In the hospital, inside the office of Dr. Grant, the head of Obstetrics.
“The last procedure was canceled, and the reserved blood from the bank was already used up. Since your blood type is rare, if we apply again, it’ll take at least a week. I wanted to let you know in advance.”
Briony’s blood type was so uncommon that what would be a routine, low–risk procedure for most women required the utmost care in her case.
“Please help me apply for it,” Briony replied quietly. “Let’s schedule the operation for a week from now.”
“Alright.” Dr. Grant slid a fresh ultrasound across the desk. “You’re just past seven weeks. Before twelve weeks, the risk to your health is lower. But at this stage, the babies already have heartbeats.”
Dr. Grant handed over the report. “Both embryos have strong heartbeats. Fraternal twins–quite uncommon in your situation.”
Briony didn’t take the report. She couldn’t even bring herself to look at it.
Stella, standing close by, reached out and accepted the papers on her behalf.
“Dr. Grant, my friend and her ex–husband… there’s no chance of reconciliation. She doesn’t want her children to grow up in a broken family, so I’d appreciate it if you could help arrange the procedure as soon as possible.”
But Dr. Grant shook her head gently. “Given Ms. Kensington’s situation, I’d advise her to think carefully. The latest tests show there are some issues with her uterus.”
At that, Briony looked up, her voice barely above a whisper. “What’s wrong with my uterus?”
Dr. Grant adjusted her glasses. “It’s only a preliminary assessment. I’d recommend a transvaginal ultrasound to get a clearer picture.”
Hearing this, Stella–an OB–GYN herself–felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She knew this was serious.
Dr. Grant performed the scan herself.
The results were not encouraging.
“With a naturally thin endometrial lining, conceiving is usually very difficult. You’re carrying twins, which is extraordinary. But if you go through with the termination, the damage to your uterus could make it even harder–maybe impossible–for you to get pregnant in the future. You’re still young. I really think you should consider this carefully.”
Briony sat with her head bowed, fists clenched tight on her knees.
Stella glanced at her, then asked, “Dr. Grant, even if you were to perform the surgery yourself, would it make a difference?”
Dr. Grant shook her head. “This is a congenital issue. Honestly, the fact that she conceived at all–let alone with twins–is nothing short of a miracle. Usually, patients with this condition, if they do get pregnant, need intensive care throughout the first trimester. Yet both babies are doing well. I’ve never seen a case like this in my career.”
She paused, looking at Briony’s downcast face, then cleared her throat. She knew she shouldn’t say more.
“In the end, there are no guarantees, no matter who performs the procedure. Maybe she’ll be one of the rare lucky ones, but we can’t be sure.”
Stella nodded, understanding. “Thank you, Dr. Grant. I’ll take her home now. Once she’s decided, I’ll let you
know.”
Dr. Grant nodded. “Of course. Talk it over with her.”
14.21
Chapter 64
By the time they left Dr. Grant’s office, night had fully fallen.
Snow was still swirling outside.
The hospital corridor glowed with soft lights, casting shadows across Briony’s pale face.
Her lashes trembled. She tried to smile, but tears spilled down her cheeks before she could force it.
Stella watched her, heart heavy with worry and sympathy.
“Bryn, it’s okay. Worst case, if you keep the babies, I’ll help you raise them. If you don’t want Stewart to find out, I’ll go abroad with you. We could immigrate, or just move to a different city–whatever you want. I’ll be there.” Briony shook her head, tears streaming, her eyes cold and resolute. “No. I don’t want to. I won’t have his children.”
14.21
