My voice caught in my throat. “Horace, don't get worked up. I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, I'm only staying with Steven temporarily. I'll be leaving soon. For now, just listen to the doctor, focus on your treatment, and don't make me worry, okay?”
Horace was silent for a moment, then insisted, “No, you're there now…”
I deliberately cut him off, my voice turning serious. “Horace, if you keep this up, I'm going to get angry. Right now, your health is more important to me than anything.”
The Horace on the other end fell silent again, finally relenting. “Zephyra, I'll listen to you.”
Hearing that, I breathed a small sigh of relief. As long as Horace cooperated with his treatment, his body would have a better chance to recover. Maybe a miracle could even happen.
“Then be good. I'll come visit you in a little while.”
Horace asked, “How are you feeling?”
Before I could answer, his voice dropped a few notches. “Are you sure you want to have it?”
I understood what Horace meant. He thought this child would create an unbreakable tie between me and Steven. But this was my child, too. I couldn't save him in my past lives; this time, I had to protect her.
“Yes! I am definitely keeping this baby!”
Hearing this, Horace's voice sounded a little dejected. “Okay, I understand. Zephyra, no matter what you decide, I'll support you.”
Horace's words sent a warm feeling through me, followed by a deep sense of guilt. How could someone so good possibly harm me and the old man?

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