Chapter 414
Ivy blushed deeply at the compliments, unable to hide her embarrassment.
Professor Penn turned to Jamison, her tone suddenly shifting, full of mock surprise. "Well, well! I never expected you to go from zero to sixty like this. For years, Naylor and I have been introducing you to every eligible woman we know–at least a handful, if I’m counting right. You didn’t fancy a single one. We started to think you’d joined the modern trend–no marriage, no kids. And now, suddenly, you spring a whirlwind wedding on us–and to a girl I actually know!"
She peered at the two of them over her bifocals, eyes sharp with mischief. "So, was this part of your master plan all along?"
Ivy was far too flustered to answer.
Jamison, however, was unruffled. "No master plan back then. Honestly, she couldn’t stand me–every time we met, she’d give me an earful. Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment, but the more she pushed me away, the more I wanted to get close. Eventually, well… she got under my skin."
Professor Penn clicked her tongue. "That smooth talk–did you learn that from Naylor?"
Ivy stifled a laugh. She remembered Jamison mentioning that Professor Penn was Naylor’s mother.
After the small talk, Professor Penn got down to business and began Ivy’s examination.
Once she’d finished her questions, Professor Penn stood and said, "Miss Windsor, come with me to the next room. I want to do a pelvic exam."
Before Ivy could react, Jamison’s face turned awkward and he quickly interjected, "Dr. Penn, she’s not quite ready for that…"
Dr. Penn was already pulling on her latex gloves. She glanced at him, puzzled. "Not ready? Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle."
"It’s not that… We, uh… she hasn’t-"
Professor Penn paused, remembering from Ivy’s chart that she hadn’t been sexually active, which was why they’d only done an abdominal ultrasound before and skipped this particular exam.
But now they were married, so she’d naturally assumed things had changed.
Catching Jamison’s expression, Professor Penn’s eyes widened in astonishment. "Oh, you mean you two haven’t- "
She broke off, then couldn’t help herself. "You’re married and you still haven’t…?"
Ivy’s face was burning, wishing she could disappear into the floor.
Jamison cleared his throat, looking just as flushed. Thankfully, the room was empty except for them.
"Um… Ivy’s health comes first. I don’t want to pressure her, so we’re taking it slow." His explanation was halting but sincere.
Professor Penn nodded, still looking a bit surprised. "Well, you’ve certainly got willpower."
Jamison could only offer a sheepish smile.
Ivy’s embarrassment reached new heights; she felt like her shoes would leave permanent grooves in the floor.
When they returned to the desk, Professor Penn turned to Ivy and spoke plainly. "I remember telling you before–this condition you have, sometimes it improves after you consummate the marriage. Your husband’s right here, what are you waiting for? Don’t go feeling sorry for him–he’s young and healthy, he’ll survive a little exertion."
Ivy was sure her face was about to catch fire.
Jamison already knew doctors could be blunt after years in the profession, but being the subject of the conversation was a whole new level of mortifying.
"Dr. Penn, please just order the other tests. Our married life is none of your concern," Jamison pleaded, sounding almost desperate.
Professor Penn was unfazed. "I’m not meddling, I’m thinking about what’s best for my patient."
She fixed Ivy with an unfiltered stare. "You heard me, sweetheart? Go home and take care of business tonight!"
Ivy: Speechless.
Jamison: Equally speechless.