The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 194

Vivica didn't know what to say, so she simply looked at Joseph, deferring to him. He understood her unspoken question but chose to respect his parents' wishes.

"As long as it makes them happy, let them do it," he said. "Lennon is gone, but we have to keep living. Being happy doesn't mean we're forgetting him. He'll always be in our hearts."

Since they both felt that way, Vivica couldn't object. Deep down, she also wanted Chaim to be happy every single day. No one could guarantee his illness would be cured, and on darker days, she even wondered if Chaim would see his next birthday. All she wanted was to cherish the time they had, to fill her son's days with as much joy and laughter as possible.

...

That evening, Joseph took one of the beds in the private hospital room, while Vivica shared the other with Chaim.

Joseph rarely ever got sick, let alone stayed in a hospital. Being forced to lie in bed felt more agonizing than pulling an all-nighter at the office. The lights were out, but his eyes were wide open, sleep nowhere in sight.

Vivica lay beside her son, who had drifted off quickly, his breathing deep and even. But with Joseph just a few feet away, her mind raced. The awkward, undefined nature of their relationship, coupled with the fact that they were once again sharing a room, made sleep impossible for her, too.

Her back ached, and she had to shift her position every so often to find relief. The movement caused the hospital bed to creak in the quiet room.

Suddenly, a low, cool voice cut through the darkness. "You're still awake?"

Vivica instinctively turned her head toward him. "You too?"

"Can't sleep."

"Is your back hurting?" she asked, concerned.

Joseph didn't answer. Of course, he was in some pain—he had been injured, after all—but it wasn't something he couldn't handle.

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