The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 241

“At my age, is getting married really that strange?” Joseph asked.

“You’re certainly at the right age, but the normal way to go about it would be to find a socialite from a suitable family, someone you have a mutual affection for. Ideally, you’d know each other inside and out, date for one to three years, and then, once the relationship is stable, you get married.”

Vivica was describing the picture-perfect path to marriage, the kind that was perfectly suited for someone of Joseph’s background.

“What you shouldn’t do is have zero intention of marrying, be a complete blank slate when it comes to relationships, and then suddenly grab a random person and decide to get hitched. That’s irresponsible to both parties. Plenty of couples with a solid emotional foundation end up in disastrous marriages that turn love into resentment and end in a bitter separation. What hope is there for an impulsive marriage like this?”

Having laid out her thoughts, Vivica looked at Joseph and delivered her conclusion bluntly: “You don’t understand marriage at all. You’re treating it like a game.”

Joseph knew she had grown deeply skeptical of love and marriage. Anything he said now would likely fall on deaf ears. After a moment’s thought, he changed his approach. “You can say I don’t understand love, but you can’t say I don’t understand marriage. I’ve handled countless divorce cases, and I know exactly what drives people to that point. Sometimes one person cheats, sometimes a couple fails to grow together, and sometimes it’s the daily grind of mundane life or meddling in-laws. But if we were to get married, none of those problems would exist. Ours would be the most stable and lasting marriage possible.”

Vivica’s frown deepened. She couldn't wrap her head around it. “Why? We’ve known each other for such a short time. We don’t even truly know one another.”

“It’s not about how long you know someone. I saw exactly what kind of person you are the very first time you walked into my office asking for help with your divorce.”

That was why he dared to make such a seemingly “rash” proposal. It looked reckless, but it was a carefully considered decision.

“As for what kind of person I am, even if you don’t trust me, you should trust my parents—so you have nothing to worry about on that front.”

Vivica stared at him, momentarily speechless. She had experienced firsthand just how wonderful Sheridan and Melanie were. It was impossible for parents like that to raise a bad son.

“If we become a team, first, you won’t have to worry about me cheating. As you said, I’m a blank slate when it comes to relationships. It’s true. A person as clear-headed and rational as myself finds it difficult to trust in love or people’s hearts, and I’m certainly not willing to waste time and energy on such things. So, no woman is going to make me lose my head and do something that harms my own interests.”

Vivica bit her lip, her gaze flickering toward him several times. She wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words to argue. A warmth spread through her chest; his reasoning had completely won her over.

After a moment of contemplation, she said softly, “You’re a lawyer. You’re good with words. I can’t win an argument against you.”

Joseph smiled slightly. “That’s because everything I said is true.”

“So,” he continued, “our union would be the most stable marital relationship possible. You wouldn’t have to worry about custody battles over your son in the future, nor would you have to worry about me hurting you again. And in the absolute worst-case scenario, if some unforeseen force separates us, I will ensure that you and your son are financially secure for the rest of your lives. Of course, words are just words. We can sign a prenuptial agreement that specifies the division of assets and have it notarized.”

Vivica’s eyes widened in shock. She knew wealthy people signed prenups, but usually to protect their own assets from shrinking in a divorce. Yet Joseph wanted to sign one to guarantee her interests in the event of a separation.

Her lips parted, feeling a dizzying wave of emotion. “Why… why are you being so good to me?”