Chapter 319 Wanting a Grandchild
Samantha's wide-eyed panic and shaky grip on her boba had James torn between laughing and rolling his eyes.
He gave her a light pat on the head, letting it slide, and after she polished off her drink, he took her back to JZL Medical Clinic.
Back at the clinic, Virgil and Michelle greeted her like family. They didn't just whip up a killer dinner—they set her up with a cozy, sunlit room.
And when they heard about Samantha's rough home life, their hearts went out to her. She was practically family now.
After dinner, Samantha took the initiative to clean up the dishes. Michelle wanted to stop her but was gently dissuaded by James with a shake of his head.
If Samantha didn't do some work, she might not be able to sleep tonight.
While Samantha was washing dishes and tidying up the kitchen, Michelle pulled James into the living room, hesitantly asking, "James, I heard from Gabriella that Mary came to see you this afternoon?"
Virgil also came over and handed James a cup of tea.
James nodded. "She wanted me to choose a jade as a gift for her grandma. Why?"
"Ugh... it's nothing. Your dad and I are just stressing over your marriage," Michelle shot a look at Virgil, who was casually sipping his tea, then flashed a smile and ruffled James's hair. "You've made it big—running your own clinic, building connections, and you've got a solid rep in Rosewood City. Your dad and I are proud. But you're twenty-six now. Isn't it about time you settled down, found a wife, and kept the family going?"
She came right out with it. "Your dad and I are itching to hold a grandbaby."
Virgil jumped in, "Yeah, your cousin's kid's already in elementary school, and you're still single."
"Don't talk nonsense! James just hasn't made up his mind yet," Michelle shot Virgil a look and said, "Mary and Olivia are both stunning. It's no wonder James is torn."
James felt a headache coming on. "Mom, Dad, don't worry about this. My career is on the rise right now, and I'm not considering it for the time being."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Michelle gave James a light tap on the head. "Settling down and having a kid won't hold you back. Back in the day, we were broke—no house, no car, no girls would look twice at us. Then, even when you got married, it was just to cover medical bills, and you ended up living with her family. But now? Things are way better. You've got to think about your future! Your dad and I aren't getting any younger. If you don't hurry up and find a wife, have a kid, do you want us to kick the bucket with regrets? All we want is a little family happiness. Can't you make that happen for us?"
James quickly spoke up, "Mom, Dad, don't think too much. You'll live a long life."
"Don't change the subject," Michelle's tone sharpened. "Spit it out—Mary or Olivia? Mary saved my life, dropped 70 grand on us when we were in the gutter. And even now, she's still sending you 2K every month to help take care of me. Olivia's been your rock, got her act together, and hooked you up with the Rosewood City crowd. JZL Medical Clinic wouldn't be squat without her."
Virgil, like Michelle, was used to remembering only the good in people. "Both are good girls, so it's indeed a bit difficult to choose. So I suggest you follow your feelings. For example, if both of them fell into the water at the same time, which one would you save first?"
Michelle knocked him on the head. "Stop giving ridiculous ideas. James, just ask yourself, who do you want to spend your life with?"
James straightened up, "Who said I have to choose one of them?"
Michelle and Virgil said in unison, "We won't agree to any other woman."
Seeing his parents' aggressive stance, James felt a bit helpless but also started to have some thoughts.
If he had to choose one, which one would it be?
Mary was quick-tempered, unreasonable, and often gave him the cold shoulder, causing mental and emotional strain.
Olivia was understanding, thorough in her work, and could support him in his career. With her, there would only be laughter, sweetness, and excitement left.
Comparing the two, the answer seemed clear.
But James felt like something was still missing.
"Alright, ease up," Virgil cut in, seeing James lost in thought. "We've said our piece—he'll figure it out. Picking a wife isn't like grabbing milk at the store; it takes time. Let's see how this month plays out. If he's still dragging his feet next month, we'll circle back."
Michelle took a deep breath, looked at James, and nodded, "Your father is just right. You're an adult now, and you need to consider things thoroughly. Think it over. But no matter what, our deadline is that by next winter, I must be holding a grandchild."
James smiled wryly, "Got it, I'll do my best."
Seeing James agree, Michelle finally left. Virgil also finished his tea in one gulp, then got up and walked to the backyard for a stroll, humming a little song in his mouth.
When others sang this song, it would sound melancholic and sad, but with Virgil's loud voice, James caught a hint of menace.
James was a bit lost in thought.
"Dr. Will... James," At this moment, Samantha cautiously walked over, having been corrected on her address, "I've prepared your bath."
James was stunned, "What? Prepared my bath?"
Samantha bit her lip, "I cleaned your bathtub, filled it with hot water, and found your clothes. You can take a bath now."
Under the light, Samantha looked quiet and pure, like a night-blooming flower, giving off a serene and frozen beauty.
James admired her and then reminded her. "Quit this from now on, I can live myself."
Samantha lowered her head without saying a word.
"You go take a bath first." James coughed lightly, "I have something to think about."
Samantha asked, "Can I help you?"
James glanced at her, "How can you help me? My parents want a grandchild."
Samantha was so scared she almost fell, "James, I... I'm still young."