Chapter 1

My body is unbearably sensitive. Just the lightest touch from a man unsettles me, sending ripples through my senses, sometimes… something more.

Because of this sensitivity, my husband has started to see me as something he can simply hand off, like a gift or a present.

My name is Desiree Lockhart, and I've been married for two years.

My husband is a well-paid executive at a medical equipment company, and our life is comfortable—at least financially.

But there's something about me, this sensitivity, that can make even a fleeting brush of contact feel like an electric charge.

Back before we were married, my husband was utterly infatuated by this trait of mine. But after the wedding, it seems his excitement wore thin.

Over time, what began as eagerness dwindled to mere duty; he'd go through the motions, but always with a kind of detachment that left me feeling empty and alone. Now, his touch barely satisfies the surface, let alone the depths of my longing.

One day, after browsing some articles or maybe picking up gossip, my husband became convinced that my sensitivity was an illness that needed treatment. That evening, he brought it up, calmly suggesting it as a necessary step.

My first reaction was to push back, because it didn't make sense to me that massive sexual needs were deemed as an illness.

But I saw how worried he was, so I swallowed my reservations and agreed, if only to ease his mind.

And so, here I am, standing in the private Pamdeeter Hospital in Reinwood, an exclusive place where my husband claims he has "good connections."

The doctor greeted me, saying, "Mrs. Lambert, there's no need to be afraid. This is a professional institution. Please remove your clothing so we can proceed with the examination."

I comply, undressing and settling onto the examination table.

A curtain is drawn over my abdomen, separating my upper and lower body, shielding me from the view of my husband and the staff.

As I lie there, staring at the cold, glinting surgical instruments, anxiety grips me, and I reach out to clutch my husband's hand.

"Honey, I'm scared. Maybe…maybe we shouldn't do this?"

He gives me a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. This hospital is reputable. It's a minor procedure, nothing more."

"But—"

I hesitate, but he presses a finger to his lips, signaling for quiet. "Shh. It'll be over soon."

His hand pats mine, grounding me in his steady presence. I remind myself how much he usually dotes on me, how much he cares, and I allow myself to relax, just a little.

Still, as I lie on the chilled metal of the operating table, I can't help but shiver.

"Honey, I'm cold," I whisper.

My husband chuckles softly and gives my chest a gentle pat. "Nothing to worry about, my love."

The familiar warmth of his touch on my sensitive body sends an unwelcome shiver down my spine. Here, in front of the doctor and staff? It's embarrassing.

The operating room door opens with a creak.

"Ah, Dr. Mason, you're here," one of the staff greets the hospital director.

"Are we ready?" he asks.

"Yes, sir, all set. Just awaiting your direction."

With my breath held, I bite my lip, trying not to betray the unsettling rush building inside me. I was extremely terrified it might show.

"Thank you," Dr. Mason says. "This is a straightforward procedure. You can leave me to handle it. You're dismissed."

I hear the shuffle of footsteps as the other staff quietly file out, leaving me alone with him behind the curtain.

The door clicks shut. And then I feel it—a pair of warm hands settle firmly on my legs.

The unfamiliar touch sends an intense shockwave through me.

"Mrs. Lambert," he says, "I'll be starting your examination now. Please, open your legs."