The examination room door swung open and a broad-shouldered man in a charcoal suit stepped inside. I didn’t look up from my clipboard. “Lie down there and remove your trousers. ”
The silence stretched.
When I glanced up, his expression had frozen into a sharp, frosted glare. “Where is Dr. Jeff Barnes? ”
“Dr.
Barnes was called into emergency surgery. I’m Dr. Hayes, covering for him today. Mr.
Dixon, my schedule is tight, so please lie down and cooperate. ”
Aiden Dixon’s face darkened. He turned toward the exit, but his assistant blocked him. He ground his teeth, hesitated, then finally lay down on the examination bed.
“Relax. Remaining tense will interfere with the results. ”
I began the routine questions. “Do you keep a consistent daily routine?
”
“Yes. ”
“Do you experience morning erections? ”
“Yes. ”
“When was your most recent sexual encounter?
”
The room dropped into suffocating silence. Aiden fixed me with a hard stare. “I haven’t had any. ”
I was surprised.
With a face like his and a body like that, no sex life? He clearly had more issues than I’d thought. After the examination, I told him there might be functional irregularities. An hour later, his lab report confirmed it: mild neurogenic erectile dysfunction.
His expression turned terrifyingly dark. “The good news is that it’s been identified early,” I said. “Dr. Barnes will supervise your follow-up personally.
”
“No. You will handle my treatment. ”
“Mr. Dixon, my responsibility is done.
”
He leaned in, cold and deliberate. “Dixon Group happens to be the largest shareholder of Apex Medical Center. I can assign you to oversee my care, or I can ensure you’re unemployed by tomorrow. Either option takes one phone call.
”
“If you want assistance, you should learn how to ask properly. ”
He studied me. “Your terms. What do you want in exchange for treating me and keeping this buried for good?
”
I moved back to my chair, slipping into the posture of a negotiator. “First, my time is precious, so my charges won’t be modest. Second, safeguarding your privacy calls for further compensation. ”
“Spare me the buildup.
”
“My research team is underfunded. We’re short roughly 80 million. ”
“Dr. Hayes, you’ve got some audacity.
” He stared at me for a long moment. “Agreed. ”
I hummed as I walked out of the hospital. Eighty million in research funding, solved in the most unbelievable way.
My good mood didn’t last. My grandmother called. “Zimena, do you have any idea what time it is? How can a young woman like you be out so late every single night?
Come home immediately. ”
Thirty minutes later, I stood in the Hayes mansion, my grandmother upright in her chair. “Stand properly. Do you have any shred of respect left for me?
”
“Grandma, I was filling in for a coworker today. ”
“I’ve already arranged a suitable match for you. Our family has run businesses for generations, and I indulged your father when he insisted on becoming a doctor. But you went further, choosing andrology.
Are you determined to turn us into a joke? ”
Even my parents sided with her, telling me to start a family. “Fine, I’ll go. But whether anything comes of it is up to fate.
”
On Sunday, I showed up at the most exclusive club in Osber for the blind date. I’d dressed up in an exaggerated way, doused in cheap perfume. Two stone-faced guards flanked the entrance. A poised middle-aged woman ushered me inside.
A large group crowded around a massive circular table. At the center sat my grandmother and my parents. On their right sat a refined middle-aged couple. And on their left—
Someone all too familiar.
Someone who made me instinctively want to bolt. Aiden. What on earth was he doing here? When he took in what I was wearing, a flash of surprise crossed his face before sinking into unmistakable contempt.
“Zimena, why are you standing there? Come say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Dixon.
”
I forced a smile and walked over. “Good morning, Mr. Dixon, Mrs. Dixon.
This gentleman looks awfully familiar. Haven’t we crossed paths somewhere before? ”
Aiden didn’t so much as lift his lashes. Aiden’s mother managed a strained smile.
“Zimena has been indulged by us. She’s rather spirited and enjoys playing roles from time to time. ”
The elders made awkward small talk. I kept my head lowered, scrolling on my phone, occasionally giggling at nothing, determined to sell the image of a carefree, defiant girl.
Then the question came. “Aiden, what’s your impression of our Zimena? Are you satisfied with her? ”
Every gaze snapped to him.
I waited for him to reject me. After all, I’d just extorted 80 million from him. “I was smitten with Dr. Hayes the second I saw her.
”
My smile stiffened. Smitten with me? Had Aiden completely lost his mind? This scheming, vindictive man.
He was doing this on purpose. “I’m extremely pleased with Dr. Hayes. I hope we can marry soon.
”
His statement landed like a bomb. Everyone was mute with shock. My grandmother’s face glowed with delight. I knew that if I rejected this match on the spot, my grandmother would ensure I never worked as a doctor again.
A reckless thought sparked in my head. I was still managing his condition. Why not play along for now and placate both families? “Very well.
I also believe Mr. Dixon and I are quite well matched. ”
Aiden’s father suggested we register the marriage soon. My grandmother was delighted.
My entire future was decided in a handful of sentences. Three days later, on a bright, sunlit morning, Aiden and I registered our marriage. After we got the certificate, his assistant Colby handed me a folder. “This contains the prenuptial agreement prepared by Mr.
Dixon, along with an additional set of clauses. ”
I opened it. The prenuptial agreement was normal, but the additional clauses were all targeted at me. Every single one skewed against me.
“Mr. Dixon, is this what you call sincerity and collaboration? ”
“Dr. Hayes, in this marriage, I am the primary party.
I supplied the capital, the laboratory, and resolved your troubles. It’s only reasonable that you follow my terms. ”
He was using a provocation tactic. I refused to back down.
“Fine, Mr. Dixon. Remember, this agreement cuts both ways. Whatever you expect from me, you’d better be prepared to deliver yourself.
”
I signed my name and walked away. I returned to the Hayes mansion with the marriage certificate and received a warmer welcome than ever before. “Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
A young lady of the Hayes family should marry into a powerful household like the Dixons. ”
“Grandma, I’ve completed the task. So, starting today, can you stop showing displeasure towards my work and my career? ”
“No displeasure at all.
As long as you conduct yourself properly as Mrs. Dixon, you can do whatever you like. ”
The next day, I returned to the hospital in high spirits and decided to add another hundred appointments. Within an hour, a massive queue formed outside the andrology department, stretching down the corridor.
On the top floor of Dixon Group, Colby showed Aiden the photo of the long line. Aiden didn’t look up, responding only with an indifferent hum. “Mr. Dixon, Mrs.
Dixon seems exceptionally busy today. ”
Colby thought to himself that the boss must be hopelessly smitten with Mrs. Dixon to tolerate such a job for his wife. In the evening, as I was about to finish work, I received a message from an unfamiliar number.
“Zimena, I’m back in town. Just got off my flight. Can we meet? ”
Claude.
He was back. I immediately called him back and invited him to dinner. We agreed to meet at Ethereal View, an upscale restaurant operated by Dixon Group. Our conversation drifted from breakthroughs to funny stories.
The table filled with warmth and laughter. Then the friendly mood was pierced by a cold stare. Across the room, Aiden sat alone at a nearby table, lazily holding a glass of red wine, radiating a quiet warning. What was he doing here?
I suddenly recalled that Ethereal View was owned by the Dixon Group. Still, of all moments, he showed up while I was having dinner with Claude. Aiden refused to acknowledge my presence. Since he chose to ignore me, I was more than willing to act like strangers too.
Just as we were on the verge of leaving, someone rushed in. Colby noticed me seated nearby. “Mrs. Dixon.
”
I wished I could dash over and cover his mouth. The atmosphere congealed. Claude stared at me, disbelief in his eyes. Colby crossed over to Aiden and reported with deference.
“Mr. Dixon, I’ve brought the documents you asked for. ”
Aiden didn’t even bother to raise his lashes. My anger flared instantly.
I knew Colby was acting under Aiden’s orders. That scheming, vindictive man. Claude’s gaze bounced between me and Aiden several times. He recognized the tycoon at once.
“Zimena, that gentleman over there, he—he—”
Faking ignorance was no longer possible. I forced a smile. “Claude, this is Mr. Aiden Dixon, the CEO of Dixon Group.
”
I intentionally sidestepped any mention of my connection to Aiden. But Aiden had no intention of indulging me. He rose, straightened his collar, and strode toward me. He casually held my shoulders.
“It’s late. I should be taking my wife home. ”
Aiden was sealing my role as his wife before Claude. I murmured a warning.
“Aiden, don’t go too far. ”
“Mrs. Dixon, remember what we agreed on. ”
I ground my teeth in anger.
“Claude, this is my husband, Aiden Dixon. ”
Claude’s disappointment was impossible to conceal. He forced a smile and walked away. I prepared to leave on my own.
Aiden caught my wrist. “Where do you think you’re going? ”
“Home. ”
“I’ll drive you.
”
He hauled me into the car. My restrained fury burst loose. “Aiden, what do you actually want? Do you really think you own me just because you have leverage?
Believe me, I won’t hesitate to reveal everything you’re hiding. ”
I clamped my hands around his neck, but he showed no reaction at all. He watched me calmly. I understood I had crossed a line.
I had lost my composure for the first time. “Is that man someone from your past, Dr. Hayes? ”
“That’s none of your concern.
He’s an old friend from med school. Someone I hold in high regard. Our agreement does not extend to my friendships or my personal life. ”
His expression finally shifted.
He coldly told the driver to go. Neither of us spoke again for the entire ride. The next evening was the Dixon family dinner. Aiden came to pick me up.
He frowned when he saw my outfit: a strapless red gown and striking makeup. He wanted me to dress appropriately, but I had no intention of going along with it. “Mr. Dixon, this evening, I’m just the pretty, empty-headed showpiece.
I won’t steal your spotlight at the Dixon mansion. ”
I saw Cassie Robinson, Aiden’s childhood friend, in a soft pink dress, chatting with the elders. She looked at me with contempt and envy. When dinner started, Cassie deliberately steered the conversation toward my job.
“I heard that Zimena works in the andrology department at Apex Medical Center. ”
The mood tightened. A few of the younger ones failed to hold back their quiet laughter. A woman in that line of work, to them, was laughable.
Contrary to expectations, I neither lashed out nor shrank away. Instead, I curved my lips into a faint, awkward smile. “It wasn’t my first choice, but my parents said this field offers stable prospects. ”
I cast a timid glance toward Aiden, but he calmly continued slicing his steak, not sparing me a look.
That infuriating man. Was he truly going to abandon me to face this alone? Suddenly, Hugh brought his cutlery against the plate. The sharp clang froze the entire room.
Hugh’s piercing gaze swept across the table before stopping on Cassie. “What’s so disgraceful about being an andrology doctor? Healing the sick, saving lives. What part of that deserves ridicule?
”
Cassie’s face flushed crimson. “Who do you think you are to pass judgment? ”
Hugh was defending me. He then turned his attention to Aiden, reproaching him for letting people trample over me.
Just then, an elderly man named Kevin Dixon, seated beside Hugh, suddenly went ashen, clutching at his chest. He slipped from his chair. The room erupted into chaos. Cassie stumbled backward in fear.
I immediately rushed forward. “Everyone move back. Lay him down flat on the floor. ”
I crouched down to examine Kevin.
Acute myocardial infarction with ventricular fibrillation. The ambulance was ten minutes away. That was far too long. I took a deep breath, clenched my fist, and brought it down on his chest with full force.
A heavy, muffled thump rang through the otherwise silent room. Someone screamed. Several people reflexively shut their eyes. “What do you think you’re doing?
Have you lost your mind? He’s already like this and you’re still laying hands on him. ”
I completely ignored the noise. In the very next second, something unbelievable happened.
Kevin’s violently convulsing body gave a sharp jolt and then slowly went still. His frantic gasps evened out, and a hint of color gradually returned to his once-purple lips. The room plunged into absolute silence. Every single person stared at me in disbelief.
The Dixon family’s medical team burst in. The chief physician froze when he saw Kevin lying there, breathing evenly. He immediately began examining him. The longer he checked, the more baffled he became.
“A normal rhythm. The fibrillation is gone. This is impossible without a defibrillator. ”
His eyes landed on a faint reddish mark on Kevin’s chest.
He snapped his head up. “Who treated the patient just now? Who intervened without any medical equipment? ”
Cassie’s eyes lit up.
She hurried forward, pointing at me. “It was Zimena. We were all terrified, but she suddenly rushed over and slammed her fist into Kevin’s chest. Dr.
Gomez, he’ll be all right, won’t he? ”
Tension gripped the room. Countless complicated looks shifted toward Aiden. I couldn’t care less about the ridiculous accusations from that foolish woman.
I helped Kevin up and seated him in the chair. The doctor fixed me with a doubtful stare. “That strike just now, was that your doing? ”
“Yes, I did it.
”
“Your brother pulled through. It was this young lady who saved him. ”
Cassie’s face went rigid. “Mr.
Kevin Dixon was experiencing a sudden heart attack complicated by ventricular fibrillation. His heart had already ceased beating. What she performed was the most drastic emergency measure there is: a precordial strike. Without this young lady’s swift and flawless intervention, by the time we arrived, he would not have survived.
”
Every stare swung back to me. Only then did they understand that the woman they’d dismissed as merely a pretty face was unmistakably someone with competence. I walked back to the dining table, sat down, and popped a piece of fruit into my mouth. “Goodness, that punch took real effort.
I’m worn out. ”
The villa next to the main residence had been vacant for years. “From today onward, it’s yours. ”
Everyone was stunned.
Countless people had eyed that villa over the years, yet Hugh had never once relented. It was a clear statement of how highly he regarded me. Compelled into living together, Aiden’s mood stayed dark and irritable. The villa spanned three floors, styled entirely to Aiden’s minimalist tastes.
Black, white, and gray tones created an atmosphere of sleek refinement but little warmth. “Well, this place suits you perfectly. Cold and unfriendly. ”
Hands clasped behind my back, I wandered up to the second floor.
The master bedroom was the most spacious, with a large en-suite bathroom and a balcony. “I’m taking this one. ”
I took my suitcase into the room. Out of nowhere, he swept me off my feet effortlessly, holding me up like a helpless kitten.
“Aiden, what do you think you’re doing? Let go of me. Put me down. ”
Aiden showed no emotion as he hauled me to the other bedroom, flinging both me and my suitcase inside.
“Until this property is officially signed over to you, it remains Dixon property. Learn who holds authority here and who does not. ”
With those words, he slammed the bedroom door shut. I scrambled up from the bed, trembling with fury, mentally cursing him a hundred times over.
I swore that the instant the ownership papers were in my hands, the very first thing I would do was throw him out. And so began our painfully awkward life under the same roof. Aiden was obsessively self-controlled, plagued by rigid cleanliness standards and an intense sense of territorial ownership. When working in his study, he required absolute quiet.
Meanwhile, I lounged on the living room couch, crunching snacks and watching sitcoms, erupting into loud, carefree laughter. Aiden followed a meticulously planned diet of light, nutritionally balanced dinners. I adored bold, heavy flavors and frequently ordered takeout. Eventually, Aiden snapped.
That night, he slapped a stack of papers onto the coffee table. “These are the house rules. Read them. ”
I picked up the pages and saw more than a dozen absurd conditions.
After 8 p. m. , noise must not exceed 20 dB. Food with strong odors is forbidden.
Entry into the study, gym, or master bedroom without permission is forbidden. “Of course, Mr. Dixon. I’ve memorized everything.
”
The next day, my retaliation came. I followed the no-noise-after-8 rule to the letter in the first-floor common areas. Yet at 7:59 p. m.
, I blasted the living room speakers at full volume, cutting the sound off with perfect precision the moment the clock hit 8. I also obeyed the ban on eating pungent food indoors. Instead, I set up a small table in the garden directly beneath Aiden’s study window and grilled meat in the evening air. The thick, greasy aroma drifted straight into his study through the open window.
After enduring several days of my non-stop provocations, Aiden was on the verge of insanity. Late one night, I sat cross-legged on the carpet, surrounded by reference materials. Hearing footsteps, I looked up and noticed Aiden’s tightly drawn brows and slightly pale face. “Are you not feeling well?
”
“None of your business. ”
He headed for the kitchen. I caught his unsteady steps and felt a sharp tug of worry. He pulled a bottle of ice water from the refrigerator.
I pressed my hand firmly against his wrist. “Have you lost your mind drinking ice water when you’re already unwell? ”
I snatched the bottle away and shoved it back into the fridge. I turned, filled a cup with warm water, added a spoonful of honey, and placed it in his hand.
“Drink this. ”
“Poison me, Mr. Dixon. ”
“If I truly meant to kill you, I’d choose something swift, silent, and impossible to trace.
From the way you look, you’ve been under immense pressure, which has only thrown your neuroendocrine system further out of balance. Keep this up, and forget 80 million. Even if you waved 800 million in front of me, I still wouldn’t be able to help you. ”
He drained the honeyed water in a single swallow.
It was the first time since we began living under the same roof that I addressed him purely in my capacity as a physician. “Saturday evening, you’ll come with me to a charity banquet. ”
“Mr. Dixon, the agreement doesn’t include me serving as your decorative accessory.
”
“It’s my grandfather’s request. ”
“I’m too busy. I’m organizing your medical records and drafting a treatment protocol. I can’t put your treatment on hold just for a meaningless social event.
”
Aiden was completely at a loss. He turned and walked out, his expression dark. After successfully gaining the upper hand, I enjoyed several peaceful days. He didn’t return to the villa for days.
That afternoon, I received a call from a university classmate. The next day was the centennial anniversary of the medical school, and Claude was officially joining the faculty. I had to come. The following day, I arrived in a plain white dress.
My classmates crowded around me. Claude arrived in a gray suit with gold-rimmed glasses, every bit the refined gentleman. “Zimena, you’re here. ”
“Claude.
”
At that moment, an even denser surge of people poured out from the main lecture hall. The dean and department heads clustered around a single individual. Aiden. What was he doing here?
Once the induction ceremony concluded, Claude seized a quiet moment to pull me aside. “Zimena, you and Aiden—are you…”
“Claude, I appreciate you worrying about me, but I’m all right. I did marry him. It’s more of a strategic union between families.
Despite how distant he may seem, he isn’t cruel. We manage well enough for the time being. ”
I intentionally framed the marriage as nothing more than a transactional arrangement. Claude said nothing for a long moment.
“Zimena, regardless of what exists between you and him, never let yourself be owned by anyone or anything. Be true to yourself. If one day you feel drained or overwhelmed, remember that you can always come to me. I will stand by you no matter what.
”
Moisture gathered faintly in my eyes. In this vast world, Claude might be the only one who truly understood me. “Thank you, Claude. ”
When we rejoined our classmates and began discussing lunch plans, Colby appeared in front of me.
“Mr. Dixon is waiting for you at the staff dining room for lunch. ”
My classmates exchanged knowing looks and laughed. I felt a headache coming on.
“Please let Mr. Dixon know that I’ve already made lunch plans with my classmates. ”
Colby nodded and left. Surrounded by teasing laughter, I headed toward the restaurant near campus with Claude.
With my old friends around me, I finally relaxed, reminiscing about embarrassing college moments and laughing without restraint. After we’d eaten, we stepped out of the restaurant. A black Rolls-Royce glided to a stop beside me. The tinted window slid down, exposing Aiden’s unreadable face.
“Get inside. ”
The chatter around us died at once. I knew very well he would not overlook the fact that I’d turned him down earlier. “Claude, everyone, I need to head out now.
We’ll catch up another time. ”
I slipped into the car, aware of Claude’s anxious stare following me. The moment the door shut, I folded my arms and fixed Aiden with an icy look. “Aiden, what exactly are you trying to pull this time?
”
I was convinced Aiden wanted to scold me, but when I angled my face toward him, something felt wrong. His lips had lost their color. His brow was drawn tight. My training took over at once.
“What’s going on? ”
“I’m not feeling well. I need your assistance. ”
He was asking for help because he felt unwell.
The phrasing carried an unfortunate implication, especially in the cramped privacy of the car. My cheeks grew warm before I could stop it. Seeing the sudden color in my face, Aiden immediately grasped what I’d assumed. “I’m talking about my condition acting up again.
”
He seized my hand and pressed it firmly against his lower abdomen. Even through the fine fabric of his suit, I could feel the tightness and the unusual heat radiating there. He truly was ill, and it was clearly hurting. I cleared my throat and adopted a composed clinical demeanor.
“Take a breath and try to stay relaxed. ”
I began a methodical examination with practiced palpation. Aiden’s entire body went rigid at once. “When did the discomfort begin?
”
“Roughly 30 minutes ago. ”
“How would you describe it? Stabbing, pressing, or more of a dull heaviness? ”
A sharp pulse thudded at his temples.
He felt as though every ounce of pride he possessed was being dismantled by my calm interrogation. “All of the above. ”
“Have you relieved yourself lately? For example, with your hand?
”
His eyes flared as he whipped his head toward me, fury blazing in his stare. “No. ”
“Based on what I’m observing, this appears consistent with acute prostatitis. There’s no need to panic.
It isn’t severe. Take these for quick relief. ”
I reached into my bag, retrieved a small bottle, and shook two pale tablets into his palm. He took the pills and the water without a word, swallowing them in a single gulp.
Once the medicine was in his system, he slumped against the seat, eyes shut. I knew that even with the tablets taken, relief would not arrive on command. “Turn over and stretch out on the seat. ”
“What exactly are you planning?
”
“I’ll work on you a little. It should help the ache settle quicker. Relax. You can keep your trousers on.
”
After a brief pause, he shifted and lay face down across the wide back seat. The posture left him exposed, entirely subject to my hands. I extended my hands, skillfully finding the precise spots along his lower back, and began pressing with steady, practiced force. A dull soreness laced with a faint electric tingle radiated from beneath my fingertips.
The earlier misery truly began to ebb away little by little. Without realizing it, Aiden’s rigid frame loosened. “Does this happen to you often? ”
“Sometimes.
”
“Why keep quiet about it before? Letting it slide can turn a minor nuisance into a real issue. ”
Aiden stayed silent. I could read his mind and chose not to push him.
After a while, I realized the ache had almost entirely faded. I pulled my hands away. “That’s it. ”
Aiden awkwardly pushed himself upright and smoothed his rumpled clothes.
“Thank you. ”
He turned back toward the window, slipping once more into his distant, icy facade. I observed the performance and rolled my eyes to myself. Just minutes earlier, he’d been curled up in pain, helpless as a stray pup under my control.
Now he was acting like he stood on a pedestal above everyone else. The vehicle glided back into the grounds of Dixon Mansion. As he stepped out, Aiden hesitated briefly. “No one hears about today.
”
“Relax. I take my professional code seriously. I certainly won’t go about casually announcing something as trivial as your prostatitis, Mr. Dixon.
”
His shoulders went rigid as he whipped around, fixing me with a sharp glare. Unbothered, I offered him a brilliant smile and swept past him into the villa. Only three days after the family dinner, I received a call from the legal division of Dixon Group informing me to proceed with the property transfer paperwork. Clutching the freshly issued deed bearing my name, I felt slightly lightheaded.
I had just gained a multi-million-dollar residence as effortlessly as this. When I returned, I surveyed the villa again with new eyes. Now that ownership rested with me, Aiden would merely occupy it as a tenant. Didn’t that mean he would have to abide by the terms set by his new landlady?
Didn’t he obsess over tidiness and insist on stark minimalism? I resolved to fill the place with warmth and vibrancy. I was browsing furnishings online when the doorbell clanged. Standing at the threshold was a woman in a neat housemaid uniform with four youthful maids lined up behind her.
“Mr. Hugh Dixon has instructed us to attend to both your needs and Mr. Aiden Dixon’s daily affairs. ”
I stared at the uninvited entourage, warning bells clanging in my head.
This was no simple act of care. It felt more like five mobile surveillance devices. Hugh feared we were hiding something and had deliberately planted vigilant eyes to supervise our so-called married life. It was over.
The freedom I had just tasted slipped straight through my fingers. By nightfall, Aiden came back. He stepped inside and took in the renewed living room. Yet his face betrayed not a hint of surprise.
“You were aware of this from the start, weren’t you? ”
“Figured as much. It’s my grandfather’s favorite move. ”
“Aiden, this is your grandfather and therefore your mess.
Why am I the one suffering alongside you? ”
“Remember that you are now my lawful spouse. Besides, who was it not long ago sweet-talking my grandfather into handing over a house and a pile of gifts? ”
I was rendered speechless.
Every verbal clash with this infuriating man ended the same way: with my defeat. Gillian emerged from the kitchen carrying the final dish. Aiden and I exchanged a glance, and in a heartbeat, we reached an unspoken agreement. The performance was about to start.
“Darling, let’s eat. ”
The address was so sickly sweet it made even my own skin crawl. Aiden’s body stiffened slightly. In Gillian’s presence, he did not shake me off.
He simply gave a non-committal hum, allowing me to guide him toward the dining table. I pushed food around my plate, tasting nothing. I maintained my smile throughout the meal, occasionally placing dishes into Aiden’s plate and coaxing him gently to eat more. Aiden played along without flaw, though his face remained cold.
To Gillian and the others, our tender exchange looked exactly like the everyday harmony of a devoted couple. Yet only we knew the reality. Beneath the table, my foot was repeatedly grinding down on Aiden’s shoes. At last, once the ordeal of dinner ended, I was the first to flee the dining room, slipping into the guest bedroom.
This situation could not go on. The constant round-the-clock charade would eventually drive me mad. The next evening, when the servants were preoccupied downstairs with dinner preparations, I took my chance and slipped into Aiden’s study without a sound. He was buried in paperwork, but the instant he noticed my presence, his brows drew together.
“Do you need something? ”
“Obviously, Aiden, we’re setting some rules. ”
I shut the door behind me and turned the lock. I braced my palms against Aiden’s desk and leaned in, my posture openly defiant.
“First, in public, I’ll cooperate and play the part of the affectionate wife. But in private, nothing changes. We mind our own business. ”
“Fine.
”
“Second, I don’t have the patience to entertain your relatives. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I won’t show up to those gatherings. ”
“Fine. ”
I held up a third finger and delivered what mattered most.
“Third, and this one is non-negotiable. Pretending is one thing, but we sleep in separate rooms. ”
The words had barely left my mouth when a low laugh slipped from him. There was something faintly teasing in it.
“Zimena, are you being a little unrealistic? Do you honestly believe that Gillian and the others who clean our rooms and make the bed every day wouldn’t realize we aren’t sharing one? ”
The color drained from my face. I had missed that entirely.
“Then what are we supposed to do? ”
“It’s simple. Starting tonight, you move into the master bedroom and sleep beside me. ”
“Absolutely not.
I am not sharing a bed with you. ”
“As if that’s my preference. Unless you’d rather my grandfather storm in tomorrow morning and park himself at our bedside to oversee our progress. ”
I had no comeback.
In my mind, I could already see Hugh perched there, smiling warmly while urging us to give him a great-grandchild. Faced with two dreadful options, I chose the lesser. “Fine, I’ll move. ”
The bed was enormous, a standard California king.
Without ceremony, I lined a row of pillows straight down the center, erecting a firm border. Aiden stepped out of the bathroom, cast a brief look at the barricade of pillows without remark, and went around to the opposite side and slid beneath the covers. We lay facing away from each other, wrapped in an unspoken quiet. After some unknowable stretch of time, Aiden spoke out of nowhere.
“Zimena, could you put my condition into simple words for me? ”
I opened my eyes and turned in the low glow to study the man beside me. “What part do you want explained? The cause, the pathology, or the prognosis?
”
“The cause. ”
“All right. While I’m explaining, you’re not allowed to lose your temper, interrupt me, or come at me. ”
“Fine.
”
“The first possibility is aging. You’re 28, and it’s completely normal for certain functions to start weakening. ”
Aiden’s expression darkened at once. “The second possibility is long-term abstinence, causing the nerves and tissues involved to shrink and underperform.
In plain terms, when something isn’t used for too long, it gets stiff and refuses to cooperate. ”
His hands curled into tight fists. I pretended not to notice. “There’s a third possibility.
Having desire without a proper channel for release, or turning to unsuitable alternatives, can easily cause congestion and inflammation. ”
The bedroom sank into a suffocating stillness. I could distinctly hear Aiden’s labored breathing. “Done.
Yeah, I’m done. Good night, Mr. Dixon. ”
I turned my back to him and tugged the duvet over my head, drifting into a calm sleep.
That night, I slept better than I had in ages. The following morning when I came downstairs feeling energized, Aiden was already seated at the dining table, polished and immaculate. Before him sat an exquisitely prepared breakfast. Gillian placed a plate in front of me.
On the tray rested two solitary plain bread rolls. My smile stiffened at once. I glanced from Aiden’s indulgent spread to my own meager portion. “Mrs.
Dixon, this was specially requested by Mr. Dixon. He said you preferred something light in the morning, and simple rolls would be enough. ”
I turned toward Aiden and saw him cutting into his bacon with measured elegance, not sparing me a single glance.
Oh, what a small-minded man. Unable to get back at me the night before, he had chosen this petty little retaliation instead. My irritation boiled so violently I nearly crushed the fork between my fingers. Yet, with Gillian standing there, I forced myself to keep my composure intact.
So I reached for a bread roll and tore into it with savage determination. Aiden completed his breakfast and gracefully pressed a napkin to his lips. “Honey, was breakfast to your liking? ”
“Very much so.
After all, it was such a thoughtful breakfast you picked for me, darling. ”
Vengeance, after all, was best enjoyed when chilled. I had carefully remembered today’s humiliation, and once I officially took charge of his treatment, I would have more than enough chances to repay the favor. After an exhausting day of consultations, I did not return home right away but went back to my private research lab within the hospital.
From a secured filing cabinet, I took out Aiden’s medical evaluation report. Beneath the bright lights, I scrutinized every figure with complete focus. The majority of the blood work results fell within normal limits. Yet several readings revealed something abnormal.
I circled those figures in red ink to make them stand out. It was clear that Aiden would need a far more thorough blood analysis. For the moment, however, I had to design the initial stage of his treatment using the information currently available. That night, when Aiden returned to the manor after finishing his work, a rehabilitation plan awaited him.
“Mr. Dixon, this is the first phase of your personalized treatment plan. Read it carefully and begin following it strictly starting tonight. ”
Aiden skimmed the pages, and his face darkened at once.
“In bed by 9 at night, up at 5:30 in the morning. Zimena, are you treating a disease or are you trying to discipline me? ”
“I’m treating the disease naturally, Mr. Dixon.
Your condition is the result of prolonged neuroendocrine imbalance. If you want a genuine recovery, the changes must begin with the most basic daily habits. ”
“I deal with endless responsibilities every single day. With a schedule like this, are you planning to run Dixon Group into the ground?
”
“Then there’s nothing more I can do. Mr. Dixon, you’ll have to choose whether your health matters more or the company’s performance does. ”
Confronted with my sharp intellect and cutting words, Aiden was briefly left without a response.
He needed me for his condition and for our public facade, and those needs had now become weapons in my hands. At 9 sharp, once he had finished reviewing his final document, Aiden glanced at his watch and returned to the master bedroom with a grim expression. I had already freshened up and was lying on my side of the bed, absorbed in a hefty medical volume. “You have exactly 5 minutes left before bedtime.
You’d better move. ”
Aiden’s temple throbbed violently. Without a word, he went into the bathroom and took a swift shower. By the time he came out, I had already switched off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness.
Aiden lay down on his side of the bed, his senses slowly wrapped in the soft, soothing scent that belonged solely to me. Irritated, he shifted his body and unintentionally knocked into the line of pillows separating the bed. In the pitch-black room, my irritated voice sounded out. Aiden went completely still.
He held his breath and listened, catching only the calm rhythm of breathing beside me. At that moment, I muttered faintly as though wrapped in a sweet dream. “Spicy chicken wings and pepperoni pizza. ”
Aiden drew in a slow breath, barely holding back the impulse to throttle me.
For Aiden, that night stretched into the longest and most agonizing ordeal he had ever endured. He remained awake for nearly the entire night and only drifted off when dawn began to creep in. Yet his rest was brief, cut short when a shrill alarm ripped through the quiet room. It was 5:30 a.
m. Aiden’s eyes flew open, red-rimmed and exhausted. He turned his head and found me sleeping deeply, one arm sprawled over him. His face darkened at once.
He shoved my arm away impatiently, sat up, and stared down at me with eyes burning in near fury. I, disturbed only slightly by the noise, knit my brows, rolled over, and sank right back into sleep. Aiden rose from the bed without expression and stepped over to my side, reaching out to jostle me. “Wake up.
”
“Hey, knock it off. ”
“It’s 5:30. ”
I sluggishly cracked my eyes open, glanced at him, then at the still-dark sky beyond the window. Under Aiden’s almost lethal stare, I finally dragged myself out of bed at a snail’s pace.
For the following week, Aiden endured what could only be described as a living nightmare. Every night at 9, he lay stiffly on the bed but stayed awake until the dead of night. At 5:30 each morning, he was dragged from sleep, dark shadows hanging beneath his eyes, as he went for his daily run in the garden. Afterward, he was forced to swallow a cup of my custom-made green drink that tasted nothing short of vile.
Meanwhile, I appeared more vibrant and refreshed with each passing day, nourished by uninterrupted rest. After a full week of adjusting to the routine, I finally initiated the second stage of treatment. That day, I came home from the hospital carrying an unremarkable tote bag. Aiden was inside our bedroom reviewing documents.
When he noticed me, he offered only a detached glance. I began removing items from the tote one after another, arranging them neatly on the table. Each item was a small pill bottle marked with the name of a medication. “From today onward, we’ll be entering the medication phase, three times daily after meals.
”
Aiden set the documents aside and looked at the cluster of medicines I had laid out. A single dose consisted of five or six pills and capsules of different colors and shapes stacked together like a tiny mound. “This much? Zimena, are you sure these are drugs and not sweets?
”
“They’re obviously medicine. Your issue involves both the nervous and endocrine systems, and it requires multiple medications working together to address it at the root. ”
Aiden stared at me, his eyes full of scrutiny. “The amount is excessive.
”
“Mr. Dixon, the dosage is calculated carefully according to your condition. Are you questioning my competence? ”
“I’m questioning your ethics.
”
The smile on my lips disappeared in an instant. “Aiden, you may distrust me, but you do not get to demean my profession or my work ethics. ”
I strode ahead and briskly scooped every bottle and package from the tabletop into my tote, clearly preparing to walk out. “Fine.
If you don’t believe me, then my treatment plan is pointless. Find another doctor you do trust. Besides, I’ve already taken the 80 million. I’ll count it as a contribution to my research, and our deal ends right here.
”
Aiden’s face plunged into a grim shadow. He caught my wrist and yanked me back, shooting out a leg to slam the door shut with a sharp crash. He trapped me against the wood, his height and presence bearing down with suffocating force. “Zimena, say that one more time if you dare.
”
“Did I say anything wrong? If you don’t trust me, why should I bother curing you? If not for that 80 million, do you honestly think I’d tolerate your permanent scowl every single day? ”
The air between us tightened in an instant.
Aiden glared at me. “Fine. Show me your calculations. I want to look at them.
”
“What? ”
“I said bring out your dosage formulas and the pharmacological rationale. Didn’t you claim everything was scientifically precise? Let’s see how rigorous this science of yours really is.
”
I was struck dumb. I hadn’t anticipated this turn at all. Those prescriptions had, in fact, been adjusted by my own hand. I had intentionally slipped in extra bitter vitamins and trace supplements.
Catching the brief flicker of panic on my face, Aiden immediately grasped the truth. “Don’t have them? ”
“Who says I don’t? They’re stored on the hospital computer.
How am I supposed to hand them to you right now? ”
“Not an issue. I’ll wait. ”
“Aiden, do you really need to push it this far?
Isn’t this completely unnecessary? ”
“Unnecessary? Zimena, you gave me double doses of medication, and you call that unnecessary? ”
“I was only trying to—”
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Moments later, Gillian’s polite voice drifted through. “Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, dinner is ready.
Please come down. ”
My heart lurched, and I instinctively glanced at Aiden. His anger hadn’t vanished, but something complicated flickered in his eyes. We traded a look and understood each other instantly.
Time to perform. Aiden inhaled deeply and straightened. Within seconds, his expression shifted from rage to detachment, then settled into calm. He crossed to the door and opened it.
Gillian stood outside, smiling warmly. Inside, I had already composed myself. I moved to Aiden’s side and slipped my arm through his with practiced ease, my face wearing a perfectly gentle sweetness. “Darling, let’s eat.
I’m starving. ”
Aiden stiffened briefly and then answered with a compliant hum, letting me cling to him as we descended the stairs like an affectionate couple. Gillian watched us go, her face glowing with deep satisfaction. What she didn’t notice was my heel grinding down on Aiden’s shoe at the stairs’ turn.
He sucked in a breath of pain and hissed through clenched teeth in a voice meant only for me. “Zimena, don’t push your luck. ”
“Same to you, Mr. Dixon.
”
In the days that followed, we slipped into an awkward stalemate. Despite sharing a home and a bed, we barely exchanged a word. I welcomed the arrangement and spent my time either in the laboratory or at the hospital. Aiden’s treatment continued on schedule.
Everything appeared peaceful. That is, until my phone rang with a call from my uncle. “Zimena, I heard you got married, so I called to offer my congratulations. ”
“Uncle, please get to the point.
I’m at the hospital and I’m busy. ”
“Why don’t you bring your husband over for dinner this weekend? We can all sit down together. ”
“I’m sorry, uncle, but I have an important surgery scheduled at the hospital this weekend, and I truly can’t step away.
Once both of us have a free window, we’ll come visit you for sure. ”
“Well, fine, then. Focus on your important work first. Zimena, you must hold on tightly to Mr.
Dixon. He’s a blessing to the Hayes family. ”
I found a pretext and swiftly ended the call. Not long after, Gillian received an urgent call.
Overcome with worry for her mother, she requested leave. Aiden then granted the remaining maids a two-week paid leave. As a result, the vast residence was left with only me and Aiden. When I heard the arrangement, I was so happy.
However, with no one managing the kitchen, meals quickly became an issue. Aiden’s meals were arranged personally by Colby from elite restaurants. I slipped back into my old habits, either ordering delivery or boiling instant noodles. Yet after three days, I began to feel that instant noodles were somehow unappealing.
That evening, I intentionally skipped ordering delivery. I grabbed my laptop and quietly slipped into the study. As expected, Aiden was there, immersed in work. I set my laptop down at the opposite end of his desk and began typing.
Aiden glanced my way but didn’t comment, silently permitting me to stay. After some time, I stretched and let out a weary sigh. “What are you doing? ”
“Nothing in particular.
Just organizing your treatment plan. Lately, it’s been exhausting. Even eating on schedule has become a luxury. I think I’ve lost weight.
”
With his features locked in rigid composure, Aiden retrieved his phone and tapped on the screen. Then he flung the phone aside and returned his attention to the paperwork. “If you’re finished, leave. Don’t interrupt me while I’m working.
”
I studied Aiden’s inflexible expression, a quiet thread of disappointment washing through me. My lips tightened before I turned and exited the study, laptop tucked against my side. Unexpectedly, the following day, the meal Colby delivered was no longer a single portion but two. I felt both startled and pleased, even finding Aiden’s ever-frigid presence marginally easier to endure.
For once, an uneasy calm settled between us. That fragile truce, however, was utterly destroyed only days later. That morning, Aiden was dragged out of sleep by an intolerable itch. He pulled aside his nightwear and saw red blotches crawling over his chest and arms, thick, unsettling, and impossible to ignore.
He thought I was getting back at him, that I had tampered with his medication on purpose to make him suffer. Enduring the irritation, Aiden shoved the covers away and rose from the bed. He didn’t wake me but headed straight for the bathroom. The sight of himself in the mirror, skin marred by vivid rashes, sent his fury surging beyond restraint.
Aiden pulled out his phone and called Colby. “Effective immediately, cancel all of Zimena’s meals. ”
After ending the call, he took a cold shower, got dressed, and left the villa without uttering a single word. When I awoke, Aiden was already gone.
I stretched languidly, feeling well rested. Yet as I went downstairs and waited from 8 to 9, and then from 9 to 10, with no sign of Colby bringing food, I finally sensed that something was wrong. Aiden had cut off my meals. Why?
At 10 that night, when I returned to the villa, the living room lay in darkness, save for moonlight pouring through the windows, casting elongated shadows across the floor. Aiden sat on the sofa, his figure swallowed by the gloom. Without thinking, I switched on the lights. “You’re back.
Why didn’t you turn the lights on? ”
Aiden remained silent. He rose slowly and approached me. Before I could finish speaking, my wrist was abruptly caught.
In the next instant, a brutal force dragged me forward and hurled me against the wall. My back struck the surface, drawing a sharp gasp from my lips. Aiden planted one hand beside my head and seized my chin with the other. “Zimena, what did you put in my meds?
”
“What are you talking about? ”
“You enjoy pulling strings and playing me for a fool, don’t you? ”
He released my chin and began undoing the buttons of his shirt. I stiffened at the sight of his movements.
“What do you think you’re doing? ”
Aiden paid me no attention, opening two buttons to expose the angry red marks on his chest before grabbing my hand and pressing it flat against his skin. “See this now? ”
When my palm met the rashes and registered the unnatural heat beneath, I went completely still.
My medical instincts surfaced at once, steadying my mind. “Other than the rash, are you experiencing anything else? Fever, joint pain, dizziness, or extreme tiredness? ”
“So, you’re collecting symptoms now to plan a more effective poisoning next time, Dr.
Hayes? ”
“I didn’t poison you. Aiden, get a hold of yourself. There’s something seriously off about what you’re experiencing.
”
At my words, Aiden unconsciously slackened his hold on my wrist. In that brief second, I acted. I twisted his wrist in reverse, forcing most of his strength to give way. Then, with my free hand, I shoved hard against his chest.
Aiden was caught completely off guard, his long body reeling backward two full strides before he dropped heavily onto the couch behind him. I marched straight toward the living room windows. In one decisive sweep, I dragged the thick drapes across the glass. “Take your clothes off, lie flat, and do not move.
”
I approached the medical case and drew out a pair of sterile gloves along with a penlight. “Zimena, what exactly do you think you’re doing right now? ”
“Be quiet, Mr. Dixon.
As your physician, I am instructing you to comply with this examination. If you intend to stay alive, you will follow my directions. ”
My face was so grave that he found himself without a single sharp reply. Beneath my unwavering stare, he began undoing his shirt, button after button.
When Aiden peeled the fabric away, exposing the irritated skin across his torso, his muscles tightened. “Now lie down. ”
His jaw locked, but he stretched out along the wide couch, turning his head aside to fix his eyes on the backrest. I flicked on the penlight and bent closer to study the inflamed patches along his body.
My fingertips skimmed lightly over him, traveling from chest to stomach and then to his flank. He felt every pause, every measured press, every careful inspection across his skin. His hands balled into fists as he forced himself not to shove me away. Minutes slipped past, and the room grew oppressively still.
At last, I rose upright, switched off the light, and stripped off my gloves. I drew a chair closer, lowered myself into it before him, and regarded him in silence. He turned his head toward me. “Are you done?
Care to clarify what exactly you did to me now, Dr. Hayes? ”
“Mr. Dixon, before you press for answers, respond to one question.
”
“What? ”
“When did this begin? And I mean your condition, not your rash. ”
“That doesn’t concern you.
”
“It does concern me, Aiden. And I require absolute honesty from you at this moment, without omission, because it determines how much time you may have left. ”
His chest tightened abruptly. He searched my face, hunting for the smallest flicker of mockery.
There was none. “Roughly 3 years back, it started with occasional exhaustion. I blamed my workload and ignored it. About a year ago, things began to deteriorate.
”
“Deteriorate in what way? ”
His features darkened. “The signs you identified. ”
I inclined my head slightly as though my theory had just been confirmed.
I looked at his grim expression and dropped a bombshell. “Aiden, has it ever crossed your mind that this condition is not simply a bodily malfunction, but that someone may be deliberately harming you by feeding you poison? ”
“What ridiculous claim is that? ”
I placed a laboratory report stamped with irregular readings onto the table before him.
“See for yourself. Findings like these are exceptionally uncommon in clinical cases and cannot be attributed to mere strain or routine habits alone. ”
My eyes flicked to the angry red rashes spreading across his chest before I went on. “Every medication I prescribed is routine, with an extremely low chance of hypersensitivity.
That leaves only one possibility. The drugs interacted violently with something that had been lying dormant inside you. ”
His gaze darkened further. “It’s a long-term toxin which has thrown your nervous system into chaos, disrupted your endocrine balance, and fabricated the illusion of those so-called functional disorders.
”
Aiden absorbed my diagnosis. His striking features remained completely void of emotion as he stared at the report. “How certain are you about this conclusion? ”
“90%.
”
Aiden fell quiet. I knew he had already accepted most of my conclusion. I shifted slowly toward him. “Now I’ll ask you one final time.
Do you trust me? ”
Aiden remained silent, returning my stare with piercing intensity. “If you don’t, then terminate our cooperation immediately. I’ll find a way to return the 80 million.
Doesn’t your family have its own medical team? Call them now and let them take over. Otherwise, you won’t live past 3 months. ”
Aiden’s eyes surged with violent waves of feeling.
Yet finally, it all condensed into a chilling calm. He didn’t react the way I anticipated, with rage or panic. Instead, he sat up slowly, methodically fastening the buttons of his shirt. “I want a thorough examination, every inch from head to toe.
”
“That won’t be a problem. I have only one condition. This must remain strictly confidential. Other than you and me, no one else is to know.
”
“I can manage that. Tomorrow morning at 8:00 at the VIP examination center on the top floor of Apex Medical Center. I’ll make sure no one else is there and wait for you myself. ”
“All right.
”
Noticing the fatigue etched across his features, I ultimately couldn’t restrain myself. Out of professional responsibility, I cautioned him. “The rash will worsen tonight. Avoid scratching it and stay away from hot baths.
Stop taking the medication for now. ”
After that, I turned and headed upstairs. The following morning, Aiden arrived on the top floor of Apex Medical Center right on schedule. The entire floor was empty, with only me standing at the entrance in my white coat.
“Change into these, and we’ll begin with a full-body MRI. ”
Aiden didn’t respond. He took the garments and quietly made his way toward the changing room. During the hours that followed, Aiden endured the longest and most degrading round of examinations he had ever faced.
I even took him into my personal lab, where I extracted a dozen vials of blood from his veins. Throughout it all, Aiden stayed quiet and uncharacteristically compliant. The ruthless, commanding CEO who dominated the business world now stood before me like a helpless pup under my control. That sensation pleased me more than I cared to admit.
I restrained the smile and maintained a clinical composure as my fingers pressed methodically along his body. “Does this spot hurt? ”
“No. ”
“And here?
”
“It’s fine. ”
“Lift your arm. Yes. Hold it there.
Don’t move. ”
A shadow crossed Aiden’s expression. Yet he clenched his jaw and followed every order without protest. When the final test concluded, the day had already slipped into afternoon.
Aiden dressed himself again, reclaiming his distant, untouchable air. “How long until we get the results? ”
“The imaging will be ready later this afternoon, but the blood’s toxicology report will take no less than 3 days. The rash is the clearest sign of post-poisoning rejection.
I need you to photograph it every day and send the images to me so I can track any changes. ”
“Is that really necessary? ”
“Without question, Mr. Dixon.
This is for your benefit. ”
The following three days became a grueling trial for Aiden. He was forced to balance corporate responsibilities while secretly investigating the people around him. What tormented him most was having to photograph the unsightly rash on his chest each day and send it to me.
At the same time, I immersed myself completely in the painstaking toxicological work. Three days later, I stepped out of the lab visibly worn, the final report in hand. My doubts had been confirmed. Aiden had indeed been poisoned, and the agent was a rare long-term neurotoxin formed from several substances combined.
I immediately summoned Aiden to the hospital. As Aiden studied the detailed report and the abnormal curves charting his physical indicators, a flash of disbelief flickered in his eyes. “Through which routes does this toxin usually spread? ”
“The skin and the respiratory system.
Your everyday clothing, personal care products, office scents, even the interior of your car could all be carriers. ”
Aiden’s gaze darkened further. “Is there a way to treat it? ”
“Not easily.
Creating a perfectly matched antidote will take time, and without identifying the source and stopping the exposure, any treatment would only address the surface. I need time. ”
“I understand. ”
“Until you uncover the person responsible, I’ll provide supportive treatment to slow the toxin’s progression as much as possible.
”
I glanced at Aiden’s grim expression, learning now that he had been trapped in such a cruel scheme. I couldn’t help but feel a wave of compassion. Despite his stubborn attitude and childish streak, he remained my husband in the eyes of the law and the patient I had pledged to heal. “Aiden, you don’t have to be afraid.
As long as I’m here, you won’t die. ”
“Thank you. ”
From that day onward, Aiden was put on an intense detox regimen. One day, just after I walked out of the lab, my phone rang.
It was my mother. “Zimena, are you free this weekend? ”
“What’s going on, Mom? ”
“It’s about your cousin Meline.
She turns 20 this Sunday, and her parents are planning a big party to celebrate. ”
Meline Hayes, my uncle’s cherished daughter, had been pampered endlessly since she was little. Whenever I ran into her, the meeting always ended with biting remarks. “Mom, you know I can’t stand her.
”
“But your grandmother wants you there, and nearly all of the Hayes relatives will attend. If you don’t show up, people might start talking. ”
“I understand. I’ll be there.
”
“Oh, if Aiden is tied up with work, he doesn’t need to come with you. ”
“Don’t worry, Mom. I get it. ”
I put the issue out of my mind.
I had no plans to involve Aiden in my family’s chaotic affairs. A few days passed without incident. One night after dinner, I was heading to my room when a figure blocked my way at the bedroom entrance. Aiden was standing there in a black silk robe, the neckline a bit loose, revealing a sharp collarbone.
“Do you need something? ”
Aiden kept silent, simply fixing his gaze on me. His intense stare unsettled me. “Mr.
Dixon, if you’ve got something to say, then say it. Staring like that is just weird. ”
“Why didn’t you tell me? ”
“Tell you what?
”
“Meline’s 20th birthday. ”
I should have known. Aiden seemed to always know everything that happened in Osber. “So that’s what you meant.
I just didn’t think you needed to know. ”
“I didn’t need to know. Truly, there’s no need for that. First of all, our marriage exists on paper.
We’re only playing husband and wife to appease your grandfather and my grandmother. Second, I don’t want to pull you into our family’s chaos. ”
I was convinced that such a clear, logical explanation would be welcomed by a CEO whose time was always scarce. Instead, his reaction surprised me.
“To cooperate with your treatment plan, I’ve already cut my workload by almost 50%. And as it happens, I have nothing scheduled this weekend. ”
“So you’re saying you’ll be going with me to the birthday celebration on Sunday? ”
“Since I’m your husband, attending your cousin’s birthday is only proper.
”
I failed to change Aiden’s mind. So I agreed to take him to Meline’s birthday party. On Sunday afternoon, three hours before the evening celebration, I was standing by the closet about to choose a simple outfit when a knock sounded on the bedroom door. “Come in.
”
The door swung open, and Colby entered first, followed by a group of nearly ten people. They were carrying boxes, garment covers, and jewelry cases of all shapes and sizes. “Mrs. Dixon, this is the styling team Mr.
Dixon arranged for you. ”
My eyes skipped past the crowd and landed on Aiden standing at the back. “Mr. Dixon, isn’t this a little over the top?
It’s only my cousin’s birthday, not some high-profile gala. ”
“Dressed like that? Are you trying to imply that Aiden Dixon’s wife can’t even afford a presentable dress? ”
“Dressed this formally, are you attending a birthday party or planning to take over the Hayes Group?
”
He was clad in a perfectly tailored dark gray suit that emphasized his height and commanding aura. The stylists nearby exchanged uneasy looks, none of them daring to speak. I was firmly placed in front of the vanity mirror by Aiden himself. An hour later, when I opened my eyes again, the reflection staring back at me left me momentarily stunned.
The black gown traced my slender silhouette flawlessly, and the refined makeup brought out every delicate contour of my face. Aiden’s eyes darkened as he took in the transformation. When the Rolls-Royce finally eased to a stop before the gates of the Hayes family villa, the once-bustling birthday celebration was smothered into sudden quiet. Every head turned toward the entrance.
The car door swung open, and Aiden stepped out first. He moved around the vehicle and, with practiced grace, opened the door. Dressed in a flowing black gown, I took Aiden’s hand and stepped out of the car with effortless elegance. The crowd stood spellbound, captivated by my beauty.
“Oh my, Zimena, Mr. Dixon, you’ve finally come. Please come in. ”
My uncle broke into an obsequious grin.
His near-reverential attitude toward Aiden made me feel sick. Across the way, the birthday girl, Meline, shot me a look sharp with envy. The instant I arrived, that attention slipped effortlessly from her grasp. Just then, a soft female voice broke through the air.
“Aiden, Zimena, you’re here. ”
Cassie drifted toward Aiden with a show of familiarity. “Aiden, you haven’t been to gatherings like this in years. When we were children at family events, you always complained they were too loud and hid away with a book.
”
By invoking shared memories, Cassie intended to emphasize her closeness to Aiden before everyone present. I observed the display and laughed to myself. I saw right through her little games. “Miss Robinson, I suggest you choose your words carefully.
Let’s avoid needless misunderstandings. My wife would not take kindly to them. ”
Cassie’s smile stiffened at once. She had not expected such directness from him.
I felt a private surge of satisfaction. “Darling, don’t be so harsh. I’m sure Miss Robinson had no ill intention. ”
My calm generosity only highlighted Cassie’s pettiness.
Unable to rein in her embarrassment further, she excused herself hurriedly and left. Before long, the evening moved to the most eagerly anticipated segment: the presentation of gifts. Encircled by flattering companions, Meline reveled in the spotlight, loudly parading each present she unwrapped. “Zimena, being a doctor must keep you terribly busy.
I’m just happy you could come to my birthday. ” Her tone sounded kind, yet it subtly suggested that I, merely a doctor, could hardly afford anything impressive. “And I’ll treasure whatever you’ve brought. ”
The guests exchanged knowing looks, anticipating what sort of offering I might produce.
Under their expectant stares, I unhurriedly drew a refined velvet box from my purse and passed it over. “Happy birthday. ”
Meline accepted the box with an air of nonchalance and lifted the lid without much thought. The moment a pink diamond came into view, her face froze in shock.
“This is a pink diamond. A gem that big has to be worth a fortune, doesn’t it? ”
The room exploded with gasps. This went far beyond giving a gift.
It was an undeniable display of overwhelming wealth. Meline’s cheeks burned scarlet as she clutched the box. Her father looked positively radiant, staring at Aiden as if he had just struck gold. Meline’s fair-weather companions watched with twisted expressions, envy gnawing at them.
“Mrs. Dixon, you certainly live lavishly, but I have to wonder, how can a prestigious household like the Dixon family tolerate one of their own working as an andrologist? ”
Her words were coarse and malicious, deliberately meant to demean me by targeting my career. Rather than bristle with anger, I curved my lips into a smile.
Folding my arms, I regarded the girl with cool composure. “Miss, despite your youth, the dark circles, dull skin, and pale lips suggest chronic sleep loss and excessive sexual activity, resulting in serious hormonal disruption. I suggest you see a doctor soon. ”
The girl’s face flamed red, humiliation crashing over her.
She tried to fire back, yet no retort came. When the banquet finally drew to a close, I slipped my arm through Aiden’s, prepared to leave, only for my grandmother to approach us. “Zimena, Aiden, it’s quite late now. Why don’t you both stay the night?
”
My first instinct was to decline, but the moment I met my grandmother’s resolute gaze, I understood that refusal was pointless. “All right, Grandma. We’ll follow your wishes. ”
I then turned toward Aiden and murmured just loudly enough for him to hear.
“Mr. Dixon, seems we’re trapped. You were the one who insisted on coming, and now there’s no way out. ”
My bedroom sat on the second floor, hidden away at the very end of the corridor.
The bed was a plain single. Aiden’s face soured the moment he stepped inside behind me. “The couch. I’m supposed to sleep on the couch?
”
“Unless you can think of a better solution. You wouldn’t seriously expect a fragile woman like me to take the sofa while a grown man like yourself claims the bed, would you? ”
“That sofa isn’t even 5 feet long, and I’m 6 foot 1. Are you testing how flexible I am or hoping I’ll turn up at tomorrow’s board meeting with a sore back?
”
“That’s not my problem. This bed is meant for one person. ”
Just as our stalemate deepened, a knock sounded at the door. I went to answer it, and the moment I saw my parents standing outside, my irritation vanished.
“Mom, Dad, what are you doing here? ”
“Oh, honey, we just wanted to surprise you. I brought a fresh set of sheets for you both. Oh, this bed is rather small.
Aiden, I’m truly sorry. Why don’t you and Zimena make do for tonight, and I’ll arrange for the bed to be replaced tomorrow? ”
“That’s fine, Eva. I don’t mind.
”
I stared at him, stunned. What a hypocrite. My parents seemed pleased by how agreeable their son-in-law was. They left with satisfied expressions.
The moment the door shut, Aiden leaned back against it and turned his gaze toward me. “Your parents just told me to make do and sleep in your bed. So, take the bed. Are you satisfied?
”
I snatched my pillow and marched toward the tiny couch. “Stand up. ”
I frowned, uncertain I had heard correctly, and eyed him with caution. “Get up and take the bed.
”
“Then where will you sleep? ”
“Here. ”
Aiden tugged me to my feet and claimed the cramped sofa instead. His tall body folded awkwardly upon it.
The sight was thoroughly ridiculous. Laughter escaped me in spite of myself. He shot me a sharp, irritated look. I bit back my laughter at once and carried my pillow back to the bed.
Deep in the night, I rose quietly to fetch water. As I crossed the dim room, stifled groans drifted from the sofa. Through the darkness, I discerned Aiden trembling slightly, his body drawn tight. I hurried to his side.
I crouched beside him, using the pale moonlight pouring through the curtains to study his features. His face was unnaturally flushed, his lips drained of color, his forehead slick with cold sweat, his brow knotted in pain. My heart lurched as I—
When he awoke again, the first thing he saw was me slumbering quietly beside the bed. Perhaps this woman was not as insufferable as he had believed.
At least for the moment, he felt no desire to shove me away. Days passed. Aiden’s body gradually improved under the continuous treatment. And in the midst of all the storms, our relationship underwent subtle changes.
I no longer clashed with him at every turn as I did at the beginning. He no longer put up that forbidding, unapproachable front with me. One evening, I was organizing documents in the study. Aiden pushed the door open and sat down across from me.
He didn’t speak, just quietly watched me. “What is it? If you have something to say, just say it. ”
“Zimena, have you ever thought about what you plan to do after my illness is cured?
”
I froze for a moment. “I haven’t really given this question serious thought. Follow the agreement. Divorce, then go our separate ways.
”
I said this lightly, but for some reason, a strange feeling stirred inside me. Aiden didn’t respond. He just gave me a complicated look, then rose and left the study. A few days later, Colby suddenly came to the villa, saying Aiden was looking for me.
I followed him to the main building and found the living room packed with members of the Dixon family. Hugh sat in the main seat, his expression serious. Aiden stood beside him. “Zimena, come sit down.
”
I walked over and sat down, having no idea what this was all about. “I’ve called everyone here today to announce something. Aiden has had some health issues, and Zimena has been treating him. He is now almost fully recovered.
We are deeply indebted to Zimena. ”
The room erupted in shock. I was surprised. Aiden actually made his health issues public.
“I also have something to say. From today onward, Horizon Biotech will be officially transferred to Zimena. This is the compensation she deserves. ”
The entire living room fell dead silent.
Everyone stared at me in disbelief. I was completely dumbfounded. He had mentioned giving Horizon Biotech to me, but I thought it was just talk. I never imagined he was serious.
After the meeting, Aiden walked me back to the villa. We didn’t speak the entire way. When we reached the entrance, he suddenly stopped. I turned to look at him.
“Zimena, there’s one clause in the agreement. Do you remember it? ”
“Which one? ”
“After my health recovers, we can discuss ending this marriage.
”
My heart clenched sharply. “So, my health is almost recovered. So, you have two choices. First, we divorce according to the agreement.
Horizon Biotech is yours, and we go our separate ways from now on. And option two, we don’t divorce. Horizon Biotech is still yours. I really hope you stay with me as my wife.
”
I looked at him. His gaze was more earnest than I had ever seen. “Aiden, are you confessing your feelings to me? ”
“What do you think?
”
He stepped closer, closing the distance between us. My heartbeat quickened involuntarily. “I’m serious, Zimena. A year ago, I didn’t like you.
Then I got used to you, and now I can’t bear the thought of you leaving. I don’t know what to call this feeling, but I know I need you here. ”
I looked at him. In those usually cold eyes, there was now a trace of warmth.
“Aiden, think carefully. I’m an andrologist. I’ll still have to see male patients every day. You don’t mind?
”
“I don’t mind. ”
“I don’t like to cook. I can only make instant noodles. If you’re with me, you might have to eat them often.
Can you handle that? ”
“The instant noodles you make taste pretty good. ”
“I have a bad temper. I argue with people all the time.
Are you sure you can handle it? ”
“I’m already used to it. Besides, your sharp tongue is kind of cute. ”
I blushed at his words.
Cute. He actually called me cute. Was this still the same Aiden who always wore a stern face? I opened my mouth to say something else, that a formidable CEO like you has been won over by an andrologist like me.
He looked down at me, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned. That was the first time I had seen him smile so gently. “Listen carefully. I don’t want a well-bred lady.
I want you. Just you. This sharp-tongued woman. ”
I reached out and punched him, but he caught my fist.
His hand was large, wrapping around mine completely. “Zimena, marry me. Not the contractual kind, the serious kind. ”
“Aiden, what I want is not just a husband.
I want someone who truly cares for me. Can you give me that? ”
“In my entire life, I have never made promises to anyone. But today, I’ll make an exception.
Zimena, from now on, you are my world. Whoever dares to harm you will answer to me. Whatever you want, I will give it to you. Even if it costs me everything.
”
My eyes were stinging, and I could feel tears starting to form. “Aiden, you said it. No taking it back. ”
“Never.
”
Three months later, we had a wedding ceremony. Not very grand, just the closest family and friends. Hugh sat in the main seat, grinning from ear to ear. Claude came too.
When he saw me in my white wedding dress, his eyes reddened slightly. Aiden stood at the other end of the red carpet, waiting for me. He was wearing a white suit today, impossibly handsome. I walked toward him, my heart pounding as if it might leap out of my chest.
He reached out and took my hand. “Zimena, from today onward, you are my wife. ”
