My Boyfriend's Plan Disappointed Me

After the unexpected news of my pregnancy, my boyfriend Brian suggested I continue studying while having the baby.

"Jenny, you're in a liberal arts program—it's pretty chill. You could definitely manage a child on the side."

"Don't worry. We're short on cash now, but I promise, once I graduate, you'll be taken care of."

"Besides, time's ticking. If you wait until after graduation to have a baby, you'll be on the older side. I'm just thinking of what's best for you."

In my last life, I fell for his story. I swapped studying for motherhood, only to end up as an overlooked housewife.

After he completed his PhD, he secured a corporate job and got involved with a young, attractive undergrad.

My mother-in-law spent her days claiming that I was a bargain-bin bride, completely outmatched by her son.

After a disappointing end, I found myself back on the day I discovered I was pregnant.

Holding the ultrasound, my fingers couldn't stop trembling.

The hospital corridors were bustling, and my heart thumped loudly amidst the noise.

Before I could even recover, Brian called.

"Jenny, are you okay? What did the doctor say?"

His supposed concern made me feel nauseous.

I took a deep breath and responded, "It's nothing serious, just gastritis."

Brian sounded surprised, "Really? Are you sure the doctor didn't make a mistake?"

His tone suggested he knew something more.

"What do you think is wrong with me then?"

Noticing the coldness in my voice, he quickly softened, "You've been feeling nauseous and vomiting, right? You also missed your period last month. I was worried you might be pregnant."

"It's nothing. I need to pick up some medicine, I'm hanging up now."

I had scheduled an abortion for the afternoon.

In the previous life, Brian had done everything to dissuade me. This time, I was determined to go through with it.

While waiting, I unexpectedly ran into Brian's sister, Emily, who was supported by her African American boyfriend as she clutched her stomach.

We made eye contact before I could avoid her.

Previously, we had never officially met, only seen each other on social media.

I pulled up my mask, silently praying that Emily wouldn't recognize me.

As she passed by, Emily's gaze lingered on my mask for a moment.

A nurse came out to remind me that it was almost my turn.

I gently touched my stomach, feeling a surprising twinge of regret.

It would have been a sweet little girl.

Brian was handsome, and our daughter would have inherited his big, expressive eyes—always gazing at me, calling me "mommy" in her sweet voice.

I sighed; Brian did not deserve to be her father.

Whenever she fell ill, Brian never showed concern, and his mother always dismissed her as being too dramatic, and showing no affection.

"Jenny, what are you doing in the OB-GYN department?"

Brian's anxious voice interrupted my thoughts.

He was sweating profusely, his glasses fogged up.

"Emily sent me a photo, and said she saw you here. Are you pregnant?"

His voice was laced with concern, almost as if he genuinely cared.

He glanced at my medical report, and then quickly grabbed it. "Jenny, are you really pregnant?"

Excitement was evident in his tone.

I looked at him coldly. "Why, are you excited? Didn't you say you always took precautions?"

Previously, Brian had claimed that contraceptives were harmful to women, so he would take a male contraceptive pill.

I had believed it was a sign of his love, but now it seemed like just a part of his manipulation.

Brian avoided my gaze for a moment, then composed himself and said, "I did take them, but you know, contraceptives aren't foolproof."

"Jenny Kidwall, it's your turn."

The earlier nurse reminded me to go in.

Brian's face turned pale, and he grabbed my arm. "You're going to terminate the pregnancy?"

"I don't agree with that."

"You don't have a right to agree."

The nurse gave me an urging look, and I shrugged off Brian's hand.

Terminating this pregnancy meant Brian would finally stop bothering me.