The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Ethan's subtle movement didn't escape Lydia's notice.

With a piercing gaze, Lydia checked his pulse and said, "What's this, another case of cramps?"

"It's not cramps, I was just..." Ethan began to explain.

"And what would that be?" Lydia cut in.

Meeting Lydia's innocently clueless eyes, Ethan swallowed his words. She was a woman who had clearly never dabbled in romance, blissfully unaware of the subtleties of male-female interactions. Even the natural reactions of physical contact seemed foreign to her. Locking eyes with her genuine gaze, Ethan cracked a smile and said, "You're right, I've developed another 'cramping' issue. I'm counting on Dr. Lydia to take a closer look."

"A grown man and yet so full of issues," Lydia retorted, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

Ethan kept his smile, responding, "Yeah, how does a big guy like me end up with so many issues? Lucky for me, I found Dr. Lydia, the gentle, kind-hearted, and skilled physician."

Ugh.

Lydia nearly gagged at his words. How could he manage a fake laugh while simultaneously buttering her up? He didn't believe his own words, did he?

"And to think, someone called me a quack doctor yesterday," Lydia said with a light laugh.

"Whoever that jerk is, I'll sort him out for you!" Ethan declared, refusing to admit that under the intense pain he had disparaged Lydia just the day before, now puffing up in a mock display of chivalry to defend her honor.

"If you're willing to deal with yourself, I might just spend an extra half minute on your case," Lydia shot back, piercing through his facade.

Ethan's grin widened as he leaned in closer, "You scolding me means I'm not completely hopeless in your eyes."

No sooner had he spoken than Lydia grabbed his wrist, getting serious, "I'm warning you, Ethan, cut out the sleaziness or I'll make sure you regret it!"

Lydia had attributed Ethan's

frequent 'harassments'-whether it

was seeking her acupuncture services, sending roses out of the

blue, or now, making

comments-to him being a

fet

downright sleaze. From their very first encounter, he had crossed a

line with her. This man was no good!

With her grip on his pulse, it was as though she held his life in her hands. He yelped in pain, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please spare me this once, ma'am." Considering his sincere apology, Lydia finally released his hand, saying irritably, "Your heart's fine, and so are your organs. You don't need to see a doctor." "But my whole body hurts," Ethan complained, clutching his back to indicate his discomfort.

"Young man, better to keep it in your pants. Sleeping around too much is bad for your health," Lydia remarked while jotting something down in the medical record.

Ethan immediately grew anxious at her words, hastily explaining, "You've got it all wrong; I haven't been with many women. In fact, I don't have anyone..."

Before he could finish, Lydia tore off

the page she was writing on and slapped it in front of Ethan, "Take left when you exit. The pharmacy there can hook you up with some herbs for your vitality. Now, ifyou'll excuse me!"

With that, Lydia stood up and headed to the lab, leaving Ethan behind.

Ethan looked at the prescription in dismay, calling after Lydia's retreating figure, "I'm not suffering from that kind of issue, I really don't have anyone, and I told you, I don't like taking herbal concoctions!"

BUMS

Lydia didn't respond, simply entering the lab. Her attitude was clear: she was done entertaining him.