Chapter 2 He Is The Attending Physician

Jessica's heart raced, yet she put on a look of confusion. "Matthew, what are you talking about?"

Matthew scowled. "Explain these hickeys on your neck! Jessica, I know I haven't met your needs in our three years of marriage, but you shouldn't cheat on me! No matter how deeply I care for you, I cannot overlook this!"

Jessica recalled how Matthew had always been gentle and thoughtful. Now, he seemed aggressive and transformed into someone she barely recognized.

Jessica inwardly scoffed. Men, no matter their own indiscretions, never tolerated infidelity from their wives.

"I haven't cheated. These marks are just mosquito bites," Jessica said calmly. "I was at Braelynn's last night. You can ask her if you don't believe me."

"Braelynn is your best friend. She would lie for you." Matthew remained skeptical.

"Then why not check the surveillance footage to see if I was really at her place?" Jessica suggested.

Without hesitation, Matthew ordered someone to check the tapes. He was determined to get to the bottom of this.

Just as Matthew was about to press her further about the marks, Jessica quickly stepped forward, grabbed his shirt collar, and pointed at those lipstick marks. "And what about these?"

Matthew recoiled in panic, pushing her hand away and stepping back. "I... I'm having an allergic reaction!"

Jessica's smile lacked any joy. "Really? That severe of an allergy?"

Matthew nodded and said, his eyes darting, "Yes, during a business trip, the hotel sheets were dirty. I reacted badly, and it's still healing."

Just then, Matthew's secretary confirmed Jessica's claim of being at Braelynn's place, as the surveillance footage showed Jessica's arrival and departure.

With a softer tone and a reconciliatory smile, Matthew moved closer to apologize. "I'm sorry, Jessica. I was wrong to doubt you. I just saw a specialist this afternoon. The test results confirm I have some issues with potency. I felt insecure, and that's why I..."

His demeanor was that of a remorseful husband, guilty for not satisfying his wife. Had Jessica not seen that damning photo, she might have fallen for his act. Tears gathered in her eyes. If Matthew wanted to put on a show, she was willing to play her part until she could gather solid proof of his unfaithfulness.

"It's okay, Matt... Just don't misjudge me again," Jessica said softly.

Cleverly, Jessica had asked Braelynn to prepare fake surveillance footage right after she left the hotel this morning, anticipating Matthew might pull a stunt like this.

"Matt, did you get any medication?" Jessica asked. "Why don't we give it a try tonight? I admit I wasn't proactive before, but I'm ready now."

As expected, Matthew quickly pulled away, stepping back. "No. The doctor recommended I take medication and rest for a couple of weeks before we try anything."

Jessica smirked inwardly. He was conserving his energy for his mistress.

Jessica smiled, playing the part of a supportive wife perfectly. "Alright. We can take our time."

The following day, Mabel Hopkins, Matthew's mother, arrived with several housekeepers, each carrying a large bag filled with herbal remedies and homemade concoctions.

Over the years, Mabel had tried various traditional methods and remedies to help Jessica conceive.

Each time, Jessica dutifully consumed the remedies to help Matthew conceal the fact that their marriage lacked intimacy. Unfortunately, those bitter soups always made her feel sick.

This time, Mabel instructed the housekeepers to prepare the concoctions as usual, but Jessica chose to be honest. "Matthew and I haven't been intimate at all over these three years."

Previously, Jessica took the remedies because she harbored feelings for Matthew.

Now, after his infidelity, Jessica found herself wishing she could force Mabel to swallow the unpleasant mixtures herself.

The teacup in Mabel's hand fell and broke on the floor. Seconds later, she exploded in anger. "Jessica, if you're going to lie to me, at least make it believable! You've been married for three years, and my son is not impotent. How could he not have touched you!"

Jessica stood her ground, unflinching. "It's an issue with Matthew. If you don't believe me, ask him yourself!"

Mabel's frown deepened, noticing the formal way Jessica now referred to her son. Jessica used to call him Matt affectionately, but now it was Matthew.

"Hah, you two used to be inseparable. Matt even went on a hunger strike to marry you. If it weren't for you saving him from that car accident, I would never have accepted you into the Hopkins family!" Mabel scoffed. "Jessica, if you brought out the same allure you had before the marriage, you wouldn't still be without a child!"

Jessica felt the urge to strike Mabel.

Since marrying into the Hopkins family, Jessica had made every effort to treat Mabel respectfully, despite Mabel's constant disapproval. Mabel never missed a chance to make Jessica's life miserable.

Before, for Matthew's sake, Jessica had endured it all, always trying to avoid confrontation.

"If seduction could solve it, I'd be all for it." Jessica shrugged. "But what can I do when my husband is impotent?"

This was the first time Jessica had ever talked back to Mabel. In her fury, Mabel physically pulled Jessica to the hospital's gynecology department, demanding she undergo a thorough examination.

Jessica found the situation absurd. After all, being childless was not her fault!

That afternoon, the gynecology department was bustling. A crowd of women had gathered around a particular room.

Jessica glanced at the sign. Room 211, Dr. Andrew George.

Her appointment was with a male doctor. At this point, Jessica figured it made no difference whether the doctor was male or female.

After waiting for over an hour, Jessica's name was finally called.

The consulting room's curtain was half-drawn, allowing a sliver of light to illuminate the man's face, giving it an almost ethereal and indistinct appearance. His features were somewhat obscured.

Jessica entered and took a seat.

The man leaned back slightly, bringing his features into clear view. A high-bridged nose, lips slightly pursed.

Jessica had not anticipated that the composed and professional doctor before her was the man who had left her moaning the night before.