When Lies Collapse, A Queen Emerges

"No way! You're still a virgin?"

As night settled, the music in the bar grew deafening, and a mix of smoke and alcohol permeated the dimly lit, bustling space.

Jessica Reynolds, who was intoxicated and disheartened, really should have headed home to rest. However, the image of an anonymous photo she had just received and the words of her friend Braelynn Harris echoed repeatedly in her mind. "If your husband isn't fulfilling your needs, you should leave him while you're still young. After all, why surrender yourself to total abstinence from sex?"

Throughout her three-year marriage, Jessica had repeatedly tried to spark romance with Matthew Hopkins, her husband, but he consistently brushed her off with various excuses.

Then, unexpectedly, Jessica received an anonymous text message two hours earlier. It contained a photo of Matthew sprawled naked on a vast bed!

In the photo, Matthew rested his head on shredded black stockings and a bra, his neck smeared with lipstick marks. He appeared to be deeply asleep, eyes shut.

The shock of the photo overwhelmed Jessica. She had wanted to call Matthew immediately for an explanation, but his phone was off. Love and loyalty? It seemed like a cruel joke.

Leaning against the bar in a drunken slump, the alcohol reddened Jessica's delicate features, and her wavy hair cascaded loosely around her.

Over the three years, despite Jessica's initial reservations about intimacy, she was, after all, an adult woman living daily with the man she loved. It was difficult not to harbor desires. Particularly today, finding out about Matthew's betrayal unexpectedly ignited a deep longing within her.

Staggering, Jessica went to the restroom to splash water on her face but nearly stumbled on the steps. Luckily, someone caught her just in time.

A deep, mature voice soothed her. "Be careful."

Through her tear-filled eyes, Jessica looked up at the man. He had noble, handsome features and dark, piercing eyes. He stood exceptionally tall, with her head only reaching his chest. He had an air of cool danger about him.

At that moment, Jessica made up her mind. Since Matthew had been unfaithful, there was no reason for her to remain loyal!

After mulling it over for a few seconds, Jessica leaned into the man's arms and boldly wrapped her arms around his neck.

Desperate for affection, Jessica initiated a passionate kiss as soon as they entered the room.

The man slid a strong hand under her hips, aiding Jessica as she wrapped her long, slender legs around his waist.

Noticing her slight shiver, the man chuckled and said, "Scared? Don't worry. I won't let you fall."

His build was lean, yet his arms displayed powerful muscles with prominent veins, and his shoulders were broad, radiating potent masculinity.

They exchanged a profound kiss. Their breathing mingled chaotically, the room filled with the soft, intimate sounds of their fervent embrace. They kissed with unrestrained passion.

The intensity of their sexual intercourse was nothing short of explosive.

Upon awakening, the man stood facing away from Jessica and secured a belt around his waist.

Jessica noticed she had been cleaned up, which showed his considerate side after their intimacy. Her observant eyes spotted that his belt was a limited edition Hermes, worth at least thirty thousand dollars, revealing she had been with a wealthy man the previous night.

"Well, what now?" Jessica, new to the experience of a one-night stand, was unsure what followed such a night of passion.

Turning to face Jessica, the man noticed she was awake and bare. His eyes briefly lingered on a red smear on the white sheet. "Fifty thousand. Is that sufficient?"

Jessica was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

The man had seen their fling as just that, unaware that she had been a virgin. However, her blend of innocence and wildness the previous night had genuinely impressed him. He hadn't felt this gratified in a long while and was prepared to compensate for the experience. "I mean exactly what I said. If that's not enough, I can increase it."

Jessica realized what he implied. "No need. It was mutual consent. We don't need to put a price on it." Putting a price on it would suggest she was selling herself.

Jessica faltered as she rose to get dressed, not realizing until then how sore she was from the previous night's activities, almost unable to stand.

The man quickly steadied her by her waist, reminiscing about her uninhibited spirit from the night before. Her skin was soft and smooth, and despite her lack of experience, her sounds of pleasure were particularly captivating. He offhandedly said, "Well, I am quite satisfied with you. You're plenty wild. How about we consider being friends with benefits?"

Although Jessica had a memorable first encounter with this man, she regarded him solely as a means to an end. She planted a playful kiss on his cheek. "Nah. Last night is just for fun!"

After getting back home, Jessica took a long, hot shower. The man had been quite intense. Her body was adorned with numerous hickeys and bite marks. Despite this, the encounter had left her feeling deeply satisfied and filled with a strong sense of retribution.

Matthew usually worked late, but that day he had come home early.

When Jessica emerged from the bathroom in her bathrobe, she ran into him.

The hickeys on her neck stood out starkly.

Matthew quickly stepped closer, his voice filled with urgency. "Jessica, did you cheat on me?"

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.

When the doctor saw Jessica's face, a brief look of surprise flashed across his expression. He had never expected to meet her again after their passionate night, especially under such a circumstance.

Adopting a professional demeanor, the doctor asked, "What brings you here today?"

Last night, he radiated a wild, intoxicating charm, dressed in a dark shirt, his smile enough to send Jessica's heart racing. But now, he sat behind the consultation desk, clad in a white lab coat. Illuminated from behind, he seemed aloof and distant, not approachable.

At that moment, Jessica felt unexpectedly nervous. "Infertility," she responded.

"Are you married?" He quickly furrowed his brow, clicking through her medical records on his computer. As expected, her marital status showed as married.

A shadow fell over his face. He had carelessly been with a married woman the night before. Yet, he kept his professional tone. "When was the last time you were intimate?"

"Last night." Jessica rested her chin on her hand, observing him. "He was quite vigorous. I believe it was seven or eight times. I was quite sore afterward."

He halted, his fingers freezing over the keyboard. In a cool tone, he replied, "I meant with your husband."

Right after his words left his mouth, he realized that last night had been her first time. Clearly, she had never been intimate with her husband.

Jessica gestured dismissively. "My husband and I have never been intimate. Ours is a celibate marriage."

"Since you and your husband have not engaged sexually, you don't meet the criteria for infertility." His tone was cold as he looked at the marital status again. "Ma'am, it's your husband who should be seeing urologists, not you here in gynecology."

Jessica didn't move, her smile resembling one shared between old friends. "Dr. George, I came here today mainly for a comprehensive physical checkup..."

He frowned. "Are you intending to get pregnant?"

Jessica hesitated. Saying yes seemed fitting. Saying no seemed right as well. "You could say I'm considering it. Besides, a full checkup can't hurt."

Kevan Hopkins drew the curtain closed and instructed, "Women who haven't had sex usually receive external pelvic exams. Since you're married and sexually active, we'll proceed with an internal examination."

He put on sterile gloves and a blue mask, leaving only his intense, cool eyes visible, exuding an air of calmness.

Jessica eyed the cold medical instruments beside him. "Dr. George, could you please be gentle? I... I'm a bit worried it might hurt."

Kevan then realized Jessica had mistaken him for another doctor, Andrew George.

Andrew was scheduled to be on duty today, but a last-minute issue meant Kevan had to fill in.

Kevan found Jessica somewhat bothersome and saw no reason to correct her assumption, so he kept quiet.

"Please spread your legs," Kevan directed.

He glanced down at her.

Feeling self-conscious, Jessica began to remove her pants very slowly.

Kevan said sarcastically, "You seemed quite comfortable in bed last night. What's with the shyness now?"

Jessica inhaled deeply. She quickly removed her pants and positioned herself as instructed. Her cheeks turned red as ripe peaches, which inadvertently made Kevan think back to the passion he had enjoyed just the night before.

Kevan conducted a thorough examination, gently using a cotton swab to collect a sample of fluid, which he then placed into a small tube. "It's indeed a bit swollen," he said.

He then retrieved a cooling anti-inflammatory ointment and applied it himself.

Lying on the examination table, Jessica couldn't see his actions from her angle, intensifying her other senses. Her body was notably sensitive. Incredible! The man she had been with the previous night was now personally conducting her pelvic exam! She felt everything was becoming surreal.

Kevan looked up. "It appears quite... Moist."

Jessica turned her head aside. "It's just the way my body reacts."

"It might also be due to extended periods of abstinence. If it's been a while since you've been intimate, it might be a good idea for your husband to have a thorough check-up in urology to look into any issues like impotence or premature ejaculation and get the necessary treatment soon."

After applying the ointment, Kevan discarded his gloves into the trash. "You'll have the test results by tomorrow at the earliest. Here's the ointment. Apply it again before you go to bed after a shower. Use it for three days, and the swelling should go down."

Following the thorough examination, Jessica felt a slight perspiration. Each contact of his long, slender fingers brought back memories of the intense pleasure from the night before.

Having a change of heart, Jessica summoned her courage. "Dr. George, would you be interested in exchanging contact information?"