Evadne''s radiant face suddenly clouded, her voiceced with a tinge of frost. "Mr. Chad, whether I can have children or whether I want to is my business. Your concern is, frankly, unwarranted."


    "As Thaddeus'' big brother, I count myself among those who know him well. I''ve seen his gentle heart through the care he showered upon little Mari when we were young. Even if he doesn''t voice it, I''m certain he yearns for children with you," Chad said with a gentle yet firm tone, as though each word were measured and carefully ced.


    Evadne felt a sharp pang in her chest, breath caught in her throat.


    "Perhaps I''m overstepping, but everything I do is with the hope that you both can grasp every ounce of happiness possible," Chad continued, his voice softening further. "If you pursue the treatment, if your health improves, Thaddeus will be overjoyed, and you won''t have a single regret. When you''re ready, I''ll arrange everything. You cane for treatment at any time."


    With those words, he turned and wheeled himself away from the balcony.


    "I won''t go," Evadne called out firmly, her voice devoid of hesitation. "Being with Thaddeus is all I need. There are women in this world who don''t dream of motherhood. Take me, for example; I''m not interested. Right now, I''m still a child at heart, suddenly thrust into the role of an heiress, dealing daily with a slew of absurdities. I simply don''t have the time to nurse a baby. From now on, please spare me your concern."


    Chad quirked a small smile and continued his way from the balcony, his wheelchair gliding like a ship leaving harbor. After a short distance, he slowed, half-closing his eyes, and shot a nce back into the shadows behind him.


    Once Chad had left, Evadne stood alone on the balcony, embraced by a chilly breeze, yet she felt no cold. Her heart was colder still.


    She wished, of course, to share a child with the man she loved most. If someone else had proposed the idea, she might have considered it. But it was Chad who offered his help, and the mere interaction between them had already put Thaddeus on edgest time.


    epting Chad''s kindness would break Thaddeus'' heart.


    Evadne wrapped her arms around herself, staring into the deste scenery, lost in thought.


    Suddenly, warmth enveloped her. Stunned, she turned around.


    "Thad?"


    Thaddeus wrapped his suit jacket around her, pulling her into a deep embrace from behind.


    His sharp jaw rested in the nape of her neck, their cheeks touching, casting an image of profound love against the setting sun.


    "Evadne." Thaddeus'' voice was hoarse with a painful rasp.


    "What is it?" Evadne ced her hands on his, resting on her waist.


    "I don''t want children, Evadne. I just don''t."


    Her eyes widened slightly, heart pounding. "Did you hear everything just now?"


    "Don''t believe him. I''ve never cared whether we have children or not. Not then, not now."


    His voice was muffled, full of a spreading ache. "I just want you. Having you is enough."


    "I know that. You''ve told me many times," she replied, lightening the mood with her tone.


    "But if one day you do want children, please tell me. I would try anything for you, even ask my brother for help."


    "I feel the same way," Evadne said, smiling softly, understanding. "If one day you change your mind, don''t hide it from me. I''ll be willing to try anything."


    As the days drifted by, Jareth, besides stabilizing the current situation of the Fairhaven Group, practically moved into the hospital to provide maximumpanionship to Mari, personally taking care of her.


    Love andpanionship indeed proved to be the best medicine.


    Though the grief lingered, Mari was slowly stepping out of her gloom, actively engaging in her treatment. She was now able to walk in the hospital garden, basking in the sunlight, no longer confined to a wheelchair. However, her voice had not yet returned.


    Throughout this time, Chasel had conducted several examinations but was unable to restore her speechpletely.


    One day, after tending to Mari, Jareth was carrying a basin of water out of her room when he bumped into Chasel.


    "Dr. Bright," he greeted with a nod.


    "Ha! You''re getting quite adept at this caregiving business. Mr. Fairhaven, you''re outdoing some of the nurses," Chasel teased with a sly grin.


    "I''ve still got a lot to learn. I''m in it for the long haul," Jareth replied with a simple smile, clearly devoted.


    Chasel bit his lip in regret. "I''m sorry. It''s been so long, and I still haven''t been able to get Mari speaking again."


    "It''s okay."


    "Hard as it is to say, you need to be prepared for the possibility that Mari might never speak again," Chasel said, struggling with his professional guilt. "However, she could recover in the future, but I can''t say when."


    "I understand, Dr. Bright. You''ve done your best," Jareth said with a reassuring smile. "I''ll always be by her side, no matter what."


    "Mr. Fairhaven!"


    Dean rushed over from the other end of the hallway with urgency. "There''s something you need to know."


    With a nod from Jareth, Chasel excused himself.


    Dean''s gaze was grave as he lowered his voice. "Just now, the police overseas contacted me. They found Edith''s body up in the mountains two days ago. She''s been dead for five days."