Chapter 527

“You don’t have to feel pressured about having kids,” Jamison said softly. “I’m not hung up on being a father. And you really don’t need to worry about what my parents want, either. They already have more grandchildren than they know what to do with. Sometimes older folks just get stuck in their ways, but this is our life to live, not theirs.”

Ivy knew exactly what prompted him to say all this. Looking up from his arms, she met his gaze. “Even if I’m not thinking about having children, I still need to get treatment,” she replied. “So I should go for the check-up tomorrow.”

“That’s true,” Jamison agreed.

He understood how much her illness weighed on her. Now that they were married, there were more options for testing and treatment–it made sense to follow through.

He’d wanted to linger in the moment with her, but the thought of her appointment tomorrow reminded him: they were supposed to avoid intimacy for a few days before the test. With a lingering kiss, Jamison gently drew back.

Ivy could sense he was in a bad mood tonight, and she’d made an effort to comfort him–her kisses felt different, more tender than usual.

But she was surprised when he suddenly stopped.

Her eyes flickered up at him, questioning.

Jamison pinched her chin, teasing her with a crooked smile. “What’s wrong? Not satisfied yet?”

She rolled her eyes at him, feeling thoroughly teased.

Then Dr. Ludwig’s words echoed in the room: “Since you’ve got an exam tomorrow, better not mess around tonight… wouldn’t be good.”

Ivy understood immediately, her cheeks flushing crimson.

“Where do you even come up with these phrases?” she protested. “Honestly, you have no shame.”

Jamison laughed softly, pulling her close for another kiss. “Didn’t I learn them from you? Always talking around it, never just saying ‘making love’–like the words are cursed.”

Ivy’s embarrassment deepened. He still remembered that little thing? And now he was using it to tease her.

Fuming, she kicked him under the covers. Jamison just laughed, catching her up in his arms, his warm breath brushing her ear. “Alright, enough mischief. I’ll make it up to you next time–with interest.”

Her face flamed again. She glared at him, eyes shining. “Who wants you to make it up? Shameless!”

“Mmm, I’m the one who wants it. I’m shameless.”

They bantered and laughed, the tension in the room slowly easing. Ivy could feel his mood lifting, so she finally voiced something she’d been holding back.

“Jamison?”

“Yeah?”

“Next time you go back to the family estate, go by yourself. I don’t want to go.”

He’d almost drifted off, eyes closed, but her words brought him back. He opened his eyes and looked at her.

“I don’t want to make things hard for you, or come between you and your family. I really admire how close-knit and harmonious the Ludwigs are–if I were the one to ruin that, I’d never forgive myself.”

She could have chosen to be selfish, like she was with the Windsor family.

But she couldn’t bring herself to turn that sharp edge against the Ludwigs, not when it might hurt the man she loved most.

So she decided to step back–for everyone’s sake. It was the best way forward.

Jamison held her tighter, his voice low and steady. “Alright. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. Whatever you want.”

Hearing his quiet consent, Ivy finally relaxed.

The next day, Jamison really did take Ivy for her check-up.

The results were worse than they’d feared.

Professor Penn recommended a hormone implant–the most common treatment these days.

But that would mean giving up any hope of getting pregnant.

Ivy hesitated. After a moment, she asked, “Isn’t surgery an option? I’ve read about procedures that remove the fibroids invading the uterus.”

“Of course,” Professor Penn replied. “But no one can promise the fibroids won’t grow back. And surgery is much harder on the body than the implant.”

He was an old hand at this, and he saw through her hesitation immediately. “You’re worried about the implant because you haven’t had any children yet, isn’t that it?”

Ivy shook her head, but not convincingly. “No, it’s just… I’ve read so many stories–people still have pain and spotting even after the procedure…”

“It’s true, there are plenty of cases like that. No treatment works for everyone. But sometimes you have to try to find out–maybe this will help you,” Professor Penn said, gentle but firm.

Ivy thought it over, then nodded politely. “Thank you, Professor. I’ll think about it.”

“Good. Keep taking the medication I prescribed and let’s see how things go. And remember, a healthy sex life helps balance hormones. That might help too.”

Professor Penn had always believed in “the balance of yin and yang"- sometimes, what medicine couldn’t fix, a little “mysticism” just might.

Ivy blushed at his words, mumbling her thanks before grabbing Jamison’s hand and hurrying out the door.

As they stepped into the hallway, they ran straight into Celeste, who was in her white coat and clearly on her way to see Professor Penn.

For Celeste, running into them together was always an ordeal.

Neither side greeted the other; just a fleeting glance as they passed.

Celeste entered Professor Penn’s office, feigning nonchalance. “Jamison brought his wife in for another appointment?”

Professor Penn glanced at her, as if weighing his words.

She quickly added, “I was just making conversation. They’re married now–what am I supposed to do?”

“I’m glad you see it that way,” Professor Penn said, relieved. He sighed. “Life never works out perfectly for anyone. There’s no need to envy others.”