Chapter 2

Except for the TCT test results, all the other routine test results were available within half an hour.

Sebastian studied my test results, his brows furrowing.

His expression made my heart sink. I looked flustered, my face turning pale. "W-What's wrong? Is it... something bad?"

Sebastian looked up, probably noticing how pale I'd become.

His expression softened as he said, "Don't worry. It's just a mild yeast infection, and two of your HPV markers are a bit high. I'll prescribe you some medication. Take it for two weeks. Then come back for a follow-up test."

He then asked, "Have you been sleep-deprived recently? Have you been exposed to any unhygienic conditions?"

During that period, I had frequently stayed up late. I tried to recall if I had come into contact with anything unhygienic.

I remembered taking a hot spring bath not long ago, and that was when I started feeling unwell.

In a small voice, I asked, "I went for a hot spring bath recently. Does that count as exposure to something unhygienic?"

He glanced at me without another word, but that look in his eyes clearly said, "That explains it."

Sebastian prescribed me medication and told me to take it for two weeks, then come back for a follow-up.

As I was about to get up with the prescription, he added coldly, "Ms. Gibson, while sexual activity is normal, you should practice moderation. For now, abstain and maintain proper hygiene."

Sebastian had completely gotten the wrong idea.

There was not even a trace of a sex life to speak of.

Still, I didn't feel like explaining to him.

No amount of explanation would change anything.

I nodded politely and said, "Thank you, Dr. Lindgren. I understand."

With that, I practically bolted from the consultation room.

As I pulled open the door, I nearly collided with someone.

When I got a good look, I forced a wry smile. I should have checked my horoscope before leaving the house that day.

"Sebastian, let's grab dinner tonight." It was Cynthia.

She looked even more stunning than before.

Wearing a white coat and subtle, flawless makeup, she stood next to Sebastian, who was also in his white coat. Together, they looked like a perfect match.

She seemed slightly surprised to see me there.

Her gaze swept over me discreetly before she said, "Madeline, long time no see. What brings you here?"

I forced a stiff, strained smile and tried to look composed. "Yeah, long time no see. I haven't been feeling well, so I came in for a checkup."

Cynthia's eyes darted between me and Sebastian inside. Her practiced smile faded instantly.

I couldn't be bothered to explain. Sebastian and I had just happened to run into each other. It was pure coincidence.

I stepped aside to leave when Cynthia suddenly called out, "Madeline, let's exchange numbers. I'll message you about our next class reunion. You haven't kept in touch with anyone all these years. We've all missed you."

Of course, I didn't believe her. I could easily tell that was just polite small talk.

I quickly gave her my number, saved hers, and hurried off without looking back.

I stepped out of the hospital and hailed a cab.

In the cab, that scene kept replaying in my mind.

Cynthia was as confident and radiant as ever. As she stood beside Sebastian, they seemed to be made for each other. I used to be jealous of her. However, at that moment, I didn't even have the right to feel that way.

Cynthia, Sebastian, and I were high school classmates.

The three of us had attended Westbrook High together.

Sebastian was the top student and the most popular boy at school, while Cynthia was the undisputed school belle. She was one grade above us.

The school heartthrob and the school belle would usually make the perfect couple—one expected in any typical love story. But reality often had other plans.

At Westbrook High, Sebastian was both the academic ace and the school heartthrob. Whenever he played basketball in that plain white tee, the whole school would stop to watch.

He had many admirers and fangirls.

And like everyone else, I was one of them.

But I got lucky. At the end of freshman year, when we were split into arts and sciences streams for sophomore year, I ended up in the same class as Sebastian. Even better, I got the seat right next to him.

I had a crush on Sebastian for two straight years.

Every chance I got, I'd pour my heart out to him.

I remembered Sebastian looking at me sternly with a straight face. "Madeline, focus on your studies and stop daydreaming."

Just when I thought my open crush on Sebastian would quietly fade away, we made it through our senior year without a hitch.

That night, on the last day of school, a bunch of us decided to hit the bar.

Sebastian was there, too.

That night, I'd had a few drinks, and when the party ended, Sebastian walked me home.

I stared at Sebastian's handsome face and, somehow on impulse, stole a kiss before he could react.

But the moment my lips touched his, those gorgeous eyes of his flew open.

That kiss alone took every ounce of courage I'd gathered over the past two years.

The moment Sebastian opened his eyes, all my bravado vanished. I was ready to bolt.

But just as I turned around, his hand shot out and pulled me into his embrace.

Before I could utter a word, his warm, damp lips crushed against mine.

His tongue swept into my mouth with uncharacteristic dominance, leaving me breathless.

I remembered how scorching hot that day was, the air itself shimmering with oppressive heat.

But Sebastian's body against mine burned even hotter.

Just when I thought I might drown in that overwhelming passion, Sebastian finally let me go.

He held me close, his scorching breath grazing my neck. "That's enough. If we keep going, things might get out of hand."

Sebastian and I officially became a couple, and our relationship grew increasingly intimate—from holding hands, to embracing, and finally, to passionate kisses.

I thought Sebastian would never get away from me—not now, not ever.