The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 556

By the time they returned to the hotel, it was past midnight.

Joseph washed up and lay in bed. Even though he was physically exhausted, sleep completely evaded him.

For the past few weeks, he had grown used to falling asleep with his soft, sweet-smelling wife in his arms every night.

Once a habit was formed, losing it was a miserable experience.

He pulled a pillow into his arms, but it didn't even come close to the real thing.

After tossing and turning, he finally caved and reached for his phone.

It was 12:30 AM. He figured he would send a message to test the waters.

If she was asleep, he'd leave it at that.

If she was still awake, they could chat for a bit.

Without talking to her, his mind simply wouldn't settle.

Decision made, Joseph opened WhatsApp and found the chat with his dearest wife.

He sent a quick message.

[You asleep?]

Truthfully, Vivica had been working until almost midnight herself.

She had waited up, but when no messages came through, she assumed Joseph was still tied up with work.

She didn't know the exact complexities of the case, but she knew that if her husband had a free moment, he would absolutely reach out to her.

Since he hadn't, he had to be busy.

She didn't want to interrupt him.

Eventually, her exhaustion caught up with her, and she drifted into a hazy sleep.

But without that familiar, comforting presence beside her, her sleep was shallow and restless.

She felt like she was hovering between dreams and reality.

So, when her phone suddenly buzzed, her eyes flew open as if she hadn't been asleep at all.

Grabbing the phone, she saw the familiar profile picture on the screen.

Vivica pouted in the dark, her voice taking on a slightly aggrieved tone. "Then why didn't you text? I saw you were in a meeting and didn't want to interrupt."

Joseph's expression grew a little more serious. "From now on, no matter what time it is, if you want to talk to me, just reach out. If I can't answer, I obviously won't, but the second I'm free, I will always reply. You never have to worry about bothering me."

Vivica listened intently.

"Understood?"

"Yeah, understood," she replied obediently, but then curiosity got the better of her. "So... if you didn't reach out at eleven, why did you text me now?"

Joseph hesitated for a second, clearing his throat softly. "I... couldn't sleep."

Vivica's heart fluttered. "Was it... because you missed me so much you couldn't sleep?" she asked softly.

"Yes," the man replied simply. It was just one word, but the sheer sweetness of it was overwhelming.

Vivica's heart beat faster. She paused for a moment before admitting, "Me too... I miss you..."

Neither of them spoke for a moment, but through the receiver, they could hear the steady, slightly quickened rhythm of each other's breathing.

Vivica swallowed hard. Knowing exactly where both of their minds were going, she quickly changed the subject. "Um... so did things go smoothly over there? Are you going to be able to put those people behind bars this time?"