“Remember to take the pill every time in the future.”

Mr. Longbottom said, “Otherwise, I can arrange for you to get your tubes tied.

“That way, you won’t have to take contraceptives all the time. The side effects may be harmful.”

Carrie said, “I’ll continue taking the pills.”

She would not opt for tubal ligation.

No matter how young or ignorant she was, she knew that she would lose the chance to be a mother after the procedure.

Why did Mr. Longbottom not suggest he go for a vasectomy instead?

If he had treasured her and been strict about birth control, she would not have gotten pregnant despite taking contraceptives or needed an abortion.

Mr. Longbottom said, “Do as you wish.”

It was not his body that would be harmed anyway.

He would never let Carrie give birth to his child. He and his legitimate wife’s children were already adults. Successors were not an issue to him.

While Mr. Longbottom had lost his love for his wife, he treated his children well and nurtured them at