Chapter 6

It was the day of the settlement. At Niran-Kai Medical Center, everyone had gathered in the meeting hall: the unfortunate parents, their lawyers, and the hospital’s legal team. All waited for the last person involved, the woman carrying the misplaced embryo.

Her name was Evelyn Hazel, an educator at a modest orphanage in the city. As she had promised, she was coming to the meeting. That morning, her friend, Kannika, had agreed to bring her. Though Kannika insisted it was reckless to arrive without a lawyer, Evelyn remained calm. Her demeanor was almost serene for someone who had been told she carried another couple’s embryo.

She wanted no trouble. Money was the last thing on her mind. What weighed on her heart was the gravity of the mistake, the injustice to a couple who had longed for a child. She could not predict how the settlement would end, but she already carried its burden.

“I cannot believe this is happening to you,” Kannika muttered as she drove.

“Well, unexpected things do happen sometimes,” Evelyn answered with a faint smile.

“We should hire a lawyer and file the biggest lawsuit. Do you even realize what this means?”

Evelyn stayed silent.

“Do you understand?” Kannika pressed.

“We will not cause trouble, Kannika. Please, do not be ridiculous. Not everything is about money,” Evelyn replied gently.

But Kannika remained hysterical, her driving unsteady. Evelyn brushed her fingers through her hair, a reflex when unease pressed upon her. Her mind was elsewhere. She had even postponed her work session to attend this meeting, needing clarity about the ordeal. Apart from Kannika, no one knew, not even her boyfriend of one week. A baby in her womb was frightening enough; having to face the distraught parents was unbearable.

What if they asked for an abortion? The thought chilled her. She disapproved of it entirely. Kannika had already suggested it, paired with the idea of suing the hospital for compensation. To Evelyn, the suggestion was disgusting. She refused to be that kind of woman.

“Here we are,” Kannika said at last, forcing a smile. “Do not worry. I will be your lawyer.”

They parked. Kannika was the first to step out. Her eyes widened. She had not expected the hospital Evelyn spoke of to be this place. Niran-Kai Medical Center was famous, recently in the spotlight for launching a project to help hundreds of children battling cancer. She wondered how her friend could afford such a place. Perhaps Evelyn’s condition was more serious than she let on.

Evelyn, still seated in the car, hesitated. She felt the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon her. Facing the parents was what terrified her most. Dr. Emilio had given her a brief explanation, but it was not enough.

“Hey,” Kannika said, opening the passenger door. “It will be all right. You will not find a better lawyer than me, and I am free. Come on, we are moving forward.”

Evelyn nodded and stepped out. She adjusted her clothes and clung lightly to Kannika as they entered the hospital.

People stared. Some admired her beauty. Others whispered: That is the woman with the couple’s baby in her stomach. Many expected tears, anger, even hysteria. Yet Evelyn remained calm.

At the reception, she introduced herself by giving her name. The staff called for Dr. Emilio. Kannika kept marveling at the hospital’s luxury while Evelyn twisted her hair with her fingers, nerves betraying her calm facade.

At last, Dr Emilio arrived.

“Miss Evelyn, welcome,” he said warmly. “Please, follow me. And is this your lawyer?” His eyes flicked toward Kannika.

“No, Kannika is my friend,” Evelyn replied quickly.

“Oh, then welcome, Miss Kannika,” he said with a smile.

The meeting began without Dr. Williams. Emilio had insisted on moving toward a resolution before calling his superior, a departure from protocol that was unusual. His urgency was transparent; he needed to keep his promise to Williams.

As she entered the room, Evelyn’s eyes met those of the Mayeurs, who had been waiting anxiously. Silence fell as she approached the table. Mr. Mayeur studied her closely. He had not expected the woman to look so young, her face so luminous with innocence. She offered him a faint smile. His wife, however, couldn’t return it. To her, this was unbearable. To want a child so desperately, only to see another woman carrying it, someone who seemed uninterested, was a torment she could barely endure.

“Well, I think we can begin,” said Mr. Polo, the hospital’s lead counsel. “If you are here, it is because a mistake was made. Unfortunately, we mixed up the documents. And as a result, you find yourselves in this terrible situation. On behalf of the hospital, we extend our deepest regret. We hope we can find an agreement.”

He handed papers to the couple’s lawyer and to Kannika.

“I assume you are Miss Evelyn’s lawyer,” Polo said.

“Oh, I am her friend. But I can read,” Kannika interjected quickly.

“Excuse me, Miss Evelyn,” Polo said, visibly surprised. “Did you not bring a lawyer? I thought Dr. Emilio had explained the importance of legal representation in this matter.” His sharp glance cut toward Emilio.

“Oh no,” Evelyn answered softly. “I prefer to proceed this way.”

The room grew tense. Emilio leaned in, sensing the unease. “We will help you understand everything, do not worry,” he reassured her.

“Thank you,” Evelyn said.

Mr. Polo was not pleased. He knew it was legally possible for a client to sign without counsel, but he would never advise it. Something about this unsettled him. He remembered Williams being told that he and his staff had spoken to Evelyn, when in truth it had been Emilio alone. Why had Emilio insisted on handling her case personally? Why was he pushing this resolution without Williams present?

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