FORGED BY FATE

Graduation day

Chapter 1: Graduation day.

Sitting in her university auditorium, her mind preoccupied with her situation. As she stares blankly at the graduation paper in her hands, unable to focus on the VC’s Goodwill message. Her close friend, Jessica, notices her distant expression and nudges her arm, trying to get her attention.

Jessica leaned over and whispered, "Hey, you okay?"

Lise tore her eyes away from the paper and gave a weary smile. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind lately."

Jessica tilted her head, her eyebrows furrowing in concern. "You've been acting weird for weeks. You can talk to me, you know that, right?”Jessica's words hung in the air, an invitation to open up. For a moment, Lise considered confiding in her friend. She thought of sharing the secrets that weighed on her mind, of laying bare the fears and struggles she had been carrying alone.

But something held her back. It was a mixture of shame and fear, the lingering thought that Jessica, sweet and caring as she was, would never truly understand the weight of her situation. And so, with a forced smile, she waved it off. "I just haven't been sleeping well, that's all.”

“Are you sure, Lise? Is it about Stephon?” Jessica asked, still wanting to make sure her friend was okay. After the sign out party a month ago, Lise has been off. But Jessica couldn't really figure it out on her own, she just wanted to make sure her friend was alright.

Holding Lise's hand with a gentle squeeze, reassuring her, she's here for her no matter what. Lise smiled with her eyes “ am really fine Jess, today is our graduation let's enjoy it”

Focusing back to the VC, Lise's memories were filled with what happened at the party last month.

How could she have gotten so drunk, who was the man she slept with? What about Stephon? How was she going to live with this baby inside her? Her thoughts scattered, as the VC concluded her message “This session is over, Congratulations and happy graduation to you all!”

With a standing ovation, they all threw their caps up. After the ceremony was over, parents came forward to present cakes or gifts to their kids, celebrating the day with them.

But Lise's parents were an exception, she stood in the open space with no family or loved one to celebrate with her. Lise left the ceremony early.

At home, her parents couldn't be concerned with her. She was tired and went to her room, while taking her bath, Lise touched her flat tummy. She can't take care of this baby. She doesn't even know who it was that night, so she made up her mind to get it removed tomorrow.

Stepping out of the shower, she glanced at the pregnancy kit in the bin and tore her eyes from it. It must be done tomorrow.

After drying her hair with a clean pair of PJ's, Lise climbed her bed, covered herself half way, while looking for a hospital that could help her get rid of the pregnancy. After scrolling through alot, with the heaviness and stress. She fell asleep.

The next morning, Lise got up sluggish, prepared and dressed, determined to get rid of the pregnancy today.

“ I'm sorry but you don't meet the requirements for our hospital to perform an abortion. Please go somewhere else” the fifth doctor said.

Lise clenched her fist sinking her nails into her flesh, she has been turned down by the fifth doctor today.

Nelly, had gone too far using her dad's connection to ensure that any hospital she goes to, she will be rejected.

The plan was to make her give birth to this child, whose father is unknown, and become a laughing stock, a disappointment to the Will family.

The night of the party in the hotel, she was drunk. When she woke up, the man was long gone and what followed next was an incredibly dramatic scene.

Nelly, her half sister, her mother, Stephon mother and her fiancé Stephon, came into the room. Seeing her appearance, dishevelled clothes and the note on the table.

Nelly picked up the money and said “ Lise, how could you do this? If you are in need, you can tell dad or mom. If you couldn't tell them, what about me? I would have assisted you!”

Mrs Ford and Stephon were disappointed, feeling disgusting by the sight. Turned away, it was impossible for Lise to marry Stephon, this was Nelly's plan all along.

Lise walked out of the hospital at a loss, at this rate her belly will get bigger. If she didn't remove it soon, she would have to keep it.

Did she really want to keep it?

How can she take care of a baby? She was only twenty years old. No! She had to make that man come out and fix this.

Lise reached into her tote bag, and pulled out a 5000 won with a string of numbers on it, left by the man. She didn't want to find him and if possible, she never wanted to know who he was!

But right now, she couldn't handle the situation herself.

She sent a text “I’m pregnant, come around let's talk”

Meanwhile, on the floor of the CEO's office. Assistant Victor, dressed in a corporate suit, looked down at the pile of messages from Louis' phone.

“ I'm pregnant, come around let's talk”

“I’m waiting at the sunshine cafe, if you don't show up, I am calling the cops!”

He frowned, trying to recall who he has been with in the past few months. But no! He has been occupied to do such.

“ What are you looking at?”

The man was clearly displeased. He was assigned work while the other was distracted.

Seeing his boss' cold face, Victor quickly kept the phone. Trying to explain “it was a young lady…”

“ I don't care about your personal business. Do what you are told!” The man slammed the file on the desk. Excusing himself from the CEO's office, Victor took out his phone to reply to the message.

“ I'm sorry little lady, I don't have money to give you, I myself barely ate today. Please, don't call me again”

Someone who wouldn't admit to his deed. Why was she looking for him in the first place? He’s really something.

But why does she have to bear it alone, while he's out there enjoying his life. She didn't make this baby on her own.

Feeling a surge of anger. Lise called insisting they meet up, victor texted the address to her, so he could clear things up. He was too young to shoulder the responsibilities of a father.

Louis had finished his meeting with Ankis, he walked out with his people, while victor went to get the car.

He heard a woman's voice “ You!”

The voice was familiar, Louis turned his head in the direction of the sound. He saw a young petite woman standing across him, glaring at him angrily.

He remembered the face, it was the girl who clung to him. Without knowing who he was.

Still in his thoughts, Lise walked up and slapped him across his face!

The people besides Louis, grasped as they witnessed the scene. What just happened?