Diagnosis: Betrayal

Diagnosis Betrayal

You two are so serious now, insisted Mrs. Frances Saunders, looking keenly at her likely future daughter-in-law across the kitchen table, so, whens the wedding, then?

Honestly, I think its still a bit soon, replied the young woman, a forced smile on her lips as she searched for the right words that wouldnt upset her boyfriends mother. Weve only lived together for a month. I think we should take some more timesee how things unfold at home Whos to say we wont start squabbling over silly things?

Mrs. Saunders raised an eyebrow but didnt give up easily. Truth be told, Lily suited her far more than her sons last girlfriend. Maisie had been impossible and arrogant! She was extremely relieved when Owen ended that relationship.

How are things with Jamie, then? she asked, changing the subject but still watching Lily closely. Hes a teenager now, but even so

A warm feeling spread through Lily as she thought about Owens son. She still remembered their first weeks togetherhow anxious shed been about how Jamie would react to her arrival. Would he see her as a threat, someone trying to replace his mother?

Hes a wonderful lad, Lily answered sincerely, her smile growing more genuine. I was nervous at first, of course. Worried hed resent me, or at the very least, be wary. But its been the best it possibly could be! Jamies open, friendly, genuinely kind!

She paused, recalling the moment Jamie came home from school and ecstatically tried her apple crumble, declaring right there and then that the house would always smell of good food from now on.

In fact, Lily added with a small, amused shake of her head, he was positively delighted the cooking would no longer be left to his dad. Now and then, he even asks me to teach him a few recipes.

Owen, whod been quietly listening so far, looked up and nodded, a faint smile flickering on his facehe too was clearly relieved his girlfriend and son got on so well.

Has he started asking for a baby brother yet? Mrs. Saunders asked, an obvious hint in her tone.

Upon hearing his mother, Owen couldnt help but wince and shot her a reproachful look. It was plain he was silently pleading with her to stop, but Mrs. Saunders was never one for skirting delicate topics or reading the room.

And whats so wrong with that? she continued, undaunted, now in a tone that somehow combined both mischief and cheer. Jamie adores children, you know, always mucking about with his cousins. And youre only thirty-fiveyouve plenty of time to have a couple of little ones yourself!

Lily felt awkwardness rise in her throat. Discussing something so personal with a woman she barely knew was uncomfortable. She clasped her hands in her lap, forcing herself to remain calm.

Im afraid that isnt an option, she said quietly, her voice as even as she could manage. The doctors have absolutely insisted I cannot have children.

For a moment, the room fell silent. Mrs. Saunders looked at her with mild surprise, the warm mask shed been wearing suddenly replaced by a distant coolness.

Womens problems, is it? Mrs. Saunders said, feigning sympathy but sounding condescending. Theres no need to give up hope. Medical science these daysmiracles happen, things that used to be impossible are routine now.

Lily sighed inwardly. She wanted, desperately, to end the conversation, but remaining silent seemed more dangerousMrs. Saunders was surely not above inventing her own explanation.

In my situation, thats not going to change, Lily replied, her eyes fixed squarely on the middle distance. She couldnt quite understand why she had to bare her soul to this woman, but she also knew she had to be clear. I was diagnosed at eighteensevere eye disease, and the risk is, well, unforgivable. Having a child could leave me blind. Ive come to terms with the reality that children arent in my future.

Mrs. Saunderss brow knit in confusion, clearly uncomprehending.

And whats that got to do with your eyesight? she asked sceptically. She seemed to think this was just an excuse.

Theres a ninety percent chance Id go completely blind, Lily explained, her voice calm and weary. Pregnancy would be far too hard on my body. Its not worth losing my sightand what would be the point of having a child that you couldnt even see?

She fell silent, allowing Mrs. Saunders time to process this. Lily nervously adjusted her glasses, hoping her message had landedand that Mrs. Saunders would now understand this was not about vanity or career, but genuine risk to her life.

It was clear the air in the room had changed; Mrs. Saunders began to glance at Lily with open disappointment. Lily wasnt the daughter-in-law shed hoped fora healthy, energetic woman eager to provide grandchildren. This situation simply did not fit her idea of an ideal match for her son. But Lily felt no guilt, and she had no intention of apologising. She and Owen had already discussed and weighed every consideration: the endless doctors’ appointments, the late-night research, the tough conversations. The risk for Lily was simply too great. At the very least, they would consider adoption, or even surrogacy; after all, arranging either was more than possible these days.

When the two finally got ready to leave, the tension eased a little. Mrs. Saunders hugged her son, nodded at Lily, but the gesture was polite, not warm. While she laced up her shoes in the hall, Lily caught Owens eye; the apology on his face was unmistakable.

Once outside, both of them let out sighs of relief. The evening air felt especially fresh after the suffocating living room. Lily squeezed Owens hand, and he instantly squeezed back. Neither mentioned the awkward meeting, but both knew the visit had been far from a success. Regardless, it didnt change the most important thing their commitment to each other, no matter what anyone else might expect.

***

Three months on.

Lily found herself feeling more run-down than usual. At first, she brushed it offthought maybe it was work stress or a touch of a bug. But the fatigue lingered, she was nauseous many mornings, and ordinary smells became uncomfortably intense. She tried to cope on her ownbought cold remedies, drank more water, forced herself to go to bed early. But things didnt improve. She was continually distracted at work; by evening she was absolutely drained, though shed done nothing out of the ordinary.

One evening, during a call to her mother, Lily shared her worries almost without thinking. Her voice was tired, that odd lassitude she just couldnt seem to shake.

Lils, her mum said after a pause, are you absolutely sure youre not pregnant?

Lily was so surprised she fell silent for a moment.

Im completely sure, she replied emphatically. I havent missed a single pill. The doctor prescribed them for a reason; I follow the instructions exactly.

Her mother didnt argue, but there was a determined edge to her tone.

Still, buy a testjust to be certain. You cant ignore something so important.

Lily opened her mouth to argue that there was simply no way, but something about her mums insistence made her think. Its simple to check, after allno harm in being sure.

All right, Mum. Ill nip down to the pharmacy now. Owens at worktime to myself.

She bundled herself up and headed across the road to the corner chemist, mind racing. What if Mums right? But how? Ive been so careful

At the pharmacy, Lily hesitated in front of the endless options. She eventually bought two mid-priced testsno sense penny-pinching on thisand hurried home.

She paused in the hallway, steadied herself, and went through the motions. She followed the instructions to the letter and waited.

Those few minutes felt like forever. She kept glancing at her watch, then at the sticks. And there they wereclear, bold lines on both tests.

This cant be happening! she gasped, shocked to her core. How? I thought I had it all under control!

At that moment, the bell rang loudly, making her jump. She looked at the timenot expecting anyone. Then she rememberedit was probably Jamie. He often forgot his keys in his rush home from school.

Quickly, Lily threw the tests into the bin, straightened her hair and hurried to the door. Sure enough, Jamie was there, rucksack half-slipping from his shoulder.

Forgot your keys again? Lily smiled, letting him in.

Sorry, Jamie muttered, toeing off his trainers. Left in such a hurry

She headed for the kitchen to make him a snack, not realising that one of the tests had missed the bin and slipped to the floor

***

Owen, Im going to Mums for a weekshes not feeling well, Lily called, not meeting his gaze as she packed her small bag. She hated lying to the man she loved, but telling him the truth right now felt impossible. She had made her decisionputting her health at risk wasnt an option.

Owen looked up from his laptop, concern etched on his face.

Want some help? I can drive you, or pick up anything she needs? he offered kindly. You know I dont mind.

Lily managed a gratefulslightly guiltysmile.

No, thats all right, thanks. Ill call if anything crops up.

She turned away, stuffing her clothes into the holdall: a jumper, two pairs of jeans, a handful of t-shirts, underwear, toothbrush She checked the time; the last coach left in less than an hour and she still had to get to the station. Mum had promised to meet her off the coach, and that gave her some comforta person whod understand without questions.

Ill keep my phone on. If you need anything at all, ring me.

I will, Lily nodded, hugging him quickly. Ill be back soondont miss me too much!

The trip was a blurshe clutched her phone tightly, checking for messages from both Owen and her mother. She tried to keep to her plan: get there, sort it out, return. Only then, when everything was settled, could she talk to Owenwith complete honesty.

The next day, Lily went to a private clinic for a check-up. Shed arranged everything discreetly online, picked a highly recommended doctor, tried to make it all as matter-of-fact as possible. The appointment was quick: a history, an examination, a scan. The doctor, a calm middle-aged woman, studied the results, double-checked the dates, and asked about her medical history.

Yes, youre pregnant, she finally confirmed. Still earlyabout five or six weeks.

Lily nodded wordlessly. Deep down, shed been hoping for a mistakea dodgy test, some simple error. But now it was undeniable.

I took the pills properlyhow could this have happened? her voice trembled with both confusion and something close to fear.

The doctor pressed her lips together thoughtfully, then replied:

Maybe the medication was faulty, or something affected its effectiveness: antibiotics, other medicines, digestive issuesrare, but it can happen.

She paused, watching Lily closely.

Youre not going to continue the pregnancy, are you?

Lily hesitated, fighting the familiar pangs of loss and dread. She remembered the doctors warnings all those years ago. She took a steadying breath.

Its a nine in ten chance Id go blind. Is that a risk I can take?

The doctor nodded with understanding. She had already seen Lilys records.

I understand. Its a major decision, but only you can make it. Herego for these tests; theyll help us decide the best way forward. Come back tomorrowby then well know more, and well talk it through. Any worries, ring the clinictheyll put you straight through to me.

Lily took the forms and pressed them flat with trembling fingers. Her mind whirled, but she felt steadier. She thanked the doctor, stood, and in the corridor leaned against the wall, gulping in a breath. Tomorrow would bring whatever came next.

***

Lily! Owens voice on the phone was so chipper Lily instantly tensed. Why didnt you tell me? he asked.

A cold knot formed in Lilys chest. She gripped the phone.

Tell you what, Owen? she replied, every muscle tight. Did he know? How?

That youre pregnant! Owen sounded so overjoyed she could almost see his beaming face.

Lily paused, collected herself.

Why would you think that? she said carefully, but her heart pounded in her chest.

I found a test with two lines on the floor, Owen said brightly, so I booked you an appointment with a consultant. We can go together. I want to be there for you.

Lily inhaled deeply, choosing her words with care.

Dont get ahead of yourself, she replied calmly but firmly. That must be a mistake. You know Ive been diligent with my pillsnever missed a single one. Theres no way I could be pregnant.

For a moment there was silence.

Well about that, Owen began awkwardly. Mum came by recently. She saw your medication and kept saying your diagnosis wasnt really so serious, that lots of women have children despite worse conditions, that medicines moved on She was very persuasive and I let her convince me.

He broke off, sounding just as uncomfortable as she felt. Lily listened in silence, a mix of fury and disbelief churning inside her. Owen wanted so badly to hope for the best, but she couldnt ignore that someone had interfered in something so deeply personal.

Are you saying, Lily said steadily, that you swapped my pills for something else? Or did your mum actually suggest tampering with my medication?

No, no! Owen said hastily. Nothing like that. I just well, when I dropped your packet of pills, I thoughtit might be time to take a chance. So, I replaced them with vitamins. I wanted us to have a child. Mum convinced me everything would be fine

Lily sat in stunned silence, the weight of the betrayal settling in. Shed explained over and over how essential those tablets were, the daily discipline, the dire consequences of forgetting even once

Are you being serious, Owen? Her voice shook, a blend of suppressed rage and hurt. You made that choice for me? You listened to your mum and swapped out my medicine?

He shifted uneasily, unable to meet her gazeeven over the phone.

I thought it was for us, he mumbled. For our family

For your family! Lilys composure was gone. She was trying to keep her anger in check, speaking slowly, clearlyso hed understand. You didnt even talk to me! You were fully aware of the risksthe endless doctors warningsyet you did it anyway!

She gathered herself, forcing her hands to be still. Her head throbbed, thoughts tangled, but she knew without a doubt she couldnt carry on this conversation.

I havent time for this now, she managed, voice level again, though the storm raged inside. Can you meet me the day after tomorrow? At the park, midday?

Ill be there! Well sort it all out! Owen replied eagerly, hope rising again.

All right. Goodbye for now. Lily ended the call.

She was incandescent with anger. Over and over in her head she replayed Owens justificationhow hed accidentally dropped her pills, then knowingly replaced them with vitamins. Hed ignored every danger, dismissed all her years of learning to live with her diagnosis, and listened instead to a woman with no medical qualification. This was nothing less than betrayalthe destruction of trust, respect, and care.

The day of the meeting, Owen arrived at Victoria Park half an hour early, a bouquet of white rosesher favouriteclutched in his hands. He paced by the gate, hoping Lily would turn up, take the flowers, forgive him. He pictured her softening, the two of them making plans, overcoming everything together.

But at noon sharp, Lily arrived with her brother Sam. Her face was set, her gaze icy. She didnt even look at the flowers he offered, instead pulling out a piece of paper and handing it to him.

Whats this? Lily, whats going on? Owen stammered, bewildered by her stiff manner.

Its confirmation that Im not going to have this baby, Lily said, her voice cold and controlled. You knew about my condition and still put my health at risk because your mother wanted a grandchild. I wont ever forgive that. Ill come for my things tomorrow, with my brother, so therell be no misunderstandings.

She didnt wait for a replyjust turned and walked away. Owen tried to follow, calling after her,

Lily, please wait! Cant we at least talk?

She didnt even glance back, only moved faster. This time, Sam stepped in front of Owen, his posture saying plainly dont push your luck.

Owen tried to push past. Youre lying! he shouted, his hands shaking with rage and loss. I spoke to doctorsproper doctors! They said it would be fine! You just dont want a child and youre saying whatever suits!

Lily finally turned, her face pale but calm. There were no tears, only steely resolve.

Did you ask about my specific condition? Or did you just tell them your girlfriend was being dramatic? Do you even know the details? Or did you just hear what you wanted?

Owen faltered, clearly not expecting to be called out.

I was thinking of us. Of a family, he insisted desperately. You said youd consider adoption or surrogacywhy not at least try for our own?

Because its not a game, Owen! Anger and pain finally broke through Lilys voice. Its my health, my life, my sight. Do you understand I could lose my vision completely? What happens when I cant work, when I need help every single day? Did you even consider what that life would be?

She left a beat of silence, but when Owen went to argue, she cut across him,

Which doctors, Owen? Did you go alone? Did you ask for real statistics? Do you know how many women lose their sight during pregnancy with my diagnosis? Noyou only cared about what you wanted to believe.

He fell silent at last, the anger in his eyes replaced now with a dawning sense of the enormity of what hed done.

You betrayed my trust, Lily said, quietly and with finality. You knew how much I relied on those tablets, how hard Ive worked to accept my condition. But you wiped it all away with one thoughtless act.

Sam stepped closer, ready to physically block Owen again if necessary, though Lily had made him promise not to intervene unless truly needed.

I want nothing more to do with you, Lily finished, her voice cold and resolute again. I cant live with the fear youll undermine me like this again.

Owen opened his mouth, searching for words, but couldnt find any. He watched as Lily and Sam walked away into the evening mist; Lilys head held high, Sam by her side like a silent protector.

Left standing by the park bench, Owen stared at the bouquet of white roses in his handsunnecessary, unwanted, and wholly inadequate.

Hed lost more than the child hed wantedhed lost the woman he loved.

And as that realisation sank in, one thought clanged hollowly in his mind: what if shes right? But it was already far, far too late.