Chapter 177 Magnanimous
As the black sedan gradually disappeared into the distance, Josiah lingered on the spot, taking a significant amount of time to collect his thoughts and emotions.
Lysanne, still adorned in her white dress, tentatively spoke up, breaking the lingering silence between them. “Josiah, stop staring. They’re long gone,” she urged gently.
Josiah’s response was swift; his expression darkened as he crushed the cigarette he had been smoking in hist hand, discarding it into a nearby trash bin. “What are you doing here? Is the ceremony over?” he asked, his tone icy.
A sad smile briefly crossed Lysanne’s face as she replied, “Mom stayed with me until the very end.”
When she mentioned “Mom,” she wasn’t referring to her biological mother, but to Susan.
Lysanne’s biological mother had been confined to a wheelchair for more than two decades. The mere fact that she had been able to attend and watch from the audience was remarkable, considering she was unable to physically accompany her throughout the event.
Josiah’s voice was frigid as he corrected her, “Just call her Madam Susan. My mother might not appreciate being referred to that way.”
“But we’re engaged…” Lysanne started, trying to justify her words.
“Being engaged isn’t the same as being married. There’s no need to start changing how you address my family so prematurely,” Josiah interjected sharply.
Lysanne reached out tentatively to touch his arm, seeking some form of connection, but he quickly moved away, eyeing her with suspicion. “What are you doing?”
Biting her lip, tears beginning to glisten in her eyes, Lysanne pleaded, “Josiah, I know I messed up. I shouldn’t have caused such a scene in Grandma Elisa’s ward, and I definitely shouldn’t have created a disturbance at the hospital entrance while looking for Dr. Thorne. I’ve acknowledged my mistakes. Can’t you forgive me?”
“Can a person be brought back to life after dying?”
“But even if I hadn’t gone that day, Grandma Elisa was already on her deathbed. There’s no certainty she would have managed to say all she wanted to,” Lysanne defended herself, desperation creeping into her voice. “You can’t blame this entire situation on me!”
A look of profound disappointment settled over Josiah’s features. “Lysanne, why have you turned into this?”
“L”
“When we first met as children, you were so kind and understanding. What has happened over the years that you’ve changed so drastically, to the point where I hardly recognize you?”
At this, Lysanne couldn’t contain her tears any longer, and they spilled down her cheeks. “Who can stay the same as they grow up? The incident with Grandma Elisa was an accident. And I know you’ve been dwelling on the child in Dr. Thorne’s womb, your own flesh and blood. It must be weighing heavily on you. But I swear, I never once pressured her to terminate the pregnancy. I swear, if I had ever suggested such a thing, may lightning strike me down!”
Josiah remained silent at her words.
4:15 PM > M ·
Chapter 177 Magnanimous
“Do you still not believe me, even after I’ve made such a solemn vow?” Lysanne implored, her voice breaking.
With a sad smile, Josiah replied, “Does it really matter whether I believe you or not? My grandmother can’t
return, and neither can the child.”
Tears streamed down Lysanne’s face as she made one last desperate suggestion, “If you want a child, we could consider in–vitro fertilization, or even seek a surrogate abroad. With today’s technological advancements, as long as we have the means, isn’t it feasible to have a child?”
Josiah’s expression instantly turned frosty. “Surrogacy? Are you aware it’s illegal?”
“We could go abroad, to a place where no one knows us,” she suggested hastily. “If that’s not an option, perhaps you could find another woman to bear a child for you. I would treat them as my own, and we could raise them together. Wouldn’t that be acceptable?”
Josiah’s reply dripped with unmistakable sarcasm, “Ms. Lysanne, you are indeed magnanimous.”
“What else can I do? They’ve taken my womb; I can’t bear children anymore. What other options do I have?” Lysanne responded, her voice tight with emotion. “Fine, I’m willing to compromise even further. You can bring the child’s mother back to live with us. Would that be acceptable to you?”
Josiah laughed dryly. “Lysanne, what do you think I am? Someone from ancient times taking a mistress?