Chapter 367

At Grace Memorial Hospital...

Victoria Kensington lay pale and fragile on the sterile hospital bed. A heartbreaking sight. "Just let them proceed with the surgery," she whispered weakly to everyone gathered in the room. "I'll pull through. I'll survive. I refuse to be a burden to Alexander..."

"Don't speak such nonsense, Victoria!" Eleanor Kensington clutched her daughter's hand, her voice trembling. "Burden? Alexander must take responsibility for you! We'll ensure he gives you a proper explanation."

Nearby, Benjamin Kensington snarled at Victor Whitmore. "Where is Alexander? Does he have no honor? A grown man acting with zero accountability!"

"Mr. Kensington, please remain calm. He will apologize to Victoria," Victor pledged.

Though they favored Isabella Montgomery, Victoria carried a child—a son. How could they allow her to terminate the pregnancy?

Alexander Whitmore entered the ward at that moment.

The instant he crossed the threshold, Benjamin's fist connected hard with his jaw.

"Alexander! You coward! How could you do this to my sister?!" He lunged again, but the Whitmore family bodyguards swiftly restrained him.

The Kensingtons made no move to intervene.

Protected by his security, Alexander wiped the blood from his lip with his thumb. Fury burned in his eyes.

Victoria knew that look. She recognized his rage. "Benjamin, stop! It's not his fault! It's mine! All mine... Alexander had already ended things. He was set to marry Isabella. I approached him at their wedding. I brought this shame upon myself..."

"Stop defending him, Victoria! He strung you along for five years! He did this to you, and you still shield him?" Eleanor cried out, torn between pain and anger.

Tears streamed down Victoria's cheeks. "Please don't make this worse. If Alexander doesn't want me, let me end this. Let me have the surgery and disappear from his life. I'll be fine. I'll survive..."

Her voice broke into desperate sobs. "Doctor! Where is the doctor?! I'm ready for the procedure...! I don't want this child! I don't want it!"

Her raw, agonizing wails shattered the hearts of everyone present.

Margaret Whitmore finally stepped forward. "Victoria, you have a bleeding disorder. The surgery could kill you! Don't be reckless... We will support you!"

She then turned a sharp gaze to Alexander. "What are you waiting for? Apologize to her right now. Propose!"

A bodyguard immediately handed Alexander a velvet box. Inside was the heirloom diamond ring from his engagement to Isabella—passed down for generations. How many times had he imagined slipping this very ring onto Victoria's finger? But now...

Putting it on her meant losing Isabella forever. Isabella would never take him back.

What choice did he have?

His hesitation was not lost on Victoria. It crushed her. She was dying. Both families were pressuring him to marry her. Yet he still hesitated? When had she become so insignificant to him?

Tears of heartache glistened in her eyes. "Alexander, I meant what I said. I'll be mature. I won't force you. I won't be your burden."

With a sudden, violent movement, she clenched her fist and struck her own abdomen.

"Victoria!" Eleanor screamed, rushing to stop her.

"Let me go, Mother! I beg you! I'll be fine—I don't want this baby! I don't want it...! I don't!"