Star-Crossed Lovers Of The 1850s (JJK ff)

CHAPTER 34

"Doctor..." Louisa's voice trembled, her words hesitant. "Please...don't tell anyone...about...the child."

She gulped, her eyes pleading. "That it's...Edward's...don't tell Mother or Father."

Dr. Taylor's expression softened, her voice low and reassuring. "Don't worry, Miss Louisa. I understand the sensitivity of this situation. Your secret is safe with me."

She offered a gentle smile. "I won't breathe a word to anyone, especially not Lady Catherine or General Head. Discretion is paramount in my profession."

Dr. Taylor's eyes locked onto Louisa's, her gaze filled with empathy. "In times like these, societal norms can be...unforgiving. But I assure you, my duty is to protect your well-being, not to judge."

Louisa's fear remained, but Dr. Taylor's words wrapped her in a fragile sense of security.

"In cases like this," Dr. Taylor continued, her tone measured, "it's crucial to maintain confidentiality. I've seen the consequences of gossip and scandal. Your reputation, and that of your child, must be protected."

Louisa nodded, her eyes welling up with tears.

Dr. Taylor's hand covered Louisa's, her touch warm. "You're not alone, Miss Louisa. I'll guide you through this, ensuring your safety and that of your child."

Louisa's gratitude towards Dr. Taylor's reassurance was palpable, yet her fear lingered, refusing to dissipate. The weight of her secret threatened to crush her. If society discovered her pregnancy out of wedlock, the consequences would be severe. But what terrified her most was that her child's father was not Edward, but Jungkook.

Louisa's gaze drifted to Dr. Taylor, her eyes hesitant. "Please, Doctor...there's one more request," she stammered.

Dr. Taylor's encouraging nod prompted Louisa to continue.

"Please...don't tell Edward," Louisa whispered, her voice trembling.

Dr. Taylor's expression transformed from calm to stunned. Her eyebrows arched, and her lips parted slightly. For a moment, she forgot to breathe. Why would Louisa keep this from Edward, her fiancé and the assumed father of her child?

Louisa hastened to justify her request, sensing Dr. Taylor's unspoken question. "I...I don't know how he'll react," she faltered. "He can be...impulsive. I'm afraid of his response."

Dr. Taylor's face remained inscrutable, but her eyes betrayed her surprise. She couldn't fathom why Louisa would doubt Edward's reaction.

However, Dr. Taylor's professional composure soon resurfaced. "I understand your concerns, Miss Louisa," she said gently. "I'll respect your wishes. Your secret is safe with me."

Louisa's relief was palpable, though her fear still simmered.

Dr. Taylor's reassuring smile helped calm Louisa's frazzled nerves. "We'll navigate this together, Miss Louisa. I'll ensure your well-being and that of your child."

As Dr. Taylor gathered her belongings to leave, Louisa's thoughts swirled. She knew she couldn't keep this secret hidden forever, but for now, it was vital to protect Jungkook, her child, and herself from the harsh judgment of society.

As the door closed behind Dr. Taylor and Ema, Louisa felt a crushing sense of isolation wash over her. She sank onto her bed, her mind reeling with the weight of her secrets and fears.

The silence in the room seemed oppressive, punctuated only by the soft ticking of the clock on the mantle. Louisa's thoughts swirled, a jumbled mix of emotions that threatened to consume her.