503 Please, Don't Send Me Away

"I don't know, Ma," Carmen expressed with honesty. 

"You still love him, do you?" Rhena looked at her daughter earnestly. 

Carmen meets her mother's loving gaze. She could not lie to her, so denying her true feelings for John was no use. "I always do, Ma." 

"Do you want to speak with him?" 

Carmen pondered for a moment. After careful thought, she nodded and said, "I can't avoid him forever, nor can I hide my growing belly after a few months." 

"I'll fetch him, then." 

"Thanks, Ma." She was grateful to have a family who would not abandon her but support her decision. 

Rhena came out of the ward. She saw John seated on a bench, clasping both hands while his elbow rested on his knees. His neck sunk into his shoulders. 

The guy looks helpless, and Rhena fights the urge to feel pity and accept John. Not yet. He has to prove to himself first that he deserves her daughter. 

"John…"