Chapter 26

"It's not a major issue," he announced.

Penelope felt a surge of excitement. After her accident, she had seen several specialists, all of whom had told her that her chances of conceiving were slim. Though she'd tried to convince herself it didn't matter, a part of her had always felt a pang of regret.

"Are you saying I can get pregnant?"

"Which quack told you that you couldn't?"

"Uh..."

Several, actually, including some of the most respected experts in the field.

The old doctor tilted his head to the side. "Your uterus was indeed damaged, but it's clear you've been taking good care of yourself, so it has healed well over the years. From now on, just take the herbs I prescribe once a day. I guarantee your womb will be fully recovered in three months."

Overjoyed, Penelope found herself tilting her head as well. He was talking to her, wasn't he? So why was he looking at the space behind her?

"Ahem." The doctor cleared his throat and straightened his head. "During these three months, you are strictly forbidden from having intercourse."

"Okay."

"Abstain from alcohol and cigarettes."

"Okay."

"Keep warm. Even though it's summer, make sure you keep your lower abdomen covered."

"Okay."

"These instructions are very important. Are you even listening?"

Penelope blinked. Was he serious? She had been saying 'okay' the entire time.

The old doctor huffed in annoyance. "If you want a child, you need to take this seriously."

Penelope sighed. Was this doctor really credible? Was he mentally sound?

He rambled on for a few more minutes before handing her a large bag of herbs, instructing her to brew and drink one packet a day. Just looking at it made her mouth taste bitter.

She thanked him and took out her phone to pay, but as she did, she accidentally played a voice message from Wilma. Her friend's shriek filled the small room.

"You're saying he can't get it up? Seriously? A guy that handsome? What a tragic waste!"

Penelope fumbled with her phone,

but it was too late. Mortified, she looked up and saw that the man who had been ignoring her all this time had finally raised his head Seeing him face-to-face was another shock. He had sharp, elegant brows, piercing phoenix eyes and a nose

that looked like it was carved from

marble. But this was contrasted by full, red lips and a flawless

complexion, giving his rugged handsomeness an almost ethereal beauty.

His gaze was icy. Penelope, caught gossiping, felt a flush of guilt. She quickly

asked the doctor for the price, desperate to pay and flee.

"No need," the doctor said with a meaningful glance over her shoulder. "It's already been paid for."

Penelope didn't think much of it, assuming he meant Mr. Johnson. With a quick thanks, she bolted out the door.

Once the door closed, the old doctor turned to the man who had just finished reviewing his documents.

"So, are you satisfied with the wife your father picked out for you?"

Theodore Stapleton stood up, his expression impassive. "It doesn't matter who she is."

"I think she's a good match for you."

"Is there a problem with her health?"

At this, the doctor's demeanor

turned serious. "Her uterus was injured, it's true, but it can be healed. However, she must take the

medicine every single day without fail. If she misses a dose, the

three-month clock resets. You must also remember all the restrictions. mentioned and make sure she follows them."

"See that you do. You know I don't like to waste my time on futile efforts."

Futile efforts?

The old doctor rubbed his nose. Did his patient really view the act of love as nothing more than a procreation task?

As Theodore turned to leave, the

doctor quickly stopped him and held out a hand. When Theodore looked at him blankly, he grumbled, "Money. Your wife just had a consultation. Aren't you going to pay for it?"