Chapter 49

Evelyn Sinclair felt heat rising to her cheeks.

The woman beside her showed no restraint in their conversation. She chattered excitedly about every imaginable topic, completely indifferent to the presence of men nearby.

"Tell me everything! I'm dying to know!" The woman's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Evelyn was stunned. Topics once considered taboo were now being discussed so openly.

"He's not..." She shook her head.

Before she could finish saying "He's not my husband," the woman discreetly glanced behind Evelyn, her gaze lingering on Dominic Blackwood with unmistakable hunger.

Then she turned back abruptly, interrupting. "We're both women. We've surely been with our husbands. No need to be shy! Share some details with me. How many times a week? Just one look tells me your man is very... skilled."

Her admiring gaze drifted back to Dominic's imposing figure. He sat not far behind them. She murmured, "His very presence screams he could make a woman climax endlessly, anytime, anywhere..."

Evelyn was speechless.

This conversation needed to end.

First, Dominic Blackwood wasn't her husband. The thought alone was dangerous.

Second, she refused to contemplate whether he possessed that alleged "overbearing" ability.

"Excuse me, I need the ladies' room." Grabbing her purse, Evelyn escaped the nosy woman.

After exiting, she found a quiet corner in the waiting area.

Twenty minutes later, her number was called.

Entering the examination room, she followed instructions to remove her skirt and underwear before lying on the table.

"Slide down further," the middle-aged female doctor instructed after a glance.

Evelyn adjusted her position.

"Bend your knees, spread your legs wider." Once positioned, the doctor asked, "Name?"

"Evelyn Sinclair."

Gynecological exams weren't new to her. Her first was five years ago - a prerequisite before bearing that man's child. She'd been stripped, interrogated, and examined with cold instruments in a humiliating ordeal.

Though years had passed, the memory surfaced during every exam.

The procedure lasted five minutes.

Evelyn sat up, exhaled softly, and cleaned herself before dressing hastily. She followed the doctor out.

Back in the waiting area, she awaited results.

When called, she stood - then noticed a man rising from a secluded corner.

He moved toward the doctor's office.

Evelyn froze.

Was he planning to join her?

It was inappropriate for a non-husband to attend a gynecological consultation.

"If there are issues, I want immediate follow-up. I won't tolerate negligence regarding your health." Dominic's commanding tone brooked no argument.

Evelyn frowned, ready to refuse.

But recalling the woman's bold questions earlier, perhaps societal norms had changed since her teenage years.

Dominic Blackwood had built an empire from nothing - a man who calculated every move. For such men, relationships held little value.

Perhaps he feared she carried diseases. Dr. Grant had only addressed surface issues earlier.

What illnesses terrified men so? Syphilis? AIDS?

As Dominic played husband and entered with her, a dark thought struck: What if the doctor misdiagnosed her with AIDS?

She almost wanted to see his reaction. Would he flee in terror?

Later, she'd learn STD tests required specialized hospital labs unavailable here.

"Doctor, about my condition..." Evelyn tensed.

The doctor reviewed notes. "Everything's normal. Avoid colds, strenuous activity, and get rest." She observed Evelyn's attire. "Office worker? Minimize heels for now."

Evelyn nodded.

"No serious issues. Don't over-worry. Here's a prescription for common medications." Noticing Dominic's attentive gaze, the doctor added, "Your wife is healthy. Scans show good ovaries, uterus, and pelvic structure. From my experience, she appears quite fertile."

Evelyn flushed crimson. The phrase "wide hips mean fertility" popped into her head - something overheard during overseas studies or family gatherings.

Being called "fertile" was embarrassing enough. Worse, it was said before this man.

Leaving with her report, Evelyn avoided Dominic's eyes. "Mr. Blackwood, I'm heading home to rest."

"I'll walk you out."

He draped his coat over her shoulders, anticipating refusal, so he firmly held them when she stiffened.

Enveloped in his scent, Evelyn felt uncomfortably warm. She met his gaze, determined to refuse.

Dominic's stare was unwavering. "The doctor said no colds."

Such lavish concern unsettled her. But arguing would prolong their interaction. Better to comply for a quicker departure.

Turning toward her apartment, she walked briskly.

He followed at a perfect distance - close enough to imply connection, far enough for propriety.

Despite the cool breeze, warmth spread through her. Her hands trembled. Her pulse raced...