The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 263

And what a man Joseph was—tall, with long legs, a solid, sexy build, and he’d been celibate for years. By any measure, she wasn't getting the short end of the stick.

“Really? Is Uncle Joseph going to live here too?” Chaim asked, his face lighting up.

“Yes,” Joseph murmured, his eyes lingering on Vivica for a long moment before he turned and walked out the door.

Vivica followed him to the doorway, watching as he got into his car, reversed, and drove away slowly. She let out a long breath, the cold wind making her shiver and bringing her back to her senses.

In one week, she and Joseph would be face-to-face, bare and vulnerable. She wondered if it was too late to start working out. With everything that had been going on, she’d neglected her fitness routine, and a soft layer had formed on her stomach. She needed to trim down and get her defined abs back.

She even considered seeing a physical therapist for pelvic floor rehabilitation. It had been years since she’d given birth; she wasn’t sure if it would still be effective, but it was worth a shot.

That night, Vivica lay in bed and diligently did her Kegel exercises. It wasn't just about making the experience better for him; it was about taking responsibility for her own body. Getting a head start now might prevent things from getting too bad after she had her second child.

...

Meanwhile, Joseph, despite his healing ribs, was also back home, doing what exercises he could to strengthen his arms and lower body.

Just as a woman adorns herself for the one who admires her, a man does the same. Though their union was for the purpose of conceiving a child to save another, they both unconsciously wanted to present the best version of themselves to each other.

In its own way, it was a mutual journey toward the same goal.

...

The following Monday, both Vivica and Joseph were swamped with work. Vivica had a business trip the next day and needed to finish everything on her desk before she left.

Joseph, too, had a backlog of cases to close out before the end of the year, not to mention needing to visit out-of-town branches. He was stretched thin.

As the workday was ending, he found a moment to call Vivica.

She had just finished her tasks and was taking a sip of water. When her phone screen lit up with “Mr. Baird,” a wave of pressure washed over her. Was he planning to come over for dinner again tonight?

She still hadn't told him about her business trip, afraid he wouldn't approve. She’d decided it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

The phone continued to vibrate. Taking a breath to compose herself, she answered. “Hello.”

Joseph’s voice was calm on the other end. “Still busy? Took you a while to answer.”

“Yeah, it’s a Monday. Lots to do,” Vivica replied, her own voice steady, though her heart was pounding. Just the sound of his voice, whether in person or over the phone, was enough to unsettle her. This, she realized, was what it truly felt like to have feelings for someone. A pang of regret hit her for the four or five years she had wasted with Fletcher.

“So, you’re working late tonight?” Joseph asked, following her lead.

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