Chapter 1706
Charlie had lived with Jamie for three years, and their bond was incredibly close. From a young age, Charlie had longed for the love and care of a father. Now that Ben was back in their lives, it made sense for them to stay together as a family, doing parent-child activities and strengthening their relationship.
Mrs. Lucas, however, had other ideas. "But you've seen for yourself," she said. "Charlie is doing so well with me. I've been taking great care of him. While you and Ben have the time and energy, and with Charlie now in school, you should have more kids. I can help take care of them, and our home will be lively and full of joy. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
As Jamie thought about how to respond, Ben stepped in before she could. "It's not that it's a bad idea," he said evenly. "But Jamie and I have decided to focus on raising Charlie for now. We'll think about having more kids later."
Ben understood the weight of this decision. He hadn't even been around to properly care for Charlie yet. If they suddenly had another child, wouldn't it feel to Charlie like his parents' love was being divided?
"Why?" Mrs. Lucas asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "Is there a health issue?"
Her gaze shifted directly to Ben. Jamie had already given birth to Charlie, so the implication was clear.
Noticing his mother's scrutiny, Ben sighed and continued calmly, "Yes, there is. I've been dealing with health issues over the past four years-between treatments and work stress, my sperm motility has decreased significantly." Mrs. Lucas froze in shock. The composure she had maintained up until that point crumbled.
Without hesitation, she turned to Mr. Lucas. "You're so focused on handing over the company to Ben, but his health is deteriorating! Take the company back immediately and let him rest properly. One child isn't enough!"
She was speaking from personal
Ret
experience. Having only one child-Ben-had made her overly fixated on his life. Back when she opposed his marriage to Jamie she had done everything she could to stop it. If she had a second child, she might have directed her
attention elsewhere.
In her mind, one child was simply not enough. She was now determined for Ben and Jamie to have a second, third, or even fourth child. The Lucas family could more than afford it.
Mr. Lucas, alarmed by this revelation, immediately grew concerned. "What's wrong with you? Low motility? That's a serious issue! You need to take action!"
With Mrs. Lucas now on a mission, Mr. Lucas had no choice but to agree.
Mrs. Lucas, fully committed to her new mission, started preparing endless health remedies for Ben, all claiming to improve his fertility. The sight and smell of the thick, bitter drinks were enough to make Ben cringe.
"Mom, can you please stop with all this?" Ben groaned. "I already said, Jamie and are happy with just one child. That's enough for us. Even if we can't have another, we'll put all our love and effort into raising Charlie to be successful."
Mrs. Lucas paused, her sharp instincts catching the underlying tone in his words. "*Even if you can't have another*... Ben, is that just an excuse you're using to brush me off?"
Ben hesitated under her scrutinizing
gaze, then reluctantly nodded.
"Mom, Jamie and I have a lot we still want to accomplish together. We'd also like to enjoy some time without added responsibilities. As for having more children, we believe it's best to let nature take its course. And honestly, your health hasn't fully recovered yet. Taking care of one grandchild is already tiring enough. Imagine trying to manage several. It wouldn't be fair to you."
But Mrs. Lucas was undeterred, shooting him a sharp look. "We have nannies and childcare professionals. Don't act like we can't afford it!"