Back at the hospital, Vivica had drifted off again out of sheer boredom.
She had been so busy lately, running on very little sleep. Now that she was forced to rest in bed, she was finally catching up.
She heard footsteps in her sleep and assumed it was a nurse.
But as she slowly opened her eyes, she was surprised to see a tall, slender figure.
"You're back so soon? Are you done with work?"
Joseph walked in, carrying his briefcase in one hand and his overcoat draped over the other arm.
"Yeah, the important things are done. The rest can wait," he said, setting his things down and walking over to her bed. "How are you feeling this morning? Any better?"
"I don't really feel any different." Vivica reached her hand out to him, and their fingers intertwined as he sat down on the edge of the bed.
"It's so boring just lying here. I slept for a while, so I guess I've recovered a bit," she said softly.
Joseph smiled gently. "I'm arranging for you to be transferred this afternoon, over to the other hospital to be with Chaim."
Vivica sighed. "I don't know what it is about this year, but I seem to have a thing with hospitals."
"It's okay. Don't overthink it. The year is almost over. Next year will be smooth sailing."
His words brought a sweet smile to her face. "I hope next year is smooth sailing for both of us. But most importantly, I hope we get pregnant soon."
Lying in bed all morning, the main thing on her mind had been getting pregnant. Even if a child she had with Joseph wasn't a guaranteed match for Chaim, the thought of having a baby with the man she loved was a beautiful thing in itself.
"We will. I'm sure of it. As soon as you're feeling better, we'll go see Harvey. We don't have to wait until next month."
Joseph knew how anxious she was and immediately went along with her wishes.
"Good, I was thinking the same thing. Harvey came by this morning right after you left. When he saw you weren't here, he just checked on me and then went about his business."
"I'll go find him later."
Joseph glanced at his watch. Figuring lunch would be arriving soon, he helped raise the head of her bed.
When a bodyguard brought their meal, Vivica recognized him as one of Chaim's security detail and grew curious.
"Isn't that Axton? He's supposed to be protecting Chaim. Did you call him over here?"
Joseph looked at her, his expression thoughtful, debating whether to tell her the truth.
Seeing the troubled look on his face, Vivica frowned. "What is it? Is something wrong with Chaim?"
"No, Chaim and my parents are all fine," Joseph shook his head, setting up the small over-bed table for their meal.
"Let's eat first. There is something I need to talk to you about later."
"Okay…" Vivica finished swallowing and looked at him. "What is it? Are you trying not to tell me?"
If he didn't want to tell her, he shouldn't have shown that something was wrong in the first place. People are curious, and she couldn't just ignore it now that she knew he was hiding something.
Joseph had gathered his thoughts. "I'm not trying to hide it from you," he said softly. "I just… I don't know where to begin."
He didn't know where to begin? Vivica knew then that it must be serious.
"Then just tell me who it's about."
"Raymond."
Vivica's eyes widened. "Raymond called me this morning. Zavier told him about my accident, so he called to check on me. Did he call you, too? But he doesn't have your number, does he?"
"It's not hard to find if you're determined," Joseph said.
"So Raymond did call you? What did he say?"
Joseph's face was calm as he raised his hand again. "Finish your food, and I'll tell you everything."
Vivica had a sinking feeling it was about her family background. She subconsciously wanted to resist, but her curiosity was stronger. From what she knew of Joseph, if he decided to tell her, it meant it wouldn't harm her.
After a moment's thought, her resistance faded, replaced by a strong desire to know the truth.

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