Chapter 562
“I have adenomyosis, so it’s not easy for me to get pregnant, but it’s not impossible. I’ve been actively seeking treatment and taking care of my health–tried everything from traditional therapies to modern medicine. Your youngest son is still trying to find me the best doctors. We’ll figure something out.”
Ivy wasn’t saying this to curry favor with Adela Ludwig; she was simply telling the truth. She understood where the older woman was coming from, which was why she was willing to have an honest conversation.
Adela’s eyes remained frosty. “The doctors Jamison took you to are already some of the most respected in the field. If even they can’t help, your chances are slim to none.”
“Maybe so, but we haven’t been married that long. Even perfectly healthy couples don’t always conceive right away. You’re just being too anxious.”
Adela stared at her in silence, growing more and more irritated–the girl was too sharp-tongued by half.
But she had to admit, if she tried to break them up by force, she’d only make her youngest son furious. Whether or not she succeeded in splitting them, there’d be chaos in the Ludwig family, that much was certain. That approach wouldn’t work.
But what if Ivy never managed to get pregnant? How long was she supposed to wait? She was old; who knew how many years she had left? All she wanted before she passed on was to see her youngest son start a family, to hold a grandchild in her arms. Was that really too much to hope for?
That thought sent a wave of melancholy through her. She lost her appetite, and after a moment’s silence, let out a weary sigh. “It’s all just a mess… Why did you and Jamison have to get together? You’ve left my poor grandson a wreck, ruined the relationship between nephew and uncle, and on top of it all, you can’t even give us a child. And the worst part? There’s nothing I can do about it…”
Ivy was left speechless by the woman’s lament.
She had to admit, to the Ludwig family she really was a source of trouble.
If she put herself in Adela’s shoes, she’d probably be even angrier–might even risk breaking ties with her own son just to drive out someone she saw as a curse on the family.
But Adela hadn’t done that.
Now, watching the older woman sigh and throw up her hands in helpless frustration, Ivy found her oddly endearing–and was struck by a wave of guilt.
“Mom, how about I make you a deal?” Ivy suddenly said, looking right at her.
Adela glanced up, eyeing her with deep suspicion. “You want to make me a deal? What kind?”
“Give me three years. I’ll do everything I can to get healthy, and… well, to give you a grandchild with your son. If, after three years, I still can’t get pregnant, I promise I’ll leave him on my own.”
“Three years?” Adela’s eyes widened, and she gave a cold, bitter laugh. “You’re just stringing me along. At my age, I might not even have three years left. Are you hoping I’ll die waiting?”
“Mom, that’s not it. If you take care of yourself, you’ll live to be a hundred.” Ivy smiled, and though it looked like she was trying to placate the old woman, she meant every word.
She didn’t know why, but even though she was well aware Adela disliked, maybe even despised her, she just couldn’t bring herself to feel any resentment.
In fact, she truly, sincerely wished for Adela’s long life.
Adela studied her, surprise flickering in her eyes, mixed with a trace of wariness. “You give your word?”
“I do. If you want, I’ll put it in writing.”
“You said it yourself,” Adela pressed, watching her closely, “so don’t blame me if I have an agreement drawn up.”
Ivy nodded without hesitation. “That’s fine. I’ll sign it. Three years–if I still can’t give Jamison a child, I’ll walk away.”
“Hmph! Maybe my foolish son will come to his senses before then.” Adela sniffed.
Ivy just laughed, undisturbed. “If that happens, even better. If he stops loving me, I promise I won’t cling to him.”
Adela didn’t reply, but her gaze lingered on Ivy a little longer. Something in her mind had shifted.
Satisfied that things had settled, Ivy lifted her hand. “Let’s eat.”
Adela was still fuming inside. She’d come here ready for a fight, yet somehow the whole conversation had been steered by Ivy.
Not that she could do anything about it. She made a call, and by the time they finished their meal, the family lawyer had already arrived with a freshly drafted agreement.
Ivy barely glanced at it before signing her name with swift, decisive strokes.
“There, now you can set your mind at ease.” She handed the papers over.
Adela looked over the agreement and tucked it away, giving Ivy a long, appraising stare. “No wonder Jamison is completely smitten. You’re clever–so clever that even an old woman like me, who’s seen it all, finds herself at your mercy.”
“Mom, I’m not trying to outsmart you. I’m just being sincere,” Ivy said, and even threw in a playful wink.
Adela kept her face stern, but wasn’t fooled. “Sincere? These days? Don’t try to pull one over on me, young lady.”
On that note, she got to her feet, clutching the agreement. “You can find your own way back to campus. I’m tired and going home to rest.”
Without waiting for a response, she swept out of the room, regal as ever.
Lanny, clearly embarrassed, gave Ivy an apologetic bow and hurried after her.
When they were finally gone, Ivy let out a long, shaky breath.
She opened her hands–they were clammy with sweat–and couldn’t help but laugh at herself.