Chapter 1632

Eleanor buried her face against his chest. "Are you hiding something from me?" she asked.

lan's eyes flashed with momentary surprise before he realized what had happened. "Gavin told you?" he asked, a hint of helplessness in his voice.

Eleanor nodded.

lan reached out and gently lifted her chin. His deep eyes were filled with nothing but candor and sincerity.

"I was going to tell you after it was done, so you wouldn't worry," he said in a low voice.

"I told you, there's no need—" Eleanor's eyes showed her confusion.

lan smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Don't worry, I'm just going in for a consultation first." He lowered his head further, his lips brushing against hers. "I refuse to let you suffer through the pain of pregnancy ever again."

Eleanor felt as if something had struck her heart.

"To make absolutely sure it never happens, a vasectomy is the only way." lan reached up to caress her cheek. "Ellie, we have Evelyn. She's enough for us."

Eleanor let out a soft sigh. "I'm not even sure if I'll want another child in the future." lan paused, then smiled. "If you do, with modern technology, the procedure is reversible. I just don't want you to suffer."

He leaned in close to her ear, gently biting her earlobe. "Plus, I want to make things more enjoyable for you."

Eleanor's ears burned instantly, a hint of embarrassment in her tone. "What are you talking about!"

A low chuckle rumbled from the man's chest, vibrating against her as he pulled her tighter into his embrace.

"I'm not talking nonsense," lan murmured, a teasing glint in his eyes. "I'm just stating the facts. When there are no worries, we can truly enjoy ourselves."

Eleanor's face was completely flushed. She glared up at him, only to meet his laughing eyes. They were gentle and doting, holding an intensity that made her heart race.

"Can you... be serious for one minute?" she complained.

lan raised an eyebrow. "I am being very serious."

With that, he lowered his head until their foreheads touched, his gaze turning solemn. "Don't try to stop me. Let me make this decision for myself, okay?"

Eleanor looked at him seriously. "Every surgery comes with risks. You have to—"

"I know," lan interrupted, his voice

deep and resolute. "But the risks for

this procedure are virtually

nonexistent, and you know that

better than I do."

Eleanor opened her mouth, but she couldn't find the words to argue.

She did know. With modern medicine, a vasectomy was an incredibly routine and

safe minor procedure.

She just didn't want him to do it.

But it seemed she couldn't stop him, nor could she talk him out of it.

"Alright. It's your decision," Eleanor nodded, giving in.

"If I go through with it, will you come with me?" lan asked, holding her hand.

Eleanor nodded. "Yes."

lan lowered his head and captured her lips, tightening his arms to lock her against his body.

Outside the window, the early winter sun spilled through the glass, wrapping them in a warm halo of light.

It was a long moment before the man was finally willing to let her go. "Let's go eat."

That afternoon, Eleanor returned

Vel.nea

the lab, and lan headed to the

hospital for his consultation.

booked the surgery for Wednesday morning.

Wednesday morning arrived. Eleanor cleared her schedule and accompanied lan to the hospital.

The weather was beautiful. Goodwin Private Hospital was the premier facility in Ashford City, boasting top-tier medical staff and equipment.

lan held Eleanor's hand, keeping a low profile as they walked into the specialist's office.

At the doors to the operating room, Eleanor looked up at him. "Are you nervous?"

lan raised an eyebrow. "It's a minor procedure. What's there to be nervous about?"

She knew he wasn't nervous. This was a man who had weathered massive storms to the corporate world, yet she found herself feeling

Wous for him.

Even though she knew the risks were basically zero, she was still on edge.