Chapter 501

Hannah's smile bordered on cruel, her tone deliberately casual."It was just a few nights in bed. We're adults-satisfying needs,releasing tension. No big deal. Don't make it sound so serious."

With that, she turned, striding briskly toward the elevator without a backward glance. She hailed a cab at the hospital entrance, and during the ride to Sterling Heights, a sudden downpour erupted.

She gazed at the rain pounding the window, her mind wandering.She'd acted rashly regarding Erica. She shouldn't have dragged Vincent into it just to provoke Erica in a fit of impulse. Even alone, collecting evidence bit by bit to send Erica to prison was only a matter of time. Why hadn't she stayed composed? Now, she was tangled in a mess of debts and obligations she couldn't unravel.

And then there was this lingering unrest-and that faint,unwelcome stir in her heart. She despised the feeling.

On the hospital's VIP floor, Vincent stood in the hallway's end,staring at the storm outside. This couldn't go on. He couldn't lose Hannah again. Absolutely not.

A bold idea gripped him suddenly. He spun around, his steps firm as he returned to the examination room. He met the doctor's eyes, unflinching. "Schedule a surgery for me."

...

At Sterling Heights, Hannah took a hot shower, washing away the day's fatigue and chaos, and then slipped into bed early.

The rain outside pounded relentlessly, its steady rhythm a

The rain outside pounded relentlessly, its steady rhythm a soothing hum.

She forced herself to sleep, but her rest was fitful.

After what seemed like forever, urgent knocks jolted her from shallow slumber. Her heart raced as she checked the clock-1:30 a.m.. Who could it be now?

She pulled on her robe and approached the door cautiously,peering through the peephole. Her breath caught, and she flung the door open.

Vincent stood there, drenched to the skin. His face was pale,but his eyes fixed on her with intense focus.

Hannah, stunned, reached instinctively to pull him inside. "In this storm, you..."

Vincent seemed unfazed by the cold, even flashing a faint smile, his voice oddly light. "Traffic was jammed for miles in the rain, and I couldn't wait. So I ran partway here."

Ran? In this torrent? Hannah stared at him, soaked yet eyes gleaming,utterly confused. "What's so urgent?"

A vague unease fluttered in her chest.

Vincent seemed to recall his purpose, fumbling in his suit's inner pocket for a paper, only to pull out a sodden, unreadable sheet.

Hannah eyed the ruined document. "Is that for me?"

"The paper doesn't matter now." Vincent's gaze burned into hers, his tone solemn."What I came to say is-l can't have children either. That was my vasectomy report. I had it done today."

The words hit Hannah like a bolt. Her head snapped up,disbelief flooding her. Her voice rose, trembling with shock and

disbelief flooding her. Her voice rose, trembling with shock and anger. "Vincent Jones! Do you even understand what you've done? Have you gone mad?"

"Never been saner." Vincent's voice remained eerilysteady,his resolve unshaken. "I wanted you to see my commitment,Hannah. I want to be with you-fully, desperately, with everything I have. No barriers, no fears-just us."

He stepped closer, utterly earnest. "This wasn't impulsive. All I know is, if I don't do this, I'll regret it for the rest of my life.I've lived that regret once-l won't again."

Hannah stared at him, every sharp retort dying in her throat. At last,she said, "I don't know what to say."

Was she touched? A bit maybe? No woman could stay indifferent to such unwavering devotion. But to her, it felt less like romance and more like an overwhelming burden. How could he go this far for her?

Sensing the shadow of retreat in her eyes, Vincent spoke quickly, his voice gentle, almost pleading. "Hannah, listen-you don't have to bear any of this. I didn't do it to pressure you,or guilt you, or demand an answer right now."

His gaze held hers, steady and unyielding. "I just wanted to show you my heart, to clear every doubt clouding your mind.Whatever comes-children or not-the one I choose, the only one I want, has always been you. Nothing else."