I realized my period was two weeks late after going on a trip to the swimming pool with my best friend, Gianna Lowe.

Gianna insisted that I take a pregnancy test.

I was stunned when I saw the two red lines on the pregnancy stick test.

I had a boyfriend, Mitchell Gray, but I was a conservative person, so I still hadn't slept with Mitchell.

I couldn't help but wonder whose baby this was.

I planned to just terminate the mystery pregnancy, but Mitchell pretended to be worried about my health, offering to marry me and raise the child.

It was finally my delivery date. I was lying weakly in the delivery room when Mitchell shoved a pillow over my face and smothered me, roaring, "You slut! Did you think I'd raise another man's child? I'll make you and this illegitimate child pay for everything!"

I was too weak to resist since I had just given birth, so Mitchell successfully killed me.

I suddenly open my eyes and realize that I have returned to the day I found out about my pregnancy. I am completely determined this time—I have to find out who the father really is!

I was completely zoned out in the bathroom, staring at the two stark lines on the pregnancy test stick. I then heard Gianna Lowe, my best friend, from the other side of the door, pestering me nonstop.

"Did you take the test yet, Rebecca? You didn't actually get knocked up, did you?"

I couldn't help but feel my hands trembling uncontrollably as I stared at the two vivid red lines, instantly feeling sick to my stomach.

In my past life, this very child had been the start of my downfall—I was forced to drop out of college and await childbirth, only to be smothered to death in the end. I died without ever learning how I became pregnant, much less who the father was.

Gianna ran out of patience and just yanked the door open, storming in.

I was quicker, though, and had already stashed the pregnancy test stick.

Gianna looked all around, her brow furrowed in confusion, and asked, "Where's the pregnancy test stick? Are you actually pregnant or not, Rebecca?"

I shook my head, replying, "I never even slept with a man—there's no way I could be pregnant."

I knew Gianna couldn't keep a secret. In my past life, the instant I discovered the pregnancy, she immediately babbled to my boyfriend, Mitchell Gray, causing word of my out-of-wedlock child to spread everywhere. I had no intention of confiding in her in this life.

Gianna said with a hint of disappointment, "I actually thought you were pregnant. I even heard that Mitchell was getting ready to pop the question—imagine having both a pregnancy and an engagement at once!"

I couldn't help but feel a bit unsettled. I hadn't realized until now that Gianna was so fond of children.

…

I gripped the pregnancy test stick in my hand and carefully reflected on everything that had happened since my last menstrual cycle. Mitchell and I had been completely chaste—just two mall visits, no making out, nothing. He couldn't possibly be the father of the child.

I hadn't been alone with any other men beyond that, and the only other person I was close to was Gianna, who couldn't possibly be the one since she was a woman.

I furrowed my brow, and then it hit me—a month ago, Gianna and I had gone swimming at the public pool, where some guy harassed me. He deliberately swam close to me and even made disgusting, inappropriate gestures toward me.

I was beyond furious, and Gianna went off on my behalf, furiously dressing down the man for what he had done.

I decided not to shower and headed to the locker room to wait for Gianna. I somehow fell into a deep sleep, and when I finally came to, I was stiff and sore, which I dismissed as just post-swim fatigue. I couldn't help but wonder if someone had actually taken advantage of me right then.

I immediately felt a shiver run down my spine as I thought of the possibility. I made my way to the hospital right away. I needed to confirm my pregnancy, but there was a far more critical task.

If I had truly been assaulted, there would have to be proof on my body. I was absolutely determined to uncover the identity of the culprit.

I was devastated when I received the ultrasound results—the scan indicated that the fetus was a month old exactly.

I immediately made the appointment for the abortion procedure when the doctor asked if I intended to keep or terminate the pregnancy. I absolutely refused to carry it to term, no matter who the baby's biological father was.

It seemed like the doctor was used to it, as she swiftly helped me arrange the abortion appointment while murmuring, "You young women nowadays are so reckless with your bodies, getting pregnant at such a young age."

I couldn't help but blush after hearing that. I couldn't think of anything to defend myself, though. How could I possibly admit that I was completely clueless about how I got pregnant?

I immediately scheduled a full gynecological examination and an STD screening after that. I had no idea if the person who assaulted me was carrying any diseases, after all.

I settled onto the exam bed as the doctor put on her gloves. She couldn't help but furrow her brow in confusion after a brief examination, asking, "How could this be? It appears that you're a virgin. How on earth did you end up pregnant?"

I was completely stunned. I had already made up my mind to report the incident with the physical evidence, but the outcome was entirely contrary to my expectations.

How could I possibly get pregnant if I was a virgin?

It was then that the doctor reassured me, saying, "You have nothing to worry about. It's possible that the other party's member may be too small. Your situation is certainly unusual, but we do see it happen sometimes."

I came out of the examination room, feeling utterly lost. It had been a month since the incident at the swimming pool. With no physical proof, I couldn't help but wonder if I was really going to terminate the pregnancy and suffer the ordeal without ever knowing what had happened.

I suddenly received a call from Mitchell. I picked up and immediately heard his anxious voice coming from the other end, asking, "Where are you, Rebecaa? Gianna has been calling me nonstop since she couldn't find you. Is everything alright, Rebecca?"

I finally checked my phone and noticed that Gianna had called me multiple times. I had silenced my phone in the examination room earlier, so I had completely missed the calls.

I felt like crying when I heard Mitchell's concerned tone, but I immediately recalled the scene in my past life, where he had brutally smothered me to death.

I knew he despised me, yet he insisted on waiting until the baby was born before carrying out the deed. I couldn't help but muse if the baby was somehow connected to Mitchell.

I was still lost in thought when Gianna's call came through. She didn't pause for a moment, immediately jumping into her reprimand, asking, "Why didn't you pick up any of my calls, Rebacca? Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

I broke down completely, weeping uncontrollably. In my past life, when I got pregnant, Gianna had actually urged me to get an abortion. I was such an idiot for trusting Mitchell instead.

In my past life, the doctor had warned me that my uterine lining was too thin—that if I aborted the baby, I might never conceive again. Mitchell had promised to marry me, and I had foolishly believed him, choosing to give birth to the baby.

I only realized now that no man would ever willingly raise another man's child.

I knew Gianna was the only one I could rely on now, so I told her directly that I was pregnant and that I was at the hospital at that moment.

It took Gianna less than five minutes to rush to the hospital. She immediately pulled me into her embrace after spotting me, exclaiming, "Oh, come on! Pregnancy's something to be happy about, Rebecca! You shouldn't be crying about it! I'll call Mitchell over this instant!"

I shook my head, grabbing her wrist. "It might not be Mitchell's."

Gianna was momentarily stunned. "You actually got yourself into quite a mess! Who's the father, then?"

"I honestly have no idea who the father is. I don't really care about that—I just want to get an abortion."

Gianna, standing right next to me, stated solemnly, "You have my complete support, no matter what you decide to do."

…

It was the following day when Gianna accompanied me to the hospital for the abortion.

I was just about to enter the operating room when Mitchell suddenly came rushing in. "Hold on! Please don't go through with the abortion, Rebecca! I'm willing to take care of both you and the baby!"

I couldn't help but tighten my grip on the medical form, wondering how Mitchell found out I was here when the only person I had ever told about my abortion was Gianna.

I quickly turned to Gianna, who looked just as bewildered as she asked, "How did he manage to find us?"

Mitchell, still catching his breath, slumped onto the seat next to me. He took my hand and held it tightly, intertwining our fingers.

"Have you forgotten that we had previously set up a couple's location tracker on our phones, Rebecca? I noticed that you were at the hospital yesterday and came as quickly as I could because I was so worried."

He then lowered his head with a distressed expression, continuing, "I never would have guessed that you were pregnant.

"I know it's not mine, since we haven't done it. But considering your delicate constitution, I worry that if you terminate this one, becoming a mother later will be nearly impossible for you, Rebecca."

I had always been quite traditional and had no plans to remain childless. However, I couldn't bring myself to deliver a baby without knowing its father. I would rather remain single for the rest of my life than do that.

I deliberately withdrew my hand from his grip and said, "I'm going ahead with the abortion."

Mitchell was momentarily stunned. He then furrowed his brow and asked, "Why would you do that, Rebecca?

"I've already made it clear that I'm willing to overlook what you did. What are you still worrying about, Rebecca?"

Gianna also chimed in softly, saying, "I agree, Rebecca. I mean, an abortion can really take a toll on your body. Why don't you give it some more thought? You're not in great health to begin with, after all."

Mitchell quickly yanked the medical form from my grip and pulled me abruptly to my feet. "I won't let you hurt yourself, Rebecca!

"You and I can just get married next month! You can rest assured that I'll never think less of you because of this. I don't care even if the baby belongs to someone else!"

Mitchell's declaration drew the attention of those around us. There was even a nurse nearby who said enviously, "He's such a great guy! He doesn't even mind raising another man's child. I would definitely keep the baby if it were me—he's offering to raise the baby, after all."

Mitchell might have looked righteous on the surface, but the moment he heard that he was raising someone else's child, he couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly.

I knew that his declarations were nothing but empty promises. I was certain that he only wanted me to carry this baby to term so that he could torment me later.

I scoffed coldly, saying, "You're in no position to judge me, Mitchell. It's over between us! You have no right to interfere with my life!"

Having said that, I got up from my seat and walked out, leaving Mitchell gaping at me in disbelief.

I was determined to get to the bottom of it. I needed to find out what exactly Mitchell's connection was to the baby I was carrying.

I recalled how Mitchell had previously suggested hooking up at a hotel back then, but he completely dropped the matter once I firmly turned him down.

I couldn't help but place my hand on my lower abdomen, knowing full well that the baby didn't materialize magically. I couldn't help but wonder if it was really like what the doctor had suggested—that the man who assaulted me actually had a really small thing.

I thought about it for a moment and decided to head to the public swimming pool again. After bribing the security guard, I managed to acquire the surveillance footage from last month. I could only track who went in and out since the locker area had no surveillance cameras.

I reviewed all the footage and failed to spot a single suspicious individual. I grew disheartened, wondering if I had been wrong all along—that the pregnancy wasn't linked to that particular day.

Gianna handed me a glass of hot chocolate and asked curiously, "I got rid of Mitchell, Rebecca. You can finally tell me now, right? Who's the father of that baby, Rebecca?"

I bit my lip, shaking my head. "I honestly have no idea who the father is. I only remember going to the swimming pool with you last month, and I mysteriously ended up pregnant after that."

Gianna hesitated for a moment before smacking her forehead in realization. "What if someone secretly released in the swimming pool? I once saw a news article claiming that a man intentionally released into the swimming pool, and a bunch of women got pregnant afterward!"

I nearly cracked up at her suggestion. I knew it was impossible since sperm had an extremely short lifespan, and coming into contact with the chlorinated pool water would rapidly render them inert.

I was reminded of the man who harassed me that day after hearing her suggestion, prompting me to look at the surveillance footage around the swimming pool area again.

I spotted a figure I never thought I would see—Mitchell. He had a face mask on and was sneaking around near the entrance before stepping out of view and slipping into the restroom.

I instinctively clenched my hands into fists. I was right—Mitchell wasn't as innocent as he looked.

I was just about to confront Mitchell when a loud pounding erupted from the door.

Gianna went to answer the insistent knocking, only to be violently pushed to the floor once the door was opened. Dad stormed in, with Mom following closely behind.

I had just gotten to my feet when Dad slapped me hard across the face.

I instinctively covered my cheek as I heard Dad's enraged condemnation. "Rebecca Turner! How could I have raised such a shameless slut like you! How could you have gotten yourself pregnant before even getting married?"

I peered over Dad's shoulder and saw Mitchell staring at me with a triumphant expression on his face.

Mitchell feigned a sigh and said pitifully, "I truly hated doing this, but I was terrified you'd go through with the abortion, Rebecca.

"I asked the doctor, and she confirmed that your uterine lining is too thin. If you were to go through with the abortion, your chances of getting pregnant in the future are slim to none."

Mitchell had used this exact same flimsy excuse in my past life. He even agreed to a rushed marriage just to make sure I carried the baby to term.

I remained incredibly thankful back then, even though there was no wedding ceremony, gifts, or any traditional formality. I really believed I was in Mitchell's debt and continued to work hard, even during my third trimester, in a futile attempt to compensate for my perceived mistake.

I realized now how utterly stupid I had been. I didn't even do anything to deserve any of this. I didn't even know how I got pregnant in the first place.

Dad gritted his teeth, his face flushed with rage. "You'd better drop out of college and get married right now. Otherwise, you'll be a laughingstock once your belly starts showing!"

Mitchell intervened, saying, "You don't have to go that far, Jason. You see, Rebecca can just take a leave of absence from college and marry me first. I can have my mother look after the baby afterward so that it won't be too exhausting for Rebecca."

I calmly took a seat as Gianna handed me a pack of ice for my cheek and asked flatly, "Who told you I'd get married? I'm not marrying anyone."

Dad widened his eyes in rage, his finger shaking as he pointed at me. "What are you going to do, then? You're not actually still planning on having an abortion, are you?"

Mom, on the other hand, was crying right beside me. "What awful fate has befallen our family? How could you get yourself knocked up before marriage? Who else is going to marry you if you don't marry Mitchell now?"

I couldn't contain my anger anymore as I let out a mocking laugh. "I'll marry the baby's biological father! Who gave you the idea that Mitchell's the father of this baby anyway?"

Mom immediately stopped crying, and Dad's furious glowering came to an abrupt halt.

I continued, "It's impossible for Mitchell to get me pregnant since he suffers from impotence."

Mitchell's expression immediately soured. He glared at me and yelled, "Have you lost your mind? How dare you accuse me of being impotent when you've never been intimate with me?"

Mom couldn't help but ask, "Is it true, then, that the child isn't yours?

Mitchell gaped for a second, suddenly realizing that I had played him. He immediately turned to my parents, saying, "I'm willing to marry Rebecca even if the child isn't mine, Jason and Paige. I swear I won't hold her past or the child against her."

I rolled my eyes at him, saying, "I've already broken up with you, Mitchell. If I'm going to marry anyone, it'll be the actual father of this baby!"

Mitchell snapped through gritted teeth, "Who exactly is the father of this baby, then? Go on, tell us! I dare you to say his name!"

I hesitated, stunned by the challenge, when Gianna suddenly jumped in to smooth things over. She gently patted my shoulder, saying, "I think everyone should just calm down and talk this through calmly."

I stared at her hand, and I immediately stiffened in shock. I then widened my eyes in disbelief, as I suddenly realized who the father of my child was.