Chapter 1293 Her Reluctance


    Upon discovering that Laney’s departure had taken a toll on Garrett, leaving him tormented by


    insomnia and reliant on sleeping pills, J couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt in her chest.


    She pondered, had she not aided Laney in her departure, could Garrett and


    Laney have reconciled sooner? Perhaps, then, Garrett wouldn’t be steeped in such misery.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Witnessing his friend’s anguish, Brandon’s heart ached, but his sharp tongue remained. With an icy


    countenance, he retorted, “He brought this upon himself.


    He deserves it. Now he’s filled with regret. But what did he do when Laney was hurt before?” J


    elbowed Brandon subtly, urging him to refrain from berating


    Garrett in his current state.


    Reluctantly, Brandon fell silent. After assisting the servant with settling Garrett, he returned to the vi


    with J.


    As J prepared to rx on the sofa, she found herself swept up in Brandon’s arms, enveloped in a


    tight embrace. “What are you doing?” she protested, pushing against his chest to maintain distance.


    “I’m exhausted from


    everything that happened today.” Brandon gently held her hand, his voice low and sultry. “What


    transpired in the reception room earlier remains unfinished, and I long to continue…” A flush crept


    across J’s cheeks, and she averted her gaze from Brandon’s intense stare. “I don’t know what


    you’re talking about. I need to shower.” Brandon grasped her chin,pelling her to meet his eyes,


    desire palpable in his voice.


    “You truly don’t recall? Allow me to jog your memory.”


    Despite his advances, J’s hands persisted in fending him off. Recognizing her genuine resistance,


    rather than flirtatious evasion, Brandon ceased his pursuit.


    Puzzled, he inquired, “What’s wrong? Don’t you want this?” With downcast eyes and quiveringshes,


    J’s voice was tinged with sorrow. “We haven’t been using protection for some time, yet I still


    haven’t conceived.”


    Though empathetic toward Garrett’s predicament tonight, the sight of his


    charming nursery reminded her of her own childlessness, weighing heavily on her spirits.


    Sitting up, Brandon offered reassurance. “Let’s have a check-up together soon, to put your mind at


    ease.”


    J nodded, but her countenance remained somber. Embracing her tenderly,


    Brandon consoled her, “Don’t fret. Having a child is a matter of fate. If it hasn’t happened yet, the time


    simply isn’t right.”


    “I hope so,” J murmured, her tone still tinged with mncholy.


    Teasingly, Brandon pinched her nose, jesting, “Even if there’s an issue, it’s likely


    mine. Would you abandon me if I were unable to father a child?”


    J’sughter bubbled forth, her spirits lifted by hisforting presence.


    Seeing her mood brighten, Brandon felt a sense of relief. He reached out once


    more, eager to rekindle their earlier passion. However, J firmly held his hand, fixing him with a


    disapproving gaze.


    “Are we not continuing?” Brandon queried, his tone tinged with disappointment, akin to a lovelorndy.


    A mischievous grin danced upon J’s lips. “As I mentioned, I’m off to bathe. You’ll have to gratify


    yourself,” she teased.


    “Very well,” Brandon conceded, rolling over to rise.


    Despite his enthusiasm, he respected J’s desires. Recognizing her genuine reluctance, he ceased


    his advances and dutifully retreated to his study to attend to work matters.


    As Brandon poured over a document, a knock on the door interrupted his focus.


    Brandon directed his gaze toward the door.


    In an instant, his eyes widened, disbelief etched upon his face.