Independence

Ingrid was eating a slice of orange when Ingrid informed her of the prenatal class. She immediately refused, “Mrs. Johnson, I’ve been feeling unwell lately. With constant trips to the hospital, I just can’t handle any prenatal classes at the moment.”

She still remembered the grievances and criticism from the last tea tasting party. The thought of attending another gathering with tasks like flower arranging and tea tasting made her stomach turn.

Evelyn was so furious that her gut felt like it was burning. Was Ingrid really being so bold as to refuse without even pretending to be interested?

“It’s non–negotiable. You have to go.” Before she could say more, Ingrid hung up.

Evelyn stared at her phone in disbelief and thought, “How dare she hang up on me?”All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Even before the baby was born, Ingrid was already so audacious. What would happen if she actually had a son? Evelyn shuddered at the thought.

Then, she told Gary, “Deliver the course

dule to Ingrid in person. Tell her that if she refuses to attend,

she and the baby will be kicked out of Hael’s mansion. Also, let her know that we won’t acknowledge her baby.”

He returned later, at 9:00 pm.

Evelyn asked, “What did she say?”

Gary replied, “Ms. York said she’ll attend the classes.”

“Well, at least she’s being sensible,” she said.

The next morning. Ingrid was jolted awake by her phone ringing. She squinted, groggily grabbing her phone and putting it to her ear.

“Who is it?” she grumbled.

“Is this Ms. York? Hello, I’m the instructor from Starborn Prenatal Wellness Studio. Our assistant should have sent you the schedule last night. The first class is dessert making at 8:00 am. It’s now 7:25 am, Can you make it here in 35 minutes?”

After introducing themselves and hearing her groggy voice, the caller added, “Mrs. Johnson wants us to inform her immediately if you miss any classes. She’ll come by in person to drag you here.”

Ingrid recalled Gary’s stern words from the previous night and begrudgingly got out of bed.

As she ate breakfast, she checked her phone and saw several unread messages from the so–called assistant with the class schedule. After downloading the document, she nearly spat out her milk.

The schedule was packed from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Classes included fashion, social etiquette, desserts, and jewelry appreciation, with barely any breaks.

Every part of her resisted the idea of attending. But after considering Evelyn’s warning and her current comfortable life, she decided she had no choice but to go.

So, Ingrid began her grueling routine of prenatal classes. She left early and came home late every day. Despite feeling exhausted, she still had to find time for university.

Her frequent absences in university had drawn the attention of her advisor, who questioned her commitment. She had no choice but to return to class, though she continued to skip frequently.

Ingrid would hire someone to attend classes for her and relied on her roommate to cover her absences. She would show up occasionally, which helped her get by without raising suspicion.

With most of her time consumed by the prenatal classes, she found it increasingly hard to keep up. Soon, she decided to drop out of university.