The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 287

“I know you’re all wonderful and take great care of Chaim,” Vivica said softly, her head bowed as she sipped her soup. “But that’s just how mothers are. The moment my child isn’t by my side, I worry constantly, especially since he’s sick.”

“If you can’t let go, then just quit your job,” Joseph stated plainly. “Stay home and be with him, just like before.”

Vivica looked up at him in surprise.

“What is it?” Joseph asked, confused.

She hesitated for a moment. “You want me to be a stay-at-home wife too?”

Seeing her sensitivity, Joseph realized she was thinking of her past experience.

“I’m not your ex-husband. Besides, being a full-time mom is anything but easy. You’d have to take care of Chaim while also trying to get pregnant, and the pregnancy itself will be demanding. You don’t need the money, so why put yourself through all that stress?”

He wasn’t belittling her; he was genuinely thinking about what was best for her and their future child. But Vivica shook her head, her thoughts clear.

“I’m not really the type to sit still. When I quit my job to be a stay-at-home mom, Fletcher basically tricked and pressured me into it. It’s a decision I’ve always regretted. This business trip has been exhausting, but it’s also given me a real sense of accomplishment.”

A new light shone in Vivica’s eyes as she spoke about her work. “I’ve finally found my purpose again. Using my skills and knowledge to solve real technical problems… that provides a completely different kind of satisfaction from raising a child or doing housework.”

“Plus, keeping my mind busy with work prevents me from dwelling on negative things, from spiraling into anxiety. I love my job, and unless I absolutely have to, I don’t plan on leaving it.”

Joseph listened intently. Initially, he had been dismissive of her insistence on working, even thinking she was making things unnecessarily hard for herself. But hearing her explanation, his perspective began to shift.

He understood then that a woman really did need her own career. Whether life was going well or throwing challenges her way, a job was essential. When things were good, it was an added bonus. When things were tough, it served as a distraction from negative emotions, a pillar of mental support that helped her find her value and gave her the courage to face adversity.

If she gave up her career to spend all her time in a hospital with Chaim, her mental state would likely be far from the calm and peace she had now. She would be consumed by her son’s illness, constantly on edge. It would be counterproductive.

Realizing this, he nodded, changing his earlier tone. “It was just a suggestion. If you prefer your life as it is now, I respect that.”

Vivica looked at him and said after a moment, “You really are different from Fletcher.”

Joseph snorted. “Comparing me to him is an insult.”

Vivica smiled, then said, “By the way, Fletcher’s father is probably still in the ICU. The follow-up treatments are going to be expensive.”

Joseph frowned. “Did he ask you for money again?”

“He brought it up, but I’ve been busy these past few days and haven’t dealt with it. Also…” Vivica toyed with her spoon, hesitating before adding in a low voice, “He… he regrets the divorce. He apologized to me, said he was sorry.”

Vivica walked over to grab her bag. “What are you eating?” she asked casually.

The man held out two mints. “Want one?”

Looking at the mints, Vivica’s mind inexplicably jumped to kissing. The seafood soup had been delicious, but it left a lingering fishy taste. He was deliberately freshening his breath. Was he planning to…?

“No, I’m fine,” she said quickly, waving her hands.

But just as Joseph was about to pull them back, she reached out. “Actually, I’ll take one.”

Joseph didn’t speak, but the smile that played on his lips had an indescribable mix of smoothness and allure.

Vivica’s face instantly flushed crimson, the heat spreading to the tips of her ears.

They walked out of the restaurant side by side. It was still crowded inside, and when people walked toward them, Joseph would gently place a hand on her waist, pulling her closer to him to avoid a collision.

Although Vivica had accepted their relationship, she was still unaccustomed to such intimate gestures. The moment his hand touched her waist, a jolt shot through her side, like a tiny electric shock. The mint in her mouth was cool and sweet, but the fluttering in her heart was a wildfire, hot and spreading.