Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 714

It seemed as though Jayson had been utterly defeated by the harsh reality. What remained of him was nothing more than an empty shell.

After a brief silence, Evelyn spoke. "Can we talk for a bit?"

Jayson's eyes were devoid of emotion. "Sure."

Evelyn led him to a quiet corner and fixed her gaze on him. "Your grandma is very worried. She kept calling you two, but the line wouldn't connect. I managed to persuade her to wait at home for more news."

The birthday party they had held for Betty had already turned into a complete disaster.

"How is Ariel?" Evelyn asked, glancing toward the ward, her expression conflicted.

She had once looked down on Ariel, yet she had never imagined someone so young would be diagnosed with cancer.

"They gave her painkillers. She's asleep." Jayson lifted a hand and massaged the bridge of his nose, trying to clear his head.

Evelyn's brows knitted tightly. "Have you learned more about the details? Endometrial cancer… is it serious? What did the doctor say?"

"She'll need surgery. The prognosis is still uncertain," Jayson replied honestly.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. She blurted, "Will it affect her ability to have children?"

This time, Jayson fixed her with a hard stare. His lips curved into a cynical smile. "What do you think?"

His response confirmed her suspicions. Her face grew grim. "Jayson, I know this might sound harsh, but you need to face reality. With your background and status, is it realistic for you not to have children?

Strong relationships required stability—financial security, a shared future, the possibility of a family. Without these, problems between a couple would only fester, becoming weapons to use against one another.

Jayson did not argue. Instead, he asked calmly, "Then why don't you tell me what I should do?"

Evelyn steadied her tone. "Divorce her. Give her generous compensation, and make sure she gets the best medical care. Just compensate her fairly."

Jayson felt no anger. He didn't believe Evelyn was wrong for thinking this way. Differences in opinion didn't mean one side had to be mistaken. And truthfully, most people would have agreed with Evelyn's perspective. That was why Jayson didn't mock or rebuke her.

Instead, he said evenly, "If Ariel is no longer my wife, then I can guarantee there won't be any other woman to give you grandchildren. I can't change your opinions, but I can decide what I want to do."

At that moment, Ariel stepped out of the room and overheard his words. She froze, momentarily stunned.