The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 240

Once the door was closed, Vivica looked up at him and, after a moment of hesitation, said, “The elders were talking this morning… about that matter.”

Joseph looked puzzled. “What matter?”

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she met his gaze. “The same thing… you proposed. That we… have a child.”

Joseph remained silent, his expression unchanged.

“How could they say that in front of Chaim?” Vivica continued, her voice filled with worry. “He doesn’t fully understand, but now he thinks that if I just have another baby, his illness will be cured. What if we did have a baby and he still didn’t get better? How would he feel then…?”

Vivica knew Melanie meant no harm; it was probably just a casual chat with another relative. But regardless, a child had overheard, and it had led to a dangerous misunderstanding.

“I understand your concern,” Joseph said. “I’ll talk to my mother and ask her to be more careful about what she says around him.”

Vivica’s eyes were still fixed on him, her expression shy yet direct. “Was it you… who told them about this?”

Joseph didn’t deny it. His silence was confirmation enough.

“How could you tell them?” Vivica pressed, her anxiety rising. “I haven’t even decided! And does your family really not care what people will think? It might be one thing for an ordinary family, but you’re a prominent, influential family.”

“You’re overthinking it. No matter how prominent or influential, staying alive is what matters most. My parents and I feel the same way: we have to try everything we can to cure Chaim. What we’re discussing isn’t illegal or immoral. All that matters is your consent.”

“And if we had this baby,” Vivica asked, as if finally being persuaded to consider the next step, “who would they belong to?”

Without hesitation, Joseph replied, “We could get married. The baby would live with us, along with Chaim. We could be a happy family of four.”

“Get married?” Vivica was stunned. “You would marry me?”

“Yes.”

She stared at him for a long moment before shaking her head in disbelief. “Do you even know what marriage means? You’ve been single for years; I thought you were against it. You’ve never even been in a serious relationship! And now you suddenly want to marry a divorcée? I have to wonder if you’re hiding something!”