Chapter 397 The One She Truly Cares For
James wanted to ask her—why did she hate him so much?
He wanted to kneel, to beg her, to let the child stay.
But this child… wasn’t something she ever wanted.
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Even that night–when they crossed the line–it had only happened because he’d overpowered her in a haze of lust, relying on his physical strength as a man.
What right did he have to ask her to bear a child that came from force?
“James…”
Lily didn’t expect him to suddenly grab her hand.
His grip was too strong, and it hurt. She winced and said quietly, “Can you let go? I meant what I said–I won’t keep this baby.”
Only then did James realize he’d lost control and hurt her.
The red mist in his eyes hadn’t lifted.
He moved his lips in pain, but in the end, he couldn’t bring himself to say any of the guilt–ridden, pleading words. Instead, he rasped, “It’s your choice whether this child stays or goes.”
Lily figured he said that because she’d been cooperative and he didn’t want to pressure her outright.
Still, his words gave her some relief.
He probably wouldn’t keep pressing her about the abortion.
That way, in a few days, she could give him a fake medical report saying it was done and be done with it.
Remembering how Ivan had tried to get them to reconcile, Lily spoke quickly–she knew James didn’t like women and wouldn’t want to remarry.
She didn’t want to give him any pressure, so she said softly, “I always thought I couldn’t get pregnant. I never expected this…”
“But don’t worry. I’d never use what happened that night–or this pregnancy–to guilt you into marrying me. I want you to go after your own happiness.”
“…Mm.”
James’s face darkened as he gave a cold, clipped reply.
Her heart was still with Jackson/She didn’t want the baby. She didn’t want to be with him…..
That ache in his chest was unbearable.
It throbbed so hard he didn’t even want to look at her.
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Chapter 397 The One She Truly Cares For
But then he thought about how long she’d been unconscious–how she hadn’t eaten anything.
Even with his expression still grim, he asked, “There’s soup in the kitchen. Want some?”
Lily reached down and lightly touched her still–t belly.
She hadn’t eaten in so long–she really was hungry.
Just as she was about to nod, the hospital door suddenly mmed open.
Jackson burst in, face full of panic.
“I heard you were kidnapped! Did they hurt you? Are you okay?”
James’s face darkened even more, and for once, guilt surfaced.
Lily and Jackson had been truly in love. They were close to getting married. And he…. he had forced himself on Lily, and now she was pregnant.
A rare conflict twisted through his heart.
He didn’t want to let her go.
But the part of him that still had a conscience loathed what he’d done to her.
Standing before the man she truly loved, he couldn’t suppress his guilt.
“I’m fine.”
Jackson was still injured himself. Lily didn’t want to make him worry.
She paused, then quickly added, “I had a box cutter on me. I cut through the ropes and even got a few slices in on the bad guys.”
“James found me right after. I’m totally fine.”
“Lily…
She made it sound light. But Jackson’s heart ached.
The Scott family had power–it hadn’t been hard for him to find out what really happened.
She’d been trafficked into the mountains. Bought by two monsters.
Monsters who had already murdered one woman they’d purchased.
Even if James had gotten there quickly, the trauma, the journey, the fear… that was alread pregnant woman to bear.
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The more he thought about it, the more afraid he felt.
He wrapped his arms around her tightly<i>–</i>just like he did when he was a child–and murmured over and over, “I was <b>so </b>scared…”
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Chapter 397 The One She Truly Cares For
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Because Lily had always treated Jackson like a younger brother, and because he used to cling to her like this when they were little, she didn’t think much of it.
She gently patted his back. “I’m fine, see?”
“Jack, really, I’m okay.”
“I was just so scared…”
Jackson was still clinging to her. The usually wild, arrogant boy now had his voice thick with tears. “I <b>was </b>terrified you’d get hurt… even more scared I’d never see you again…”
Like an older sister, Lily stroked his messy hair andforted him softly. “I’m not hurt…”
“Don’t be sad, Jack…”
Jackson clung <i>to </i>her tightly while she gently soothed him.
The whole scene looked warm and peaceful–like something out of a perfect memory.
But for James… it felt like someone was carving his heart apart with a knife.