The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 961

The day of his discharge, the Ludwig Mansion hosted a grand celebration.

As Jamison stepped out of the car, he noticed a small ceremonial fire burning near the entrance and frowned. "What is the meaning of this? I'm a doctor. I don't believe in these ridiculous superstitions. Move it."

A few years ago, Ivy wouldn't have believed in it either.

But things had changed.

Even knowing that these folk remedies held no scientific merit, she still desperately wanted every good omen she could get.

"We can't move it. You have to step over the flames to burn away the bad luck and ensure your health," Ivy said earnestly, clinging to her husband's arm and looking up at him.

Jamison looked at her. "Is this absolutely necessary?"

"Absolutely!"

Seeing the unwavering determination in his wife's eyes, Jamison let out a helpless sigh and stepped forward.

His wife's word was law, and even though this ritual contradicted his fundamental principles as a medical professional, he complied.

Jamison stepped his long legs over the ceremonial fire, prompting the entire Ludwig family to break into joyful applause and shower him with blessings.

Floyd and Denis rushed out, each grabbing onto one of their father's legs.

"Dad, you're finally back! If you stayed away any longer, we would have started calling you some stranger!"

That statement left everyone a bit confused.

Jamison didn't quite understand either. He pinched his son's cheek and asked, "What, looking for trouble again?"

He was their father—how dare they joke about calling him a stranger? They were definitely asking for a scolding.

The little boy replied brightly, "We were forgetting what you looked like! Of course we'd think you were just some guy!"

The crowd froze for a second before bursting into hearty laughter, finally bringing joy back to the somber Ludwig Mansion.

That night, Jamison lay in his own bed, letting out a long, comfortable sigh. It felt like a lifetime had passed.

Seeing his deeply moved expression, Ivy sat on the edge of the bed and took his hand, asking gently, "What are you thinking about? It feels good to be home, doesn't it?"

"Of course." Jamison squeezed his wife's hand. His gaze was filled with deep affection, but more than that, overwhelming gratitude. "To be honest, I thought... I would never have the chance to come home again."

Ivy's expression faltered slightly as she grasped the weight of his words, her heart clenching tightly.

"Ivy, thank you. Thank you for saving my life," Jamison said to his wife with sincere gratitude.

Overcome with emotion, Ivy's eyes welled with tears as she gently scolded him, "What are you thanking me for? I didn't just save you; I saved myself."

Those words struck Jamison's heart like a heavy drumbeat.

He couldn't help but reach out for his wife, and Ivy seamlessly climbed into bed, nestling gently into the crook of his arm.

"Is this okay?" she asked softly, worried about his recovering body.

"It's fine. I'm not that fragile," Jamison murmured, lowering his head to press a kiss to her temple.

"Ivy, come to the hospital. Mom is in her final moments..." Jamison's voice was low and relatively steady, but Ivy knew he was forcing himself to hold it together.

Her heart dropped, and she hurriedly replied, "Okay, I'm on my way."

Hanging up, Ivy rushed back into the classroom, packed up her books, quickly explained the situation to the professor, and bolted out of the building.

She rushed to the hospital as fast as she could. All of the Ludwig family's relatives and friends had already gathered.

Hearing her footsteps, the crowd turned and silently parted to make a path for her.

Suppressing her chaotic, grieving heartbeat, Ivy saw Jamison standing at the end of the parted crowd.

When their eyes met, a lump formed in her throat, and tears began to fall endlessly down her cheeks.

"Ivy, Mom wants to speak with you," Jamison rasped, reaching out to usher her forward.

Ivy snapped out of her daze. Swallowing the indescribable pain in her chest, she took heavy steps toward the hospital bed.

"Mom, it's Ivy. I'm here," she cried, stepping forward and grasping the elderly woman's frail hand, her voice breaking into sobs.

Even though Adela was at death's door, her expression didn't look pained.

She squeezed her youngest daughter-in-law's hand, struggling to move her lips several times before a weak voice finally emerged. "Ivy... please, take good care... of Jamison. He... only listens to you... With his health—"

Ivy knew exactly what the matriarch was trying to say and nodded furiously, promising, "Mom, don't worry! I'll keep a close eye on his health and take good care of him. You can rest easy!"