Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 22

"I don't agree to a divorce," Julian said coldly. "I won't force you anymore, but a divorce is out of the question."

"Suit yourself." Hester let out a cold laugh. "If you cooperate, we can just file the standard paperwork. If you don't, I'll take this to court."

Julian gave a chilling scoff. "No lawyer in Northwood City will dare take up a divorce case against me."

"Julian, you think way too highly of yourself." Hester couldn't be bothered to waste any more breath on him. "I've said what I needed to say. I'll leave the rest to the lawyers."

Julian frowned. He was just about to speak when his cell phone suddenly rang in his pocket.

It was Joanna, the housekeeper who took care of his grandmother, Bella.

Julian answered it. "Joanna, what's wrong?"

"Mr. Weston, it's terrible! Your grandmother suddenly collapsed and has been rushed to the emergency room!"

Hearing this, Julian froze.

...

In a VIP Ward of the private hospital.

Bella had suffered a sudden heart attack and was rushed in for emergency care. Fortunately, she arrived just in time. After the doctors' frantic efforts, she was finally out of the woods.

When Julian and Hester hurried to the hospital, Joanna was the only one keeping watch in the room. None of the other Westons had shown up yet.

This was practically the norm. Julian and Hester had long since grown used to it.

When Dr. Evans saw Julian, he approached him to give an update. "Bella's heart is failing. Once her condition stabilizes, I strongly recommend minimally invasive heart surgery. It's not a major operation, but given her age, the risks are certainly higher than for a younger patient. We'll need to sit down and discuss a detailed surgical plan."

"I understand," Julian said. "I'll have my assistant bring in a few top specialists for a joint consultation."

Dr. Evans breathed a massive sigh of relief and smiled. "That would be perfect."

Julian cast a subtle, fleeting glance at Hester.

Seeing the couple's reaction, Bella assumed they still hadn't completely moved past the heartbreaking loss of their twins. Her tone softened with sympathy. "I know how much pain you both carry in your hearts, but you're still young. You can't put off having a family forever. Look at it this way—maybe those precious babies are just waiting to find their way back to you."

Hester's grip on the paring knife tightened slightly.

"Grandma, you're right." Julian rested a hand gently on Hester's shoulder, his voice warm and deep. "Hester and I are already getting our health on track. So you need to take good care of yourself. We're going to do our absolute best to give you a great-grandchild by next year."

At his words, Hester's brows furrowed. She pressed her lips tight, fighting back the wave of fury rising in her chest. Julian was doing this on purpose! But what gave him the right? How dared he play the part of a loving, devoted husband in front of his grandmother when he already had a son with Melody on the outside!

Bella turned her gaze to Hester. "Hester."

Hester closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath. Then she raised her head, meeting Bella's expectant gaze.

"Julian always knows how to sweet-talk me," Bella said warmly. "But when it comes to having a baby, I'll only believe it if I hear it straight from you."