CHAPTER 443: CHAPTER 443: DO YOU WANT CHILDREN?

Charlotte Sheffield’s illness began to spread to her feet, and this was discovered because she fell at home.

The weakness in her right foot was more severe, but after sitting and resting for a while with some massage, it got a little better.

She said it started with her hands, which led her to get checked at the hospital and discover this strange illness.

Ronan Rhodes remained optimistic in the face of her changing condition.

"The doctor says if you keep exercising and massaging every day, things will be a bit better. After dinner, I’ll take you out for a walk."

Charlotte smiled and nodded, saying, "Sure, let’s go to the supermarket. I want to buy some things."

Perhaps wanting to spend her life with Ronan, with his encouragement and companionship, Charlotte also came to terms with many things and could calmly face the changes in her body.

Yet she hoped she could remain healthy and accompany him for a longer time.

She wasn’t contemplating whether Ronan would still keep his promise and stay with her when she could no longer care for herself.

No matter what, she felt that even if he chose to leave, she wouldn’t blame him. Each day with him was a blessing from the heavens.

Grateful for having what she has now, she doesn’t complain about future losses.

Life is short and bitter, she wants to live as happily as she can.

Ronan took good care of her. Ever since returning from their trip, during his days off, he hardly left her side.

Every morning, he would help her comb her hair into braids. Though his technique was clumsy and the result wasn’t very aesthetically pleasing, it discouraged Charlotte’s thought of cutting her hair short, which he didn’t support. He said he’d always help her with her hair in the future.

He got a few-month-old golden retriever from his friend, saying that while he worked, she’d have the dog for company, so she wouldn’t feel too lonely.

Knowing she loved painting, he set up an easel on the balcony. In their idle times, he’d sunbathe with her, guiding her less dexterous hand to lay their shared colors on the white paper.

Like teaching a child to write, he held her hand, inscribing their names stroke by stroke on the paper.

Charlotte felt these days were the most carefree and happiest of her life.

"Charlotte, I’m going back to work tomorrow. I want to hire a nanny to take care of you," Ronan discussed with her over dinner.

Charlotte thought for a moment and said, "Let’s talk about it later. I’m not at that point yet. Besides, now I just eat and drink at home, sleep, watch TV. Having someone else around makes me uncomfortable."

Ronan chuckled, "Alright then, but don’t cook or do anything at home alone. I’ll arrange something. If I have time, I’ll cook for you, and if not, we’ll eat out. If you feel hungry and want something, just order takeout. In short, don’t be stubborn and don’t make people worry."

Charlotte pouted, "I know. You already see me as useless."

Ronan: "I’m worried something might happen if I’m not there—what if you hit or fall? Whatever you want to do, wait for me. Until then, just stay home and watch movies or play games."

"Rest assured, just focus on earning money for me."

"By the way, the photos we took last time are estimated to arrive tomorrow. Just have them leave the package at home, and I’ll find a spot to hang them when I get back."

Charlotte nodded, "Okay."

Ronan gave her a glance or two, then tentatively asked with a grin, "Charlotte, how about we find a time to get the certificate and organize the wedding?"

Charlotte paused, smiled, and said, "You pick a time, whenever you’re free."

Ronan, delighted, immediately grabbed a calendar and started browsing through dates seriously. After a while, he said, "How about the eighth of next month? It says here it’s a good day."

Charlotte leaned in to look at the dates with him, "Isn’t the eighth too soon? We haven’t prepared anything yet."

Ronan: "It’s fine, we have more than ten days. I’ll go discuss it with my sister-in-law today and let her design a set of outfits for us."

Charlotte turned to look at Ronan, and he continued, "Oh, and the rings too. Take a look online and see if there’s a style you like, then I’ll take you out to see them this weekend. Don’t worry about the rest, I’ll handle it."

Charlotte nodded in agreement. Looking at Ronan filled her with contentment.

Sometimes she felt this was all so unreal, as if it were a drama scripted by heaven out of pity for her plight.

And she was willing to be captivated by this play, regardless of the script’s final outcome.

"Do you... want kids?" she asked him with a soft chuckle.

Ronan froze for a moment, closed the calendar in his hand, smiled, and nodded, "Of course I do, but I’ll have to ask the doctor first. If it’s risky, we won’t. Adopting one would be just as great."

Charlotte firmly said, "I want to have my own. That way, in case I ever leave, you..."

Ronan immediately covered her mouth with his hand, sternly saying, "Leave? To where? Having a child is good too, then they can help me take care of you."

Charlotte smiled, saying nothing more.

She didn’t know how much time she had left, but she cherished every moment with him now.

...

Shannon Quinn woke up naturally around ten in the morning.

The child was off to school, and Landon Sutton had gone to work.

It wasn’t because she was lazy, but because Landon had worn her out too much last night.

She even admired his energy to go to work today when she herself felt like falling apart.

Ever since the doctor mentioned the possibility of having children after their last check-up, he hadn’t held back.

If she showed any unusual reaction, he’d immediately ask if she might be pregnant.

After a few days, hearing her say her period had arrived, he instantly deflated like a balloon, yet he still carefully tended to her during her cramps.

She retrieved the breakfast he made from the microwave, and after slowly savoring it, lunchtime wasn’t far off.

She tidied up before going out and stopped by the company to handle some business before heading to Landon’s company.

"Good day, ma’am." Several employees greeted her warmly near the elevator, and Shannon smiled back amiably.

She went straight to his office, found it empty, assuming he was either in a meeting or inspecting something. Not bothering to find him, she waited on the sofa.

Just as she sat down, there was a knock at the door, and a woman walked in.

The woman carried a stack of documents and, while heading to Landon’s desk, greeted Shannon, "Good day, ma’am."

Shannon watched the woman, who was striding confidently in high heels, her blouse pushing to the brink by large buttons nearly popping open, and her skirt seemed shorter than most.

Even as a woman, Shannon couldn’t help but blush and her heart race. She wondered how Landon reacted to this sight.

"I don’t think I’ve seen you before?" Shannon asked with a smile.