Adrian's treatment of me was evident to everyone in the room, yet no one intervened when he stated that laughing is the only option available to those who are truly silent.
I had no choice but to call 911 and wait for the ambulance alone.
…
On the way to the hospital, my phone rang. It was Sally, my best friend.
"Emily, I heard what happened at the company. Are you okay?"
The question broke me, and my tears suddenly poured out.
My voice cracked as I finally let it all out. "Sally, I'm going to divorce Adrian."
Sally didn't hesitate, her voice full of determination. "Emily, don't cry. If Reed Corp doesn't want you, I do! I've already booked you a flight out of the country for tomorrow. Pack your things and leave."
I wiped my tears, trying to pull myself together. "Sally, tomorrow might be too late."
She quickly asked, "What? Why not?"
"I'm pregnant with Adrian's child. But… I've been exposed to a lot of mercury." I replied hesitantly.
Sally's voice wavered as she started crying even harder than I did. "Oh my God, Emily. What are you going to do?"
I took a deep breath before responding, "I'll handle it, I promise. After everything is taken care of, I'll come and find you."
Before she could respond, I hung up the phone.
…
In the ambulance, the doctor frowned, confirming my worst fears. "Mrs. Reed, given the amount of mercury exposure, it's highly unlikely you'll be able to keep the baby. However, the hospital just informed me that there's a newborn in critical condition who urgently needs umbilical cord blood. If you've decided not to continue the pregnancy, would you consider donating the cord blood?"
I closed my eyes, the weight of the situation pressing down on me.
After a long pause, I responded, "I'll do it, but I have one condition."
The doctor nodded, ready to listen. "Of course. What is it?"
"I want the prenatal report, the abortion procedure, and the baby's remains sealed in a box. I need them sent out."
Focused on saving lives, the doctor agreed without hesitation.
And so the procedure didn't take long. When I woke up in the hospital, I immediately contacted my divorce attorney. I instructed him to compute every marital asset Adrian and I had, ensuring I'd get the best possible settlement.
After everything was finalized, I headed to the airport and mailed the divorce papers and the sealed box from the doctor to Adrian.