The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 4

Jocelyn was baffled by the accusation.

Had she even said anything? She hadn't uttered a single word.-

"Audrey did this with the whole family's blessing. I think you're just jealous!"

"You've been married to Adrian for three years and you still haven't produced an heir. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for being useless."

The words were dripping with insinuation.

Jocelyn looked up, her eyes cold as she retorted coolly.

"Mom, are you saying that Audrey didn't have this baby to honor Arthur's memory, but to give Adrian an heir in my place?"

Michelle was stunned into silence for a moment.

"That's not what I meant! I meant you're jealous!"

Jocelyn gave a faint smile and didn't push back further.

There was no point arguing with a fool. Besides, Michelle had disliked her from the very beginning.

Audrey, however, spoke up through her tears, playing the peacemaker.

"Mom, please don't yell at Jocelyn, okay? It makes it look like I'm the reason you two don't get along. I'll feel so guilty."

Michelle's face instantly softened into a smile. "Alright, alright, I won't say any more. I was just sticking up for you. Some people just take advantage of your kindness because they know you're too good to fight back."

"Hmph. As if there's no one left in the Lowell family to protect you."

Audrey opened her arms to take the baby, her eyes filled with adoration and... satisfaction.

Since Arthur's death, a palpable gloom had settled over the Lowell household.

From Eleanor Lowell to Michelle, to Claire, who was still studying abroad, and then to Audrey and Jocelyn—it was a house full of women.

Adrian was the only man left.

Now, finally, there was a second male heir, and the Lowell family was, naturally, ecstatic.

After feeding the baby, Audrey handed him back to Michelle.

Michelle held him, gently patting his back.

Audrey then took a phone call.

But she hung up after only a few moments.

Jocelyn nodded. "Yeah."

Adrian said, "We were planning on having Audrey stay at a postpartum recovery center, but she doesn't like the idea. She wants to recover at home, so we've hired the best postpartum nurse."

Jocelyn's heart remained unmoved. "What's your point?"

Adrian replied, "I'm just letting you know."

Jocelyn said, "Don't be so polite. It almost sounds like I have a say in the matter. Do whatever you want."

The words grated on Adrian. "You..."

Jocelyn cut him off. "Adrian, I forgive you."

[I forgive your coldness. And I forgive your betrayal. Because none of it matters anymore.]

Jocelyn turned and walked away without a backward glance.

Her back was straight, her pace steady and unhurried.

Adrian watched her go, a strange feeling flickering within him, before he turned and went back into the hospital room.

Jocelyn didn't go home. Instead, she drove to the obstetrics and gynecology department of another hospital.