The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 423

Even as an adult, she couldn't help but feel the same way. She’d lost count of how many times over the past few days she’d woken up and had to pinch herself, just to make sure that everything happening to her was real.

She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve Joseph—and a family that welcomed her so completely—but she was grateful. They’d given her and her son steady, unconditional love.

A chime from her phone pulled Vivica from her thoughts. She picked it up and saw a message from Joseph. It was just two words.

[Asleep yet?]

They had spoken briefly during dinner, but he was still busy and had to hang up after a quick exchange. It seemed he had only just finished his work for the day.

A faint smile touched Vivica’s lips. Instead of texting back, she carefully slipped her arm out from under her sleeping son.

Then, she quietly turned over and started a video call. She missed him. She wanted to see his face.

Joseph answered almost immediately.

But when he saw the dim lighting on her end, he asked in surprise, “Are you two already in bed?”

“Of course. It’s after nine. Chaim has to sleep,” Vivica replied in a hushed whisper.

“Then why did you video call?” Joseph asked with a low chuckle.

Vivica bit her lip, a shy smile playing on her face as she remained silent.

It was dark on Joseph's end as well, and it looked like he was in a car.

“Are you just now heading back to the hotel?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

“Yeah, on my way. About twenty minutes out. I was afraid you’d both be asleep if I waited until I got back, so I wanted to check in.”

“It’s okay, we’re doing fine.”

“Definitely Chaim,” she answered, deliberately guessing wrong.

At her response, Joseph’s smile was a mixture of fondness and helpless affection.

He was about to tease her back, to say that yes, he only missed Chaim and not her at all, when a small head suddenly popped up from behind Vivica.

“Daddy, I miss you too!”

“Ah!” Vivica jumped, her body jolting as she whipped her head around. The little boy, who had been sound asleep just moments before, was now awake and sitting up.

Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest. Closing her eyes, she let out a shaky breath. “Sweetheart, you scared me! Why didn’t you say anything?”

On the other end of the call, Joseph was just as startled by the sudden appearance.