This obedience wasn’t an act, nor was it manipulation. In front of people as kind as the Ludwigs, Ivy was more than willing to be the perfect daughter-in-law–it was the least she could do to bring some pride to Jamison. She saved her sharp edges and wit for outsiders and adversaries.

Adela Ludwig had always been dissatisfied with Ivy’s slender, fragile frame. Now, hearing that Ivy had fainted yesterday left her even more displeased. “Girls these days–always obsessed with appearances, forever dieting. Just look at you, so thin and pale. How are you supposed to carry a child like this?”

Ivy fell silent.

Adela pressed on, “You and Jamison aren’t getting any younger… I’ve been wanting to say this for days, but Jamison keeps stopping me. I have nothing against your studies, but it’s hardly shocking for a college woman to have a baby these days. It’s time to start planning–”

Despite her frail health, Adela seemed to gain a burst of energy the moment the topic of grandchildren came up.

Jamison hadn’t expected his mother, even while bedridden, to still be so fixated on this. He tried to deflect, “Mom, you really should get some rest. Worry about your health first–everything else can wait.”

But Adela shot him a look. “If you two gave me a grandchild, I’d be so overjoyed I’d probably recover overnight.”

“Having a baby isn’t as easy as a hen laying an egg, you know. It doesn’t just happen after a few clucks.” Jamison’s remark drew muffled laughter from Thad and his wife.

Adela’s expression soured. “Well, why don’t you two give it a try first? I’d be delighted if you did.”

Ivy stood quietly to the side, unable to get a word in. She had never imagined that visiting the hospital to see the old lady would turn into such a relentless campaign for grandchildren. But she knew she couldn’t have children. Which meant all this pressure would fall squarely on Jamison.

Last night, Dr. Quinn’s words echoed in her mind. She asked herself–could she really, in good conscience, refuse to have children and just enjoy a childless life? She honestly didn’t mind, but the Ludwigs would be disappointed, and Jamison would bear the brunt of it. If she didn’t want him to shoulder that burden, she’d have to speak up.

“Mom, about having children–” Ivy began, bracing herself to admit the truth about her condition.

But before she could finish, Jamison jumped in, his words leaving everyone in shock. “We can’t have children.”

What?

Every head turned toward him, faces full of confusion and disbelief. Jamison looked at his mother, his handsome features suddenly clouded with seriousness. He reached up and rubbed his nose, as if trying to hide his discomfort.

Ivy froze, thinking he was about to tell them the real reason. But what he said next stunned her.

“It’s me,” Jamison continued after a short pause. “I’m the problem. I can’t have kids, so please don’t blame Ivy.”

“What?” Even Thad, usually calm and composed, couldn’t hide his shock. “What do you mean, you can’t have kids? Is something wrong with you?”

Ivy’s eyelashes fluttered as she stared at him, just as stunned. Was this true? Was he telling this outrageous lie just to stop his family’s constant pressure? Or was there something he’d never told her?

Adela, already weak, grew agitated, her heart rate picking up. “You–explain yourself–”

Thad quickly moved to calm his mother, then urged his younger brother, “Jamison, say it plainly. What’s wrong with you? Mom’s health can’t take a scare right now.”