Chapter 399 Keep Winnie In The Dark When Winnie saw that Xavier was growing jealous again, the corners of her lips inexorably turned up.
She said to Josiah, âIgnore him. I loved to collect rings in the past, and I received countless from others.
There were gold, silver, diamond, agate, pearl, and the like. I had several boxes, and each ring was unique.â
Upon hearing that, Xavier immediately frowned. In a bossy tone, he announced, âNo, that wonât do. Iâm taking over your rings. Henceforth, you can only wear rings from me.â
Winnie was tickled pink. âNot even for collecting?â
âNope. If you want to collect rings, I can help to scout for you. However, you canât ever accept any from others.â
âNot even if itâs from a female friend or elder?â
Xavierâs brows furrowed. âIn such a case, I can relax the scope appropriately. Oh, never mind. I think itâs best for me to send out a notice to forbid others from giving you rings.â
âCut it out! All right, itâs time to eat.â
As Winnie said that, she stood up and headed toward the kitchen.
Behind her, Xavier silently pointed a finger at Josiah.
Shrugging, Josiah whined softly, âIâm beyond innocent. Before buying the jewelry, I snapped a picture and sent it to you. Didnât you already see the ring back then? You didnât say anything at that time.â
âI didnât see it. Your photography skills were so bad that light reflected off the entire jewelry box. Didnât you notice that?â Xavier hissed through gritted teeth.
âWas it my fault that the lightning in the shop was too bright? Who told you to act so slowly? Take out the ring you prepared, then.â
âStop yakking here when you know nothing.â
Meanwhile, Winnie was rendered speechless.
She snapped her head back in amusement. âDo you two think that Iâm deaf? What are you whispering about there? Hurry up and come over to eat.â
Nevertheless, that incident reminded Xavier about somethingâhe owed Winnie a wedding.
Previously, I promised Lord and Lady Joshua to give Winnie a grand wedding. Yet due to various external factors, this matter has been put on the back burner. And at present, this doesnât seem to be the best time either. I wonder if I should wait until she has recovered before making plans or start preparing now.
While he was wavering, Winnie abruptly brought up an unanticipated subject at the dining table.
She said to Josiah, âPlease help me set up an appointment at the fertility department, Dr. Houghton.
Anytime within these two days will be good. Iâd like it to be as soon as possible.â
The instant her request rang out, both Xavier and Josiah stopped eating.
A frown marred Xavierâs countenance. âDidnât you agree not to take my fatherâs words to heart?â
âYes. I didnât take his words to heart, but Iâve got to take my own health to heart, no? If thereâs really something wrong with me, Iâve got to seek treatment earlier. If things were to drag until an advanced stage, itâd only increase the difficulty of recovery. Donât you agree?â
In truth, Xavier understood that. However, he was worried that she would be upset if the test results ended up abysmally.
He mulled it over for a bit before arguing, âBut your physical condition is different from usual right now.
How about waiting until the pathological changes from the radiation have been resolved before going for a checkup?â
Chuckling, Winnie put down her fork and uttered seriously, âWhy, are you afraid that I wouldnât be able to take the blow? That would never happen. My principle in doing things is to resolve whatever problems that exist. Iâd never lie to myself.â
âAll right,â Xavier relented. Then, he shifted his gaze to Josiah. âMake an appointment for me as well. Iâll go with her.â
Josiah nodded in agreement. âOkay. Initially, I enjoyed this meal quite a lot, but the food suddenly tastes bland now. I hate you both. Youâve got to compensate me with an additional ten meals.â
Xavier glowered at Josiah. âYouâre truly an expert at taking advantage of things.â
âHey, this is more like pressing home my advantage!â Josiah retorted.
The next day, Xavier and Winnie went to the hospital for a checkup.
Before everything else, Xavier told Josiah to show the report to him first when it was out. Then, he would tell Winnie about the results.
Hearing that, Josiah promptly heaved a sigh. âThe two of you are really a perfect match. Sure enough, birds of a feather flock together. She said the same thing to me, insisting on having a look at her report first before she tells you the results. Youâre both truly experts at making my life difficult.â
âJust listen to me. Tell me first, then do as she asked. Iâll pretend that I donât know anything,â Xavier asserted.
âFine, then.â Josiah comprehended Xavierâs intentions. In all honesty, he was also reluctant to tell Winnie the truth if the results turned out bad.
After all, she was already in a hellish situation then.
After chatting with Xavier, Josiah talked to the few specialists, planning to have everyone keep Winnie in the dark.
Of course, if the results were great, there was no need to do so anymore.
For that reason, the report was delivered to Josiah directly the moment it was available.
Josiahâs brows scrunched together deeply as he scanned his eyes over the black-and-white diagnosis report in his hands.
He called Xavier over and somberly informed the latter about the results.
âThe situation isnât all that great. There are pathological changes in the ovaries, and that affects fertility.
Weâve got to figure out a way to tell her about it.â
Clutching the report, Xavier ordered, âJust say everything is fine. It can definitely be treated. I believe that as long as Lisanne successfully extracts that new element, all problems can be resolved easily. Go and tell Winnie right now that all is normal with her fertility. Remember not to give the game away.â
Similarly, Josiah pinned all his hopes on Lisanne. He dipped his head in acquiescence. âOkay. Donât worry. I know what to say. But objectively speaking, I hope that youâll brace yourself about this in advance.â
âNever mind that. Just go.â
Giving a bob of the head, Josiah whirled around and headed toward Winnieâs examination room.
Thanks to the prior warning, everyone acted very naturally. The entire deception went along smoothly, and they successfully fooled Winnie.
Besides herself with joy, Winnie went home with Xavier with a smile on her face.
In the blink of an eye, a few days went past.
Throughout it all, Xavier contacted Lisanne daily to inquire about the progress of things.
Everything was proceeding smoothly previously, but on that particular day, something unexpected cropped up on Lisanneâs side. Worse still, she couldnât resolve it by herself.
Left with no other recourse, she phoned Xavier for help.
After Xavier learned about the situation from her, he realized that he had to go there personally. In fact, the sooner he did so, the better.
Therefore, he immediately told Winnie about his decision.
It went without saying that Winnie was supportive of him. âGo ahead. It must also be difficult for Lisanne over there since sheâs unfamiliar with the place. Lend her a hand when you go over.â
Right then, Xavierâs only concern was her. He gazed at her, his eyes brimming with reluctance. âI know, but I donât want to leave you. If it werenât for your current state and the abysmal conditions there, I really want to bring you along.â