When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him

Chapter 1769 George Is Sick

George studied him for a moment, realizing once again how mature this boy was

for his age.

"All right. But if I tell you, you must promise me not to let Vivian or Zach know. Understood?"

Jonathan hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. "All right. I promise."

Only then did George finally reveal the truth to him.

In reality, his health was far worse than he let on. He frequently experienced heart palpitations, and after a thorough examination at the hospital, he had been diagnosed with heart disease. The doctors had warned him-he could pass away at any moment.

Despite this grim prognosis, George remained optimistic. He carried himself with the same playful, carefree attitude as always, making it easy for others to believe he was merely feigning illness rather than truly suffering.

"Why won't you tell Vivian and Zachary?" Jonathan asked, his brows furrowed in concern. He couldn't help but recall how, just a few days ago, Zachary had been grumbling about what a mischievous and unserious old man his grandfather was.

If he had known the truth, if he had known George was really sick, he surely wouldn't have spoken that way.

And then there was Vivian. She was already pregnant, soon to bring George a real great-grandchild—yet he remained completely unaware of the wonderful

news.

"Silly child. Everyone ages, and death is inevitable-what's there to dwell on?" George said with a gentle smile. "If I told them, they'd only be heartbroken. What good would it do to spend our days in sorrow?"

Jonathan fell silent, his head lowered.

George patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Jon, you must keep your promise. You absolutely cannot tell them, or I'd be very upset."

"All right." Jonathan's voice trembled slightly.

Meanwhile, after agreeing to George's request to keep Zachary company, Vivian found herself standing hesitantly outside his door. She lifted her hand to knock but hesitated.

Just then, the door suddenly swung open.

Zachary stood there, momentarily taken aback to find her outside his room.

"What's the matter? Is there something else?"

It took Vivian a moment to collect herself before she quickly shook her head- then nodded. "Yes... and no."

Zachary's brows knitted slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Um..." Vivian hesitated, then smoothly changed the subject. "Are you heading out for a meal?"

Zachary shook his head. "No, I have something to take care of. I won't be coming back tonight."

"Then I'll go with you," Vivian declared without hesitation.

Zachary looked at her, bewildered. He couldn't quite grasp what had gotten into her.

Vivian had always kept her distance from him.

"If Grandpa asked you to follow me,

don't bother. There's no need for this," Zachary said flatly, assuming his grandfather had once again' pressured Vivian into keeping him company.

Vivian quickly realized his misunderstanding. “No. I just wanted to go out with you.

You don't mind, do you?"

Silence settled between them in the hallway.

After a long pause, Zachary finally gave a stiff nod. "Okay."

Vivian's eyes lit up, and she smiled as she followed him out.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"I don't know," Zachary admitted, his voice devoid of energy. He sounded utterly disheartened.

Vivian didn't press him further. Instead, she simply got into the car beside him.

When she noticed he was about

start driving, she instinctively offered to drive, walking toward the driver's seat "Let me drive. Just tell me where you want to go."

She wasn't just offering to help-she was genuinely worried. Given his current state of mind, she didn't want to risk him losing focus on the road.

Zachary met her gaze, his deep eyes unreadable. After a long pause, he finally gave a slight nod.

Without hesitation, Vivian slid into the driver's seat and started the car.

The engine purred to life as they drove off.

།

From a distance, George watched them leave, a wave of relief washing over him. "Vivian is a good

worry that Zach might give her

trol in the future."

Just

He had always believed Zachary was too naive-someone who needed a strong-

willed woman to ground him.noveldrama

Jonathan, standing beside him, reassured, "Actually, he's more reliable than he seems."