CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

Deep in Joyce's heart, this was not the future she had envisioned for herself.

“Yes, Joyce. This is the only way. You know how much Stanley despises the child you bear. He will get rid of the baby by any means—even if it means taking your parents hostages and harming Justin. You have no choice but to leave. In such a way, you will be able to protect the child and your family.”

“I know... but—”

“No buts,” Natalie interrupted in determination. “Joyce, this is not the time to make a decision based on your emotions. You need to think about the child, your family, and the people you care about. This is your only solution. I know you're reluctant to leave, not because you'll miss J City, but because of Stanley, isn't it? You can't stand the thought of never seeing him again, right?”

Joyce had no response when Natalie pointed out the truth.

Natalie sighed. “I know you can't leave him behind, but you have to. You said you would give up on him once you had this child. Have you forgotten about that?”

“I know. I said I wouldn't stay with him, but that doesn't mean I'll stop loving him. In fact, I can't stop loving him. That is why I can't accept the fact that I might never see him again. I—”

“You're blinded by love,” Natalie interjected.

She and Shane had never had any misunderstandings, so their relationship had always been smooth sailing. Natalie had never experienced the dilemma Joyce was going through, so she could not understand how Joyce could love Stanley to the point where she could give up everything for him.

“I really don't know how else I can change your mind, Joyce. I understand that you can't get over him, but have you ever thought about whether this is for the best?”

Joyce's gaze lowered, and she did not answer.

“I take your silence as a yes. I'm sure you know the consequences if you have thought about it. Objectively speaking, staying here is far from ideal. The only thing Stanley wants to do now is to kill the baby. There's no way he can get over the hatred he harbors for you and the entire Rivers family, so you and your parents have to leave J City. You have to make sure this child, Justin, and the others are safe.”

“I know, Nat...”

“Well, then you should be able to think with your head, not your heart!” Natalie was exasperated. “I don't understand what you're thinking right now. You can't accept the fact that you have to stay away from him forever, but you're also the one who said you wouldn't get back together with him. Why should you care so much about him when you've made up your mind to stay away from him? Isn't it better for you to never see him again if you want to forget him?”

Joyce opened her mouth, wanting to argue otherwise, but words eluded her.

In her heart, she knew Natalie was right.