The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 225

Vivica's expression shifted from alarm to utter shock.

As a mother, she wanted to save Chaim more than anyone. But could a child she had with Joseph even be a successful match? If not, what would his enormous sacrifice have been for? And what about the child, brought into the world with such a heavy purpose? How would they ever navigate the complex relationship between their biological parents?

More importantly, his bringing this up now… Did it mean his supposed feelings for her were just a ploy to convince her to have another baby?

"You’ve heard what Dr. Warren said about Chaim’s treatment," Joseph continued, his voice steady. "The results aren't what we hoped for. The best option is still a stem cell transplant, but waiting for a match from the national registry could take forever. We might miss the optimal window for treatment."

He had planned to discuss this with her properly in a few days, but her blunt rejection had forced his hand. Perhaps it was his bruised ego, or a simple refusal to lose, but he brought up the one thing he knew would put him back in control.

Vivica listened in silence, a chilling coldness seeping through her. "No… I have to save Chaim. I can't lose him," she whispered.

"And the Baird family can't lose him either," Joseph said firmly. "Which means there's only one path forward for us."

Vivica gathered herself, looking up at him to voice her biggest doubt. "But would that method even work? You're not Chaim's biological father."

"I—" Joseph took a sharp breath, the truth nearly spilling from his lips before he caught himself. "But we're still blood relatives. The odds are much higher than if you had a child with a stranger."

Vivica didn't respond, her mind a battlefield of conflicting emotions. "This is a huge decision," she said after a long moment, her voice distant. "I… I need some time to think about it."

"For Chaim, time is life," Joseph reminded her cruelly. "You need to decide as soon as possible."

The pressure was suffocating. She looked up at him again. "So this is the real reason you were acting so ambiguously with me? It has nothing to do with feelings, it's all just to save Chaim?"

After all, Chaim was his brother's only child, the last piece of him left in the world. He was the anchor for Sheridan and Melanie's spirits. Of course, they would be willing to do anything to save him, just as she was. Including sacrificing Joseph's future.

Joseph wanted to say no. But the sting of her rejection was still fresh. His pride took over. "You've been burned by marriage once, and you're still thinking about love and romance," he scoffed. "You must be remarkably resilient."

His words implied she was a fool, still chasing unrealistic fantasies after everything she'd been through.

Vivica's face burned with humiliation. She didn't know how to respond.

Silence fell between them again, broken only when they heard Chaim's small voice from the other room. "Mommy? Uncle Joseph?"

What? Vivica's mind went blank, and a furious blush spread across her cheeks. She had completely forgotten about that option.

The moment he'd said they needed to have a child, her mind had jumped straight to the physical act, assuming that was the only way she could get pregnant.

She had forgotten they could simply go to a clinic. He could provide a sample, and a doctor could handle the rest. They wouldn't have to touch each other at all. They wouldn't even have to be in the same room.

Seeing her face turn crimson, Joseph's smile deepened. "Did you think that we would have to—"

"I didn't think anything!" Vivica couldn't bear to hear another word. She wrenched her arm from his grasp. "I'm going to put Chaim to bed. You should leave."

With that, she opened the door and fled.

Joseph remained standing in the bathroom, a thoughtful expression on his face. Then, an inexplicable smile touched his lips, his eyes gleaming with the certainty of victory.

In the room, Vivica turned off the lights and lay down beside her son. She hadn't even washed up yet, but the thought of Joseph still being in the bathroom made it impossible for her to go back in. She would just have to wait until Chaim was asleep, and until Joseph was gone.