Chapter 1

My ex turned out to be my gynecologist.

After examining my case, he looked at me with a completely straight face and warned, "Ms. Gibson, while sexual activity has its benefits, moderation would be advisable."

Months later, gesturing to the man in bed, I teased, "Dr. Lindgren, we should keep our sex life in moderation—doctor's orders!"

*****

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the doctor waiting behind that door would be a man.

To make this mortifying situation even worse, the man turned out to be none other than Sebastian Lindgren—my ex-boyfriend, the very one I'd dumped.

The receptionist never told me Dr. Lindgren was a man.

Then again, she didn't say Dr. Lindgren was a woman, either.

At that moment, I wish I could just vanish into thin air so I would not have to feel anything.

A while back, I had gone to a hot spring with some friends, and ever since, I had been feeling a lingering discomfort in my vaginal area.

At first, I brushed it off, thinking perhaps it was just work stress or too many late nights.

But that morning at work, the unbearable itching was driving me crazy. I just couldn't sit still. So I called in sick, grabbed a cab, and rushed to the nearest hospital to make a gynecology appointment.

When I went to register, the receptionist told me that since I was late, all the other gynecologists were fully booked. Only Dr. Lindgren had one last slot left. She asked if I would like to take it.

I froze for a split second when I heard the family name "Lindgren."

But then there were many people with that family name. Besides, Sebastian Lindgren had moved abroad five years ago.

As it turned out, the world had indeed proven to be that coincidental.

The receptionist, looking impatient, snapped, "So, do you want it or not? If not, please step aside. Other patients are waiting."

"Yes, I'll take Dr. Lindgren's slot," I replied quickly.

I had no other choice. It felt like a thousand fire ants were crawling under my skin. I couldn't take it anymore. I just needed a doctor to check me out and give me something to stop the itching.

Never in a million years did I think I'd run into Sebastian again after five years, let alone like that.

At first, Sebastian only glanced up casually, but the moment he recognized me, his gaze turned icy.

I stood frozen, as if an eternity had passed.

"Come in and close the door," Sebastian said impatiently from across the room.

His voice was utterly cold, devoid of any warmth.

Stiffly, I walked to the chair in front of him and sat down, my body trembling uncontrollably.

I hesitated for a moment, then, avoiding eye contact, stammered, "E-Excuse me. Would it be possible to... to see a female doctor instead?"

Sebastian's already gloomy expression turned even icier at my words.

He tossed his pen aside and said coldly, "Suit yourself."

Then, turning to the nurse, he said, "Layla, call in the next patient."

Layla shot me a disapproving look.

Under her breath, she muttered, "So picky. You should be grateful to get Dr. Lindgren's appointment. What an idiot."

I was at a loss for words.

Looking at Sebastian's raised brow and that infuriating smirk, I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

I had asked around outside, only to be told that all the gynecology appointments were booked.

The only reason I got Sebastian's slot was that someone canceled last minute, and I just happened to grab it. If I gave it up, the earliest I could get another appointment would be the afternoon of the day after tomorrow.

I had no choice but to swallow my pride and turn back.

I hesitated for a long moment before finally sinking into the chair.

Sebastian looked at me with a mocking smirk and said, "What? Discriminating against male doctors? I never expected you to have such a strong bias against men in this field, Ms. Gibson."

I remained silent.

That was a bit much. I would never dare discriminate against male doctors.

I blurted out, "No, I've never discriminated against male doctors. I-It's—"

"What seems to be the problem?" he interrupted coldly, his tone strictly professional.

I took a deep breath. "I-I've been feeling a bit itchy... down there."

After blurting it out, I lowered my head, wishing I could just disappear.

Sebastian asked, "How long has this been going on?"

"About a month or so," I replied.

"Have you had any unusual sexual activity or partners in the past?"

Startled, I jerked my head up. I couldn't believe he regarded me as that kind of girl.

His expression remained aloof, betraying nothing.

Forcing the words out, I stammered, "N-Nothing like that."

"Are your periods regular?" he asked.

I couldn't help but notice his tone suddenly getting a little lighter after that question.

In fact, he knew the answer to that.

But I still answered in embarrassment, "Um... it's really painful when it comes, so... not exactly regular."

When Sebastian and I were together, he always took care of me during my painful period days. He'd make me hot dark chocolate and put heating pads on my stomach.

I figured that kind of thoughtful care was now reserved for Cynthia Jakeman.

The thought hurt more than I'd like to admit.

"When was the last time you had sex?" Sebastian asked again.

I did not respond.

He should know the answer.

However, since we had broken up a long time ago, I guessed it was normal for him to ask.

Truth be told, I had not been with anyone since him.

But I couldn't let him think I had been celibate for him.

I forced myself to lie.

I murmured, "Two months ago."

The moment I finished speaking, I noticed Sebastian's expression darken. His fingers paused over the keyboard, and his brows furrowed slightly. "Are you married?"

"No."

"Do you have a boyfriend?" The question slipped out before he could stop himself. Realizing how unprofessional it sounded, he quickly switched back to his clinical tone. "Go lie down on the examination table. Let's do a checkup first."

Honestly, I didn't think there was a woman alive who didn't dread gynecological exams.

And having to face my ex-boyfriend as the doctor—well, the embarrassment far outweighed the fear.

The examination and sample collection felt like an eternity. Thankfully, Sebastian was thoroughly professional. His expression remained cold, but his movements were gentle.

Even with the nurse there, I couldn't help but blush with embarrassment once the sample was taken.

During the exam, Sebastian suggested I add a TCT screening.

He said it would be safer to get checked at my age.

Seeing the look on his face that clearly said he didn't want to say more, I didn't dare argue. I quickly grabbed the test form and went to pay.