Chapter 35

Alicia couldn't bear to watch the recording any longer. Embarrassed, she quickly deleted the video, ensuring no trace remained.

After composing herself, she reasoned that Caden had left early and hadn't contacted her since. Surely, last night was a one-time occurrence; they were both drunk. A drunken mistake.

This thought offered little comfort; the physical discomfort was undeniable. Her legs and waist ached, but another, throbbing pain lingered. She remembered Caden's roughness the previous night, the pain lasting for days afterward. Worried she'd injured herself again, she returned to the bathroom to inspect herself. Some marks were deeper than she expected—several bite marks of varying severity on her waist, lower abdomen, and inner thighs.

Shame washed over her. "I bit him twice, and he's retaliating by biting me a dozen times," she muttered. "What a mean man."

Closer inspection revealed her most sensitive areas unharmed, though slightly swollen. Relief flooded her, but another thought struck: last night had been so fast. Had they used protection? She had no condoms at home. Had Caden brought one? Unsure, she considered the morning-after pill, hesitant but fearing the consequences of inaction. She thought about calling Caden, but dismissed the idea; his attitude wouldn't be helpful. She opted for caution and decided to take the pill.

Accepting what had transpired, she dressed and went out, needing both the pill and ointment for her bruises.

Meanwhile, at the doctor's office, Caden sat receiving a report. "Mr. Ward," the doctor said, "extensive testing indicates that, aside from genetic factors, psychological influences contribute to your condition. Unfortunately, too much time has passed; the optimal treatment window has closed."

Caden's face darkened. "Is there no cure?"

The doctor adjusted his glasses. "It can be managed, but medication won't work. Only physical methods offer a chance, and even then, success is unlikely."

Caden frowned. He'd first noticed his lack of interest in women at eighteen. After his mother's death, his grandmother urged marriage and children, revealing his extreme cleanliness obsession. Further tests revealed his unusual condition. The Ward family had consulted numerous doctors, none offering a solution. Caden hadn't been overly concerned; his condition wasn't health-threatening.

But everything changed the night he and Alicia had sex—repeatedly. Following the previous night's passion, Caden realized its significance to his condition.

"Recently," he said, "I had a strong physical reaction to a woman."

The doctor's eyes widened. "That's positive! A physical relationship?"

"We had sex five or six times that night," Caden replied.

The doctor noted this, then crossed it out—an unnecessary detail. Smiling, he said, "An unexpected development! It could be key to recovery. Continued intimacy could lead to improvement."

Caden's expression deepened. "I only care about her. Can her illness be cured?"

The doctor looked curious. "Why would you want to cure her?"

A sharp glint entered Caden's eyes. If her unusual condition remained incurable, it wouldn't be a problem; she'd never enjoyed sex and hadn't given it much thought. But now, having experienced it with Alicia, it didn't seem positive.

Sensing Caden's unease—his relationship with the woman might not be ideal—the doctor replied cautiously, "Mr. Ward, perhaps we should wait, continue our studies."

Caden gave a cursory response.

The doctor, remembering something important, added, "Mr. Ward, now that your desires are awakened, never repress them. You must remain celibate or fully commit. This condition affects your hormonal balance. Repressing impulses could cause complications. Losing control could significantly harm your partner."

Caden was silent, then stood, replying indifferently, "That won't happen." He wasn't an animal; he wouldn't lose control to the point of ignoring her feelings.

After Caden left, Hank, waiting patiently, asked, "How did it go, Mr. Ward?"

Caden's expression remained unchanged. "A wasted trip." He'd waited years, only to be told to wait again. Empty platitudes. His chances of recovery seemed slim.

As they reached the elevator, Hank leaned in, whispering, "Mr. Ward, perhaps fate. Ms. Bennett is divorced from Mr. Yates. Both single. Why not explore this opportunity?"

Caden gave him a cold look. "What nonsense?"

Hank, anticipating Caden's denial, touched his nose sheepishly. "You spent hours watching her return home. Your eyes were red. Who'd believe you didn't sleep together last night?"

The elevator doors opened, revealing Alicia.