Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 764

Jayson ignored Ariel's attempt to pull her hand away, tightening his grip.

"No."

Ariel frowned at him.

Jayson continued, "You shouldn't keep it all bottled up if you're feeling down. You can cry if you're upset. You can yell at me if you want to blame me for what happened. I have all the time in the world, so I can stay here and keep you company."

Ariel had just woken up from a coma, so her reactions and thoughts were still sluggish. Jayson's words left her momentarily stunned.

"I'm still trying to process everything that's happened," she said softly. "I just need some time. You should give me some space."

"That means you'll end up dealing with all that pain on your own, doesn't it?" Jayson met her eyes. "You not being able to conceive means I won't be having children either. Since we share the same fate, how about we give each other a hug and cry it out together?"

His words were so absurd that the storm of emotions rising in Ariel dissipated slightly. She glared at him, those beautiful eyes full of disbelief but lacking words.

Jayson rubbed his thumb against her pinky and said unhurriedly, "Then how about I get a vasectomy? That would make us a perfect match, wouldn't it?"

Ariel could only stare at him. Has he lost his mind?

"Should you really be joking about something like that?"

"When have I ever not been serious about what I tell you?" Jayson's tone was calm and deep, not a trace of hesitation or doubt in it.

Ariel's thoughts were in complete disarray. She didn't even have the space to wallow in grief anymore.

Feeling her glare, Jayson dragged the chair closer to the bed. He leaned forward, resting one hand on the edge of the mattress, and locked eyes with her.

"That way, you won't have to worry about me having any mistresses or illegitimate children. Everything I have is practically yours. How about that?"

He paused, swallowing slightly as his eyes softened. "Ariel, would it be possible for you to love me again?"

Her heart skipped a beat. The sincerity and affection in his gaze left her momentarily breathless.

"I've been thinking a lot since I found out about your illness," Jayson said quietly. "I imagined what life would be like if you weren't here, and I couldn't bear it. Can we start over—give each other another chance?

"I'll admit I've always been proud and stubborn, too confident for my own good. But with you… it's your win, Ariel. I've never stopped loving you."

He knew what was tormenting her—the loss of their child and the thought that she could never conceive again. But to him, none of that mattered. All he wanted was for her to be safe and healthy, to stop blaming herself for what couldn't be changed.

Warmth spread through Ariel's chest, filling the emptiness she'd been carrying. Her eyes burned as she stared at him, and tears finally spilled over.

She had been holding it in ever since she learned about her illness. But with Jayson looking at her that way, she could no longer stop the flood of emotions.