Female Novel
Chapter 248
The answer was both expected yet unanticipated.
It was unanticipated because Scarlett couldn't accept it.
The wedding date was fast approaching. Once Veronique and her son's identity came to light, not onlywould the Xuereb family's reputation take a hit, but the Fletcher family also would be subject to gossip.That wasn't something her father and brother wanted to see.
After pondering for a long time while sitting by the bed, she unlocked her phone and texted her brother.
She typed: Make some time and come over to Hallsbay these few days. I've got something urgent todiscuss with you.
Veronique can't be allowed to live, nor the illegitimate child she gave birth to. I'll never allow theFletcher family to become the laughingstock of the entire political arena. Never!
At the laboratory, the doorbell rang.
Veronique walked out in casual clothes and opened the door.
As she locked eyes with the person at the door, she was stunned for a moment.
The instant she jolted back to her senses, she instinctively wanted to close the door.
Justin stretched out a leg and stuck it at the edge of the doorframe. In a hoarse voice, he uttered, “I'vegot something to clarify with you. Let's talk things out.”
Turning her face away, Veronique countered placidly, “There's nothing to talk about between us. We'vemade things clear at the Revelle residence that day. Henceforth, we shall go our separate ways, nevermeeting again. You should leave. Don't disrupt my life anymore.”
Justin hung his head. After standing there silently for a long while, he took out a photo from his pocketand held it out to her. His voice guttural, he murmured, “Indeed, there's nothing to talk about betweenus. But we can still talk about him.”
Veronique lowered her eyes reflexively. As soon as she made out the countenance on the photo, herface went deathly pale, and she started trembling uncontrollably.
“How...”
Justin said nothing. Putting the photo in his hand away, he whirled around and headed out while saying“I'll be waiting for you in Room 201 at the coffee shop across the street.”
“Jus—”
Before Veronique could call out the man's name, he disappeared at the end of the busy street. novelbin
She slammed the door shut stiffly.
The muffled thud snapped her out of her trance completely.
Reality told her that Justin had learned the truth. He had already known about Zephyr's identity.
Judging from his bloodshot eyes and utterly indifferent expression, Zephyr's existence must beexceedingly troubling to him, huh? Would he detest having such an illegitimate child?
Her legs gradually went numb. She slid down the doorframe and slumped onto the floor.
In the past few days, the thought of telling Justin about Zephyr's identity undeniably occurred to her.
After having been turned down by Scarlett, especially, she felt that he was the only person in the wholeworld who could save Zephyr.
She discovered that it was of no use even if she traveled the globe in search of a suitable bone marrowmatch. If the other party refused to donate, all her efforts would have been in vain.
Therefore, the safest and most secure solution was to seek Justin out and have him go for a bonemarrow compatibility test.
However, she began wavering after beholding the man's icy and impassive attitude earlier.
She wanted to run away, fleeing as far as possible with Zephyr.
Zephyr is still young. How devastated would he be if he were to see his biological father looking at himwith such a cold and detached gaze?
In a private room on the second floor of the coffee shop, Justin was sprawled on the table, resting,when Veronique pushed open the door and stepped in.
Hearing movement, the man slowly lifted his head. His bloodshot eyes fell on her, and he rasped,“You're here. Come over and have a seat. Let's talk about the child.”
Veronique bit her lip hard. After standing there for a moment in silence, she walked over and sat downacross from him. Subsequently, she ventured hesitantly, “Have you misunderstood things, Mr. Xuereb?Zephyr is my sister's son. He has nothing to do with you.”
“Hah.”
Justin seemingly laughed, but it carried a hint of self-deprecation and mockery. That aside,helplessness and regret dominated.
“Don't beat around the bush or try feeling me out anymore. Artemis told me about it personally. Do youthink he would've dared do so without Bailey's orders?”
At once, Veronique went silent.
In truth, she didn't know what to say either.
“Back then... I forced myself on you?” Justin inquired with much difficulty.
I didn't want to hurt her, so I stayed away from her from the very beginning, allowing her no opportunityto approach me. Nor did I give her any hope. Later, she went abroad and started a brand new life. Sheslowly made a name for herself in the international arena and became deeply respected and revered inthe medical field. When I heard about it, I was really happy for her. But never had I expected fate to beso cruel. In the end, I was still the person who hurt her most.
He had no idea what she was thinking that night when she drugged him and begged him to bed herand give her a child.
Neither had he any inkling of her psychological changes after listening to his ruthless insults andberatement.
Most importantly, he didn't have the faintest clue about her despair when her father applied the familyrules and whipped her several times viciously after his mother caught them in bed and dragged her tothe Revelle residence, reprimanding her father about his failure to educate his daughter.
All he knew was that he owed her so much that he might never be able to repay it all in this lifetime.
Was it wrong of her to give birth to the child behind my back? Not at all, for she was the one who savedme back then. But how did I repay her? I was worse than an animal! Not only did I force myself on herby the seaside, but I then turned around and agreed to a marriage with the Fletcher family right after,forcing her to go abroad while pregnant. Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that our child's life is at stake,I probably wouldn't have sought her out again in this lifetime. Verily, I haven't got the brazenness to doso!
Gazing out the window in slight awkwardness, Veronique replied, “You weren't to be blamed, for youhad lost all reason at that time. If I hadn't... I'm sorry for giving birth to Zephyr without your permissionand bringing so much trouble to the Xuereb family now. But don't worry. I've never thought ofsabotaging your marriage with Ms. Fletcher. I'll take Zephyr abroad when his condition has stabilized. Iwon't put you in a difficult position.”
Justin lifted his hand and massaged his throbbing temples. In a hoarse voice, he remarked, “Give me
Zephyr's bone marrow report. I'll do a test at the medical base. If my bone marrow suits him, I'll arrangefor an operation immediately. His illness can't take any more delays, so his treatment takesprecedence.”
Veronique snapped her head back in surprise. Gaping at him, she asked in a trembling voice, “Y-You'rewilling to save Zephyr?”
Justin's expression froze. It felt as though he had been stabbed in the heart, the pain unbearable.
Shouldn't I save the child? Or am I so cold and indifferent in her eyes that I'd even disregard my ownflesh and blood's life?
“Remember to send the data to me. I'll give you an answer by tomorrow morning at the latest.”
After saying that, he stood up from the chair. It was uncertain whether he had been sitting for too longor suffered too heavy a blow that his tall and slender body swayed slightly. He stumbled to the door.
He really hadn't the temerity to tarry any longer, and he didn't know how he should face her.
The damage had already been done. As such, no amount of words could negate the sufferings she hadendured over the years.
In fact, he couldn't imagine how she could withstand having her own biological son addressing her ashis aunt all the time. Every time she hears it, her heart probably twists painfully.
Veronique didn't stop him from leaving. As she stared at his back dazedly, a bitter smile curved her lips.
Do you just hate me this much, Justin? You're bolting so quickly because you're afraid that I'd taint yourwedding with Scarlett?