“But give me a reason!" Her demand echoed in the room. She wrenched her hand away from him, her nails scratching harsh red marks on his arm.

Caught off guard, Theodore swiftly grasped her hand, his mouth opening, yet no sound emerged.

She stared at him, her eyes pleading.

“Please, don't abort our babies.

We can handle whatever comes our way. Please, don't abort them."

Theodore clung to her hand, wrestling with his thoughts. Ariana's pleas seemed to bring Marley's shrill voice to his ears. She declared that the children would become a madman like him, that they would hate him for their existence.

Theodore felt a surge of despair. Struggling to ignore the voice in his head, he gathered his composure.

Gazing at Ariana, his voice steady, he declared, "We can't keep the children. They're not developing well. This could cause severe harm to your health. If you want a child, we can adopt one.”

His expression solidified his decision.

Ariana studied him, her gaze distant. Her eyes welled with tears as she pushed his hand away.

“Huh? You want to abort our children?!" she spat out, disbelief lacing her voice.

Before he could respond, she interjected, “I am the one who's pregnant.

This is my body. I decide whether or not to have an abortion. If you're adamant about it, we can get a divorce. I can raise the babies myself. It's none of your concern."

Theodore's heart pounded in his chest. He spoke solemnly, a shadow crossing his face.

"I won't divorce you. I've already told you that we won't separate."

His words spurred Ariana into a desperate plea.

"Then let's keep the children. I don't want to abort them. If you're willing to adopt, why can't you raise your own children?"

He fell into silence once more.

Ariana's patience wore thin, her voice rising, "Answer me, Theodore. Why can't you just tell me what you're struggling with?”

Theodore opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by his phone ringing. He cancelled the call without checking the caller ID, only for it to ring again immediately. Frowning, he answered impatiently. The conversation had his expression darkening further.