Chapter 5 : A Desperate Decision Chapter 5 : A Desperate Decision ( Dr. Katherine Miller's POV ) I stared at Samantha Reed , my professional composure momentarily shaken by her request . The woman sitting across from me looked nothing like the vibrant , determined Luna I'd treated for years . Her skin was pale , dark circles shadowing her eyes - evidence of sleepless nights and endless tears . " Terminate the pregnancy ? " I repeated , unable to hide my shock . " Sam , you've been trying for three years . " I rarely used the familiar nickname , saving it for our private conversations . Now it slipped out naturally , a gesture of concern rather than professionalism . Samantha nodded , her hands trembling slightly as they rested on her lap . " I've made my decision , Katherine . " " May I ask why ? " I kept my voice gentle , non - judgmental . " This is the baby you've wanted for so long . " " The timing isn't right , " she said , her voice barely above a whisper . Tears welled in her eyes but didn't fall . " Things have … changed . " I didn't press for details . The Northern Territory's rumor mill had already been buzzing with whispers about trouble between the Alpha King and his Luna . Samantha's presence here alone , without Ethan's hovering protectiveness , told me everything I needed to know . " I understand ," I said , though I didn't entirely . " I can schedule the procedure , but not immediately . Three weeks from now is the earliest I can arrange it . " Relief and something like gratitude flickered across her face . " Thank you . " I sighed , leaning forward across my desk . " Sam , I have to urge you to reconsider . " Her expression hardened . " My mind is made up ." " You should know your own physical condition ," I said gravely . " Your womb was already injured in that accident ; and it took you three years to recover enough to conceive . If you terminate this pregnancy , it will inevitably harm your body again . If you want to have children in the future , I'm afraid it won't be that easy . " The weight of my words hung between us . Samantha's hand drifted unconsciously to her stomach , a mother's protective gesture at odds with her stated intentions . " I know the risks , " she finally said . " Please schedule the procedure . " ( Samantha's POV ) Katherine's words echoed in my mind as I left Crescent Moon Medical Center . Three weeks . She'd given me three weeks to reconsider a decision that was tearing me apart . The autumn air bit through my thin jacket . I pulled it tighter around myself , one hand resting on my still - flat stomach . " I'm sorry , " I whispered to the tiny life growing inside me . " I'm so sorry . " The baby was innocent in all this . I already loved it fiercely , this little miracle that had finally taken root after years of trying . But how could I raise a child alone ? How could I give it the life it deserved when my own was in such turmoil ? I walked aimlessly through the medical center's garden , finding a secluded bench beneath a willow tree . The golden leaves drifted down around me , nature's gentle reminder that everything must eventually fall . 1/4 Chapter 5 4 Desperate Decisi Should I sacrifice my future for this child ? After Ethan's betrayal with Rebecca , could I bear to raise our baby while watching him build a family with her ? The realization hit me with sudden clarity , this baby was my only chance to escape my unhappy marriage and rebuild my life . If I waited untill the child was bom , I would be trapped forever . Ethan had systematically dismantled my career and social connections over the past three years . He'd encouraged me to step away from healing , to focus entirely on conceiving . I'd agreed , believing it was a temporary sacrifice for our shared dream of a family Now I saw the truth . He'd isolated me , made me dependent on him . Without my career , without my own income , I had no power . I refused to be trapped in a situation where I had no meshs of supporting myself , my strength faded , and a man's fickle heart could leave me destitute . The sadness in my eyes dissipated , replaced by steely resolve . If this path was blocked , I would forge a new one . Ethan's influence was primarily in the Northern Territories . It couldn't extend everywhere - particularly not to the Easter Territories . I pulled out my phone , scrolling through old contacts until I found the name I was looking for : Hector Grayson . Memories flooded back - Hector and I working side by side during the Silver Plague outbreak three years ago . Our professional chemistry had been immediate , our combined healing techniques seving countless lives when traditional methods failed . The mission had won us both recognition throughout the medical community . Our partnership had been praised in medical journals , our methods studied in healing schools . Ethan had hated it . I remembered his thinly veiled jealousy whenever Hector's name was mentioned . To appease him , I'd publicly declared my devotion to our marriage and plans to start a family during the award ceremony . A reunion healing project with Hector would be the perfect comeback opportunity . His influence in the Eastern Territories could shield me from Ethan's reach , giving me the chance to rebuild my career and independence . I stared at his contact information , my finger hovering over the message icon . Would he even remember me ? Would he care about my situation ? Taking a deep breath , I composed a simple message : ' Hello Hector , it's Samantha Reed . I hope you're well . I'm considering a return to healing and wondered if we might discuss potential collaboration . " I hit send before I could second - guess myself , then waited , heart pounding . To my surprise , a reply came almost instantly . ' I'm here . Then , a second message : " I'm waiting for you . " I stared at the screen , confused by the cryptic response . Did he mean he was waiting to collaborate ? Or something more ? " Could we meet to discuss this ? " I typed , hands trembling slightly . " Yes . When and where ? " I bit my lip , considering my options . The Northern Territories were too risky - Ethan had eyes everywhere . The Eastern Territories , where Hector had established himself , would be safer . " Hong Harbor ? Tomorrow afternoon ? " I suggested , hardly believing my own boldness . ' I'll be there . Text me your flight details . " 糖 < Chapter 5 A Desperate Decisi I booked the earliest flight to Hong Harbor , a strange mixture of anxiety and hope churning in my stomach . Was I being reckless ? Flying to Hong Harbor without a concrete plan , just a desperate hope for a fresh start ? What if I was interrupting his life ? Hector had largely disappeared from public view after our healing mission , suggesting he preferred solitude to spotlight . Yet his immediate response to my message suggested otherwise . " I'm waiting for you . " The words played in my mind as I packed a small overnight bag . The flight to Hong Harbor passed in a blur of nervous anticipation . I'd dressed simply - jeans , a loose blouse , and a heavy coat to ward off the autumn chill . My hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail , my face bare of makeup . As the plane descended into Moonlight International Airport's Eastern Terminal , I spotted a familiar figure waiting by a sleek black car . Hector Grayson stood tall and imposing , even more striking than I remembered . The youthful innocence I recalled had been replaced by mature elegance befitting his status as Alpha King of the Southern Territory . His sharp features had hardened , his lean frame more powerful , his presence more commanding . * Samantha Reed ," he said as I approached , his voice a deep rumble that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine . " Long time no see ." " Long time no see , Hector Grayson , " I replied , extending my hand . He took it , his grip warm and firm . The brief contact sent a jolt of warmth through me , a sensation I hadn't felt from a man in years , outside of my healing work . In the car , silence settled between us , charged with Hector's potent presence . I felt his gaze on me as I stole glances at him . I was suddenly conscious of my simple attire , more befitting a college student than the Luna of a powerful Alpha . I nervously fiddled with my coat , fihally removing it to reveal my plain shirt and jeans . " I'm sorry for the impromptu visit , " I said , gathering my hair with a rubber band . " I wanted to discuss a potential healing project with you . " Hector nodded , his expression unreadable . " We'll talk over dinner . " As evening fell , Hector removed his coat and loosened his shirt collar , revealing a glimpse of his throat . The casual gesture seemed strangely intimate in the confines of the car . " Are you hungry ? " he asked , his dark eyes studying me . " No , thank you . I ate on the plane , " I replied politely , just as my stomach betrayed me with a loud growl . Hector's lips curved slightly , a hint of amusement warming his usually stoic features . " We'll eat ," he said , more statement than suggestion . He took me to The Silver Fang Restaurant , a small , elegant establishment overlooking Hong Harbor's glittering waters . To my surprise , he ordered Northern Territory cuisine - dishes that reminded me of home . As we sat facing each other in the private dining area , he gestured to my heavy coat . " You won't need that inside . " I removed it , feeling oddly vulnerable under his intense gaze . In the dim light , Hector's demeanor shifted subtly . The formality gave way to a more relaxed , yet still intensely present manner . " Hmm ? " he asked , his voice a low , captivating rumble . " What do you want ? " His gaze lingered on my bare wrist , where a faint mark from my wedding band remained .