Abortion

"Um, I just remembered something. A while back, a friend mentioned they saw Ava Sterling at the second hospital's gynecology department, undergoing a procedure. Ava, you're not having any health issues, are you?"

Before Ava Sterling could figure out how to respond, Aunt Susan Johnson dropped another bombshell, proving the saying "walls have ears" painfully accurate in this naked display of gossip.

"I... I..." Ava felt overwhelmed, as if a hundred mouths wouldn't be enough to explain her situation.

"It seems Aunt Susan knows quite a lot of people," Nathan Ford chimed in, breaking his silence as Ava struggled for words.

"I'm aware of Ava going to the hospital because, as you all know, the elders are eager for us to start a family soon. As for the surgery that Aunt Susan's friend mentioned, that didn't happen. I simply had Ava consult with a doctor on how we might conceive sooner, focusing on health and fertility. So, I hope Aunt Susan won't too readily believe in such rumors."

Nathan Ford's calm and collected explanation brought Ava a sigh of relief, grateful for his support.

Seeing Nathan step in to clarify, the room's tension eased, quelling further speculation.

"Well, I... was just concerned about Ava's health," Aunt Susan awkwardly laughed off her earlier insinuation.

"Great, just great. I had no idea you two were making such efforts privately. Very good," Grandpa Ford beamed, thrilled by the news of their proactive approach.

"So, when will we have the joy of welcoming a new member?" Aunt Susan couldn't help but continue.

Ava's appetite vanished at this point. She felt like throwing down her chopsticks and storming off. 

Aunt Susan's relentless focus on her felt personal, as if they had some deep, unresolved vendetta. 

From the start, it seemed she was the target of inexplicable hostility.

"Here, darling, have some fish to nourish yourself. Let's both put in the effort, alright?" Nathan Ford generously filled Ava Sterling's bowl with a large piece of fish, instantly refilling what she had just managed to eat down, leaving Ava in a mix of laughter and tears.

"Thank you, dear," Ava managed to squeeze out a sweet smile, though it felt quite against her will.

"You're so good," Nathan affectionately stroked Ava's soft hair, treating her with the tenderness one might show a beloved pet, which Ava found utterly annoying.

"However, this endeavor requires effort from both of us, but dear husband, you've been working so hard. You should have some soup," Ava said as she handed Nathan the entire bowl of winter melon and pork rib soup from the table.

She didn't care about the opinions of others. Given Nathan's "kind" and "thoughtful" gesture towards her, she felt compelled to reciprocate.

Seeing the large bowl of soup in front of him turn pale, Nathan slightly panicked.

"Honey, the soup is meant for everyone. If you give it all to me, what will everyone else drink, right?" Nathan attempted to return the soup to its original spot.

"No, I'm sure everyone would understand, considering they all wish for us to have our child soon," Ava quickly intervened, setting the soup down with a smile that hid her true intentions.

"Exactly, Ava's right. Nathan, it's not just Ava who needs to be in good condition, you need your nourishment too," the grandfather said with a grin, hardly able to contain his joy.

"Husband, you indeed need to take good care of yourself. You must finish this bowl. Otherwise, it would be letting down the expectations of our elders," Ava said, taking delight in Nathan's predicament.

After all, spouses are companions through thick and thin; if one is to suffer, they might as well pull the other along for support.

"Ava Sterling, whether I need to nourish myself or not, I hope you're aware. And remember, no regrets," Nathan gritted his teeth, not over the prospect of drinking the soup, but at the implication that he needed to "nourish" himself.