Even though that was where the topic came to an end with neither of them furthering the conversation, Lucian's worries about his reproductive health did not abate. He would stare blankly at Calista's stomach from time to time.Calista seemed to have caught on after some time. "Do you want a child so badly?"Lucian nodded and then shook his head. For him, it wasn't about having a child, but rather whether or not he had any issues. The inherent inferiority complex embedded into his bones coupled with what happened in the past left him volatile when his "impotence" was brought up. He was afraid that Calista would resent him for it.Lucian's anxiety lasted for two months before he privately scheduled an appointment with the andrology department. He wore a duckbill cap and a mask and went to the hospital for an examination.Once the sample had been collected, he took it to the lab. The doctor, busy with work, didn't even bother to look up."Put the sample down on the counter. You can
"Dude, I'm also here for a checkup. I'm still waiting for the results. It's nerve-wracking." He motioned for Lucian to look at his trembling hands."It's better to gain some experience beforehand. I thought that if I read a few reports, I'd be less nervous when it's my turn. We're both men. You understand how it is."He reached out to pat Lucian on the shoulder as a friendly gesture, but Lucian avoided it. Rather than feel embarrassed, the man leaned close to whisper, "Women will just mock you about this kind of thing. Only men understand. We don't know each other. The moment we step out of this building, we'll be strangers. If anything goes wrong, I can be a punching bag for you to vent your anger."He calmly glanced at Calista. Her clothes, bag, and shoes weren't simply high-end goods. There were exclusive models that only VIPs of the highest rank could get their hands on. When his gaze finally landed on her face, his eyes lit up.If his wife had one-tenth of her looks and figu
Upon hearing the familiar name of the hospital, Lucian looked up at the brightly lit logo on the hospital's outpatient building and frowned."Yes, this is Lucian speaking. How can I help you?" he asked."I apologize, Mr. Northwood. The security guard noticed a suspicious person following you on the surveillance cameras. "After looking into the matter, we found out that your test sample from this morning had been swapped. Could you please come back again to have the tests redone when you're available?""My sample was swapped?""I'm sorry, Mr. Northwood. That was negligence on our part. We will refund you three times the fee you've paid for the test, and your next check-up will be free of charge. "If there's any further treatment needed, it'll be on the house. You're also free to request compensation. Fortunately, we noticed it in time before there were any serious consequences."Hearing their blatant attempt at shirking responsibility, Lucian could only sneer. "No need. A lawye
After Lucian left, Calista grabbed his phone from its spot on the pillow. She was going to watch some videos to pass the time. Instead, she was greeted by his chat history with Cade the moment she unlocked the phone."Are you familiar with any andrologists?""Just cut it off. It's one and done," Cade responded.Lucian had likely gotten pissed off at him. So, he never replied.Half an hour later, Lucian came upstairs to let Calista know that the food was ready. She was still lying in bed. So, he stood by it and looked down at her."Go freshen up. I'll get you some clothes."Half her face was buried beneath the covers. "Okay."Lucian ruffled her hair. Just as he was about to turn around, Calista suddenly sat up and wrapped her arms around his waist."Don't go for the check-up, Lucian. Can't we just let nature take its course?"Her soft and supple arms felt like hot iron clinging against his waist. He could feel the heat even through the layer of fabric. Lucian rested his hand ag
Lucian wasn't crying, but his eyes were red. His gaze on Calista's belly was both fervent and joyful. He seemed to want to reach out to touch it. His constant scrutiny made Calista uncomfortable. She pursed her lips."She's still just a fertilized egg that can't interact with you. Come on, let's go. The doctor is still waiting outside."She pushed Lucian out of the room. Selena was asking the doctor about the precautions that had to be taken during the pregnancy. She wanted to know every minute detail involving diets, clothing, housing, and transportation. It was as if she were completely inexperienced.Given the hefty monthly salary and generous year-end bonus, the doctor answered in great detail and patience."Madam Calista wasn't ill because of morning sickness. Her stomach was upset because she skipped breakfast and was suffering from motion sickness. "Morning sickness usually occurs around the six-week mark. Her period has only been delayed by nine days. There won't be any
It was in a dimly lit room where a man's rough palms caressed every inch of a woman's skin. He leaned in and rained kisses down on her. They started from her hairline, descending to her eyes, lips, and ears before he worked his way down her slender neck."Mm…"The woman tilted her head and pressed herself close to the man. But despite their intimacy, she still felt inexplicably empty. What she wanted was to get even closer.Cameron Yorksworth opened her eyes to be greeted by the sight of a ceiling clad in darkness. Her thoughts continued to linger on the less-than-satisfactory love affair. For a moment, she couldn't distinguish between what was a dream and what was reality.It was five in the morning. The silence was deafening. The white gauze curtain behind the floor-to-ceiling window fluttered slightly in the wind.She turned her head to look at Cade lying beside her before rolling over. Then, she began to undo the buttons on his pajamas.The ruckus woke Cade up. Before he co
Nerissa, with her battered and swollen face, cried profusely. "I came here to bring you the clothes you left behind the other day. Cameron must've misunderstood something…"The Carters and Yorksworths lived in the same compound, and the two families shared a close relationship. As Cade was five years older than Nerissa, it wasn't an exaggeration to say that they grew up together. Compared to Cameron, who had only been welcomed into the family much later, they shared a much closer relationship.Cade glanced at the suit jacket in Nerissa's hand and turned to stare at Cameron who hadn't refuted her sister's words. He frowned."I accidentally left this behind at the Luminary Lounge the other day. Just throw it away if you're that unhappy about it. Why hit her?"Cameron sauntered up to him and smiled as she met his gaze. "Would you go savor a few pounds of crap if she told you that feces from the latrine tasted good?"Despite her vulgar words, Cameron remained as classy as ever. She
"I wanted to part on good terms. But since you won't give me that, I'll just have to ask you to leave. I can afford to wait two years." The law permitted divorce after two years of separation.Cameron watched him with half-lidded eyes. There was no hiding the harsh frigidity of her character. Cade said nothing as he silently stared at her.The steam in the bathroom and the sound of running water were lulling her to sleep. Cameron frowned, impatient enough to want to drive him away. However, he suddenly broke into laughter as he leered at her excessively fair complexion. He spoke in a playful tone. "It has only been two years, Cameron. Have you already forgotten everything?"The thought of what happened in the past had Cade looking at her with disdain."You want to part on good terms? You've got some nerve to say that. You went to great lengths to use any means necessary just to marry me. Why should I accommodate your needs now that you want to leave?"Cameron saw anger building