Chapter 99: Erica is not easily manipulated
Seeing Erica still silent and somewhat hesitant, Desi continued her plea, this time deliberately banging her head on the floor to amplify the dramatic effect and persuade those with wavering hearts.
“Erica, we are both women. I beg you to have a generous heart and help me. I implore you. I’m banging my head to plead with you.”
Witnessing Desi’s actions, Mrs. Hani wanted to persuade Erica to assist Desi. Moreover, she wanted Erica to stay away from Ansel, and this was a good opportunity to accomplish that. However, realizing his wife’s intentions, Mr. Brown intervened. His stern gaze was enough to make Mrs. Hani obediently remain silent.
“Why are you silent? Say something! Are you devoid of humanity?” Mrs. Emily raised her voice and questioned Erica, “How long do you plan to let Desi kneel and beg you? Do you know that Desi is pregnant? If something happens to Desi and the child, will you be able to bear the responsibility?”
Ansel sneered at the disgusting actions of Desi and Mrs. Emily. He couldn’t stand to watch any longer, determined to intervene and put an end to this senseless drama. Most importantly, he must establish his innocence and shield Erica from the relentless pressure inflicted by Desi and Desi’s mother. However, before Ansel could act, Erica was quicker.
“Desi, stand up,” Erica said after a moment of stillness.
“As long as you haven’t accepted my plea, I will continue kneeling here,” Desi asserted.
Desi stubbornly refused to listen, clearly displaying her intention to coerce Erica. Erica could see through Desi’s insane and malicious plan, and of course, Erica had a way to handle it. With a calm tone, Erica asked:
“So now you want me to break up with Ansel so that he can marry you and fulfill the responsibilities of a father and of a man?”
“That’s correct,” Desi replied immediately, without a hint of shame.
“Alright, I agree,” Erica said, surprising everyone. How could Erica easily agree? Could it be that Erica also feared being labeled as a cruel woman, a third-party destroyer of someone else’s happiness?
“Thank you, Erica. I know you’re a good person,” Desi said happily, her voice trembling as she stood up. “I will definitely repay you in a deserving manner.”
“Erica,” Ansel objected, feeling frustrated. “Why would you do this? You know that I…”
“But I have a condition.” Erica interrupted Ansel’s intended words, her gaze fixed firmly on Desi.
“What is it?” Desi’s smile faded momentarily, and she looked at Erica with a hint of apprehension.
Erica calmly stated, “Until this child is born, you two cannot get married. After the child is born, you need to undergo a DNA test to confirm the bloodline between the child and Ansel.”
Erica’s bold proposal astonished everyone, and at that moment, Ansel finally understood Erica’s plan, and he let out a sigh of relief.
Seeing Desi’s consideration, Erica grew restless and urged, “Desi, will you agree to my condition?”
“We have no obligation to comply with your demands,” Mrs. Emily said angrily. She casually interjected, all in order to protect Desi’s victory.
“Well then, I cannot grant Desi’s plea,” Erica responded straightforwardly.
“What are you saying? Who gave you that authority? Do you even know if you do that?”
“In this case, I am the one deciding the fate of the pregnancy,” Erica interrupted Mrs. Emily with a statement full of arrogance. Before anyone could speak up to challenge or object, Erica continued speaking:Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
“The child is innocent. Being born as an orphan is not their choice, and it is certainly not their fault. As adults with intellect and critical thinking, it is our duty to act in the best and most righteous way, lest we face the consequences of our actions.” Erica’s words were meaningful and profound, leaving the listeners deep in thought.
Mrs. Emily intended to argue with Erica, but Desi was quicker.
“Alright, I agree to your request.” Consequently, I hope you can soon distance yourself from Ansel,” Desi spoke after a moment of silence.
Desi waited for Erica to agree, but before Erica could utter a word, Ansel coldly interjected.
“It is you who should keep your distance from me, Desi. I will never agree to this irrational arrangement.”
“Ansel, why?” Desi mustered the courage to make the decision on her own, replacing Erica. “This is good for all three of us.”
“Because that child is not mine,” Ansel stated firmly. “For God’s sake, stop this deceitful game before I lose control, and you will pay the price for my anger.”
“Ansel,” Desi pleaded.
“I warn you; if you utter another lie, I will make you pay dearly immediately.” Ansel pointed directly at Desi’s face. This time, Ansel would show no mercy to anyone. He had been generous and kind-hearted enough.
Desi remained nearly silent in the face of the hostility exuding from Ansel. Conversely, Mrs. Emily lost her composure and angrily rushed to attack Ansel, but he managed to evade her.
“You wretched scoundrel, how dare you brush off all your wrongdoings like that?” Ansel retorted.
“I will sue all of you for defamation,” Ansel declared coldly, his gaze piercing through everyone. “Be prepared to face the rightful consequences for your actions.”
“Go ahead and try; let’s see who’s afraid of whom,” Mrs. Emily challenged.
“Ansel, no matter how much you stir up trouble, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m pregnant and the child is yours,” Desi persisted in her deception.
“Why wouldn’t it change anything?” Ansel asked mockingly. “Desi, don’t think for a second that I won’t report you for trapping me. Both you and I know very well how I rejected you that night. I even had to physically defend myself to get away. I wasn’t at the hotel, and I didn’t sleep with you.”
“So where’s the evidence?” Desi arrogantly demanded from Ansel, while also threatening him, “Bring it out here for me to see. Let me tell you, I have a video recording of our intimate encounter that night.”
“Oh, really?” Ansel sneered at Desi. “Well, guess what? I know whose child is growing inside your belly.” Ignoring her ridiculous demand, Ansel confidently declared, “Do I need to call that person here to confirm it for you?”
Ansel’s confident and arrogant demeanor left Desi feeling restless and uncertain. She feared the consequences if Ansel were to discover the truth about Kevin. What would Desi do in that situation? The exposure of the truth would mean the failure of Desi’s plan, and the ensuing consequences would be incredibly dreadful. Should Desi continue or halt her actions? These complex thoughts flooded Desi’s mind, causing her discomfort and breathlessness.
Desi was deep in thought, and Ansel didn’t overlook the changes in her face. He was confident that Desi was feeling fearful, and he believed that she would give up and surrender very soon. The play was nearing its end; both Desi and Ansel thought so. However, Mrs. Emily had a different mindset. It was unclear where she derived her confidence that victory would belong to Desi.
“What kind of trick are you planning, Ansel? Escaping responsibility won’t be easy,” Mrs. Emily taunted Ansel.
“So, you want someone to take responsibility for Desi’s pregnancy, right?” Ansel couldn’t contain himself any longer. He turned to her, speaking with arrogance, and said, “Go ask Kevin Frank about it.”
Ansel’s declaration left Desi startled, while others frowned in confusion. So it’s true; Ansel knew about it. But how did Ansel find out? Honestly, Desi didn’t know what to do next.