five months had passed.

When the doctors wheeled Yvonne out of the operating room, she gradually regained some consciousness. Her gaze was filled with pain and hatred.

Her face was pale as she asked me in a trembling voice, "Where is the baby?"

Yvonne's hand slowly moved to her now-flat stomach. "You killed our child! Why?"

I was about to explain when I caught a glimpse of Louis standing behind her, watching me coldly.

Under pressure, I could only say, "The fetus had serious developmental issues. We had no choice but to terminate the pregnancy."

At that moment, Yvonne, who was always so composed, completely lost it.

"Devin! How could my daughter have had problems? I went for my prenatal check-ups on time every month! She was always fine! How dare you make this decision on your own? Was she only your child?

"What did I ever do to you for you to treat me like this?"

From that day on, the love in her eyes when she looked at me was gone, replaced entirely by loathing. No matter how I tried to explain Louis' schemes, she would either respond with a cold laugh, slap me, or simply not listen. She dragged her suitcase with her and moved into her company.

Our relationship ultimately fell apart.

…

After Louis left, I saw Yvonne frown, her expression full of concern. In the end, she still took out her phone and made a call.

"Help me investigate where Devin has been all these years. I need to find him as soon as possible!"

I looked at her haggard, pale face. Her lips were pressed tightly together, and a bitter feeling filled my heart.

However, Yvonne's investigations came up with nothing—because, by then, I was already no longer among the living. My body lay buried underground.

The next morning, Louis called Yvonne.

"I heard you were investigating Devin's whereabouts, so I checked things out. I didn't find his specific location, but it seems Ava might know something…"

When she heard Ava's name, Yvonne's gaze instantly turned dark and sinister.

I didn't get it. Ava was once her closest friend, but from some point on, Yvonne had come to despise her intensely.