Chapter 86
"You... you're pregnant?" Harold Martin stammered, his finger trembling as he pointed at Lily Clark.
His mind raced. Just that one time and she got pregnant? After that first encounter, Lily had refused to let him touch her again, leaving him frustrated and resentful. He had even started considering marrying Xiao Zhen from the factory instead—until Lily showed up with this bombshell.
"Yes, it's been over two months. Almost three," Lily said, her eyes filled with despair. She wasn’t stupid—she could hear the reluctance in Harold’s voice. He was trying to weasel out of responsibility.
"How is that possible? It was just that one time—" Harold snapped his mouth shut. He had just admitted to their relationship.
George Clark, Lily’s father, spoke slowly, a smile still on his face. "Harold, what do you plan to do about this? Will you propose properly and marry her soon? Or should we take this matter to your factory manager? Time is running out—Lily’s condition won’t stay hidden forever."
His tone was mild, but every word carried a sharp edge. "My daughter isn’t desperate for a husband, but she won’t be disrespected either. Whoever makes my daughter suffer will regret it. Harold, you’re the first fool bold enough to spit in my face like this."
A cold sweat broke out on Harold’s back. Lily might have been easy to manipulate, but George was a different story. The man didn’t even need to curse to make a threat.
"Uncle, I was wrong. I’ll go home and tell my parents right away. We’ll come to propose soon—I won’t let Lily suffer," Harold said quickly, backing down. Now wasn’t the time to fight. He needed to get them out of here first and figure out a plan later.
At his words, color finally returned to Lily’s face.
But Clara Clark, Lily’s mother, only felt disgust as she looked at Harold. This was the man who would marry her daughter? Yet with Lily’s pregnancy, she had no choice but to swallow her anger.
"Fine. We’ll wait for your parents," George said, standing up. There was no point arguing now—the priority was dealing with Lily’s pregnancy. An unwed mother would be ruined in their society.
Once the three of them left, Harold let out a long breath.
This was bad. A month ago, he might have gone through with marrying Lily. But now, he was already involved with Xiao Zhen—they had even rented a place together in secret. Xiao Zhen was bold and exciting, far more interesting than Lily. He had already decided to marry her.
Just yesterday, Xiao Zhen had complained about feeling nauseous, hinting she might be pregnant. He had promised her they’d marry if she was. Now, he was stuck between two impossible choices.
George wasn’t someone to cross, but Xiao Zhen wasn’t someone he could afford to anger either. Her uncle was the workshop supervisor, and their families had already met. If either side turned against him, he was finished.
Harold was finally tasting the bitter consequences of playing both sides.
Back at the factory, he asked for leave. Xiao Zhen chased after him. "What’s wrong? I heard your family came to see you?"
"My mother’s sick. I need to go check on her," Harold lied.
"Then I’ll come with you!" Xiao Zhen insisted.
"No, no! When she’s better, I’ll bring my parents to propose. You’ll meet them soon enough!" he said, placating her.
He already had a plan. If he could make George call off the engagement, he’d be in the clear. Then he could avoid offending either side—maybe even marry Lily first and divorce her later. With his silver tongue, he was sure he could keep Xiao Zhen on the hook.
"Who said I’d marry you?" Xiao Zhen blushed and ran off.
Harold rushed home, arriving just as dusk fell.
"Why are you back again?" his mother asked, puzzled.
"Mom, it’s an emergency!" Harold grabbed her and spilled everything.
"You reckless fool!" His mother slapped him hard. "Are you trying to kill me? Do you know who George Clark is?"
She was tough, but even she knew this was a disaster.