The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 157

"It's fine. What do you need?" Joseph asked.

"I… uh, I'm thirsty. I was just getting some water."

She was too embarrassed to admit she had to use the bathroom and grabbed the first excuse she could think of.

The next thing she knew, Joseph was getting out of bed.

Realizing his intention, Vivica quickly whispered, "Mr. Baird, I can get it myself, you don't have to…"

But her words trailed off as he was already walking back from the small counter, a cup of water in his hand.

"Here," he said, holding it out to her.

Vivica took the cup, her heart sinking. Water was the last thing she needed. She'd been holding it for over half an hour, and another drop would surely make her bladder explode. She stood there, clutching the cup, unable to move.

Joseph stared at her, a strange tension filling the space between them. Just as he was about to ask why she wasn't drinking, his eyes widened with sudden understanding.

"Do you need to use the restroom?" he asked bluntly.

Vivica was grateful for the darkness, which hid the fiery blush consuming her face. But since he'd already guessed, there was no point in denying it—she was at her breaking point.

"Yes…" she admitted in a tiny voice.

In the dim light, she could see him frown.

"No, you don't have to! I can walk back myself," she insisted, her head buzzing with a dizzying mix of emotions.

But Joseph ignored her. He turned and left, not just stepping out of the bathroom, but exiting the hospital room entirely and closing the door behind him.

Vivica was floored by his thoughtfulness. He must have known why she'd been holding it, understood she was too self-conscious, and wanted to spare her the embarrassment of being overheard. He had gone outside to give her complete privacy.

In that instant, any lingering annoyance she felt over his sharp tongue vanished, replaced by an overwhelming admiration for his character.

Bracing herself, she slowly lowered herself down and finally found relief. Afterward, she intended to walk back on her own, but as soon as she opened the bathroom door, the tall, slender figure was already walking back in from the hallway.

Without a word, Joseph approached, took her arm, and once again lifted her into his arms. Her heart hammered against her ribs. In that moment, she could hear the sound of her own foolish heart falling for him. She knew she shouldn't, knew she wasn't worthy. But it was unstoppable, an impulse that defied all logic.