His Secret Child, Her Revenge: Remarrying Up novel Chapter 225

Chapter 225 Becoming Family

Chapter 225 Becoming Family

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Joanne turned to look at that familiar face. “Jasmine… do you happen to know your birth parents’ names?”

Jasmine’s hands went still.

Her chest tightened with a faint ache.

Noticing the shift in her expression, Joanne realized she’d overstepped. “Oh, listen to me-forgetting my manners already. I guess I’m getting old and silly.”

Jasmine managed a small smile.

“You’re not old at all. You look wonderful.”

The conversation moved on easily after that.

Joanne chuckled. “When you’re my age, you learn to accept it. I don’t mind getting older, but… I do have one regret.”

Jasmine had a feeling she knew where this was headed.

Throughout dinner, Joanne hadn’t mentioned having any children-either things were strained between them, or there simply weren’t any.

Joanne let out a soft sigh.

“My only regret is never giving Richard a child. I feel like I’ve let him down in some way.”

The woman who’d been smiling all evening suddenly looked wistful./

It made Jasmine’s heart sink a little.

“A while back, I even suggested divorcing him so he could marry someone else and start a family,” Joanne went on. “But he wouldn’t hear of it.

“He said he didn’t marry me just to have kids-he married me because he wanted me.

“He told me if we ever divorced, he’d go join a monastery.”

At that, Joanne laughed again, her mood lifting.

“Don’t let that serious face of his fool you. Deep down, he’s really easygoing. As long as it’s not something that goes against his principles, he’s pretty laid-back.”

Jasmine nodded. “I can tell. Richard comes across as a very honorable man.”

Joanne studied Jasmine’s face for a long moment.

Self-conscious, Jasmine touched her cheek. “Is there something on my face, Joanne?”

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Chapter 225 Becoming Family

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Beaming, Joanne said, “Jasmine… how would you feel about becoming my goddaughter?”

Jasmine was completely caught off guard as Joanne gently pulled her into the living room.

Ethan and Richard were still absorbed in their chess game.

Too excited to wait, Joanne spoke up, her voice louder than usual.

“Richard, pause for a second, will you? There’s something I want to discuss.”

Richard didn’t look up. “Hold on, honey, let me finish this game. I’m about to win.”

Jasmine glanced at the board.

About to win?

He was actually on the verge of losing.

Just as Richard was about to move his rook, Jasmine spoke without thinking.

“Mr. Crawford.”

That got his attention.

Jasmine pointed gently. “Don’t move the rook-push your pawn instead.”

Richard examined the board for a few seconds, then smoothly changed his move.

A few turns later, he completely turned the game around and won.

Richard laughed heartily.

“Ethan, you’re slipping!”

Ethan shot a playful look toward Jasmine. “You know what they say-it’s poor form to comment during someone else’s game.”

Jasmine shrugged innocently.

There was a touch of fondness in Ethan’s smile.

By now, Richard was hooked. “I’m done playing against you. I want a match with Ms. Thorne here-looks like she knows her way around a chessboard.”

Before Jasmine could respond, Joanne guided her in front of Richard.

“Richard, what would you think of taking Jasmine on as our goddaughter?”

Ethan looked just as surprised as Richard did.

Richard chuckled warmly. “Have you asked Ms. Thorne how she feels about it, or are you just talking to

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Chapter 225 Becoming Family

yourself?”

“Oh!” Joanne turned to Jasmine, eyes bright. “Jasmine, would you be willing?”

Jasmine hesitated, not sure how to respond.

Saying no might come across as cold or ungrateful.

Saying yes could make it seem like she was trying to get close to them for the wrong reasons.

Almost instinctively, she glanced toward Ethan.

But this time, he stayed quiet-just a faint, steady smile on his face.

It was a smile like warm sunlight, softening his handsome, striking features.

Joanne was too excited to wait. “Jasmine? What do you say?”

All eyes were on her now-especially Joanne’s, filled with hope.

Jasmine thought about what Joanne had shared earlier.

If saying yes could bring a little joy to a woman who’d longed to be a mother… why not?

A genuine, warm smile spread across Jasmine’s face, and she spoke without overthinking it.

“Godmother. Godfather.”

The couple was completely taken aback.

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They’d expected her to need time to think-maybe even to gently decline. They never imagined she’d accept so readily.

Joanne got emotional almost instantly and hurried into the bedroom.

Richard, ever the composed former public servant, maintained his calm-though the slight curl of his lips gave away his happiness.

Moments later, Joanne returned with a small velvet case in her hands.

Inside was a delicate diamond tennis bracelet.

It wasn’t overly extravagant, but it was elegant and carried real sentimental value.

“Richard gave this to me on our wedding day,” Joanne said, her voice tender. “It’s not the most expensive piece, but it means the world to me.

“Today, I’d like to give it to you-as a welcome to the family.”

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