Chapter 4 Being This Disgusting

After packing up for the night, Kayce stopped by an old pharmacy on a quiet street. He picked out a few herbs and made a solution to weaken the Witherwood pendant's lingering toxicity.

Throwing it away outright wasn't an option-at least not yet. Rosalyn wasn't ready for that.

Their living arrangement upstairs was simple enough: a modest suite with a small living room attached to a single bedroom.

The bedroom door stayed firmly closed.

Kayce, as always, pulled the backrest of the worn-out sofa down, converting it into his makeshift bed.

Since the day they married, he had made the living room his home.

Lying there with his hands tucked behind his head, Kayce let his mind drift.

He thought back to the sight of Rosalyn, wearing a long flowing dress, approaching him with a steaming plate of stir-fried noodles in her hands. Her smile had been soft, almost shy. "Eat it while it's still warm. There's more if you're hungry."

Late into the night, Kayce slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the bedroom door. He gently pushed it open.

Inside, Rosalyn lay sleeping, dressed in a silk purple nightgown, the covers rising and falling gently with her breathing.

For a moment, Kayce simply watched her, spellbound.

Then, cautiously, he stepped closer to the bed, reaching out for the pendant that rested against her chest.

His fingers hovered just inches away when Rosalyn's eyes snapped open, clear and sharp.

Kayce froze, caught in the act, unable to move a muscle.

"What are you doing?" Her voice was cold enough to cut through steel.

Kayce's hand hovered inches from her chest, fingers splayed in the most incriminating way. There was no explaining this away.

He forced an uneasy smile. "Would you believe me if I said this wasn't what it seems?"

Crack!

Without warning, Rosalyn swung her hand and struck him hard across the face.

"I left the door unlocked because I trusted you!" she retorted, pushing herself upright in bed. Her voice was tight with fury. "And this is how you repay it? I didn't think you were capable of being this disgusting."

Kayce swallowed hard, his voice rough. "Rosalyn, just hear me out-"

"Shut up!" Rosalyn cut him off, jabbing a finger toward the door. "Get out."

Kayce let out a sigh and started to walk away. What a disaster.

Rosalyn's voice reached him from behind. "Don't think I ever wanted that kind of relationship with you. That's not what I had in mind."

The bedroom door slammed shut. Then came the sound of the bolt sliding into place.

With a laugh tinged with bitterness, Kayce reclined once again on the sofa.

In her room, Rosalyn positioned herself by the window, curling up as she wrestled with her jumbled thoughts.

Memories of Kayce's kindness kept playing in her mind like a persistent echo.

"Ugh! Why am I still thinking about him after everything?" She scrubbed her face with her hands, annoyed with herself.

As the first light of dawn crept through the windows, Kayce was already bustling about in the kitchen, whipping up breakfast. He needed to get everything ready before the rest of the Morris family woke up.

Catering to the varied palates of the household, Kayce spent nearly an hour each morning crafting a menu to satisfy everyone.

It was only after Sebastian and Jenessa had embarked on their morning stroll that Rosalyn ventured downstairs.

Her posture was stooped, her hands clasped over her stomach, her complexion ashen and strained with discomfort.

One glance was enough for Kayce to realize-she was grappling with her menstrual cramps again.

For years, Rosalyn had battled dysmenorrhea, and neither traditional methods nor modern medicine had brought relief.

This concern had once consumed Kayce.

Now, however, restored in both memory and ability, he saw no hurdle too high. Acupuncture was the answer.

Noticing her unsteady steps, Kayce quickly moved to assist her.

"Back off. Don't touch me!" Rosalyn's voice was sharp with irritation.

Kayce responded with a gentle smile, "Try to eat something first. I'll go grab some acupuncture needles-this will sort it out."

Rosalyn cast a wary glance his way. "If you've been able to do this all along, why didn't you help sooner?"

"Well..." Kayce massaged the back of his neck awkwardly. "I only just worked it out."

Rosalyn dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Save it. I'm really not in the mood for your excuses."

With that, she spun around and left.

"Where are you off to?" inquired Kayce.

"To the doctor's. Where else?" Rosalyn retorted, her tone bristling with irritation.

Without hesitation, Kayce followed her out.

The streets were bustling with the morning rush, and every passing taxi was occupied.

"Why are you just standing there? Go grab the scooter," Rosalyn instructed sharply. "Do you expect me to walk?"

Responding with haste, Kayce sprinted to the courtyard, hopped on his electric scooter, and zoomed back.

As Rosalyn mounted the scooter, placing her hands gently around his waist, Kayce's heart skipped a beat.

Anyone familiar with his history would be astounded to see him this stirred up by such an ordinary woman.

They reached the Lifespring Clinic twenty minutes later, seeking an appointment with the renowned Tobias Morley, dubbed the medical sage of Ploron.

The clinic's facade boasted a traditional elegance, making it stand out impressively.

As Kayce was parking, a black Mercedes aggressively cut them off.

He hit the brakes hard, yet the scooter still grazed the car's side.

The Mercedes came to a screeching stop. A man dressed in a black suit leapt out, his voice cold and accusing. "Are you blind?"

Kayce raised an eyebrow. "You swerved into our lane. We were in the right."

The driver scoffed, "Hold that thought. I'll get back to you once I'm done here..."

At that moment, the rear door of the Mercedes swung open. A shapely leg sheathed in nude stockings made an elegant appearance.

Heels clicked against the ground as a stunning woman in a red dress stepped out.

The dress clung to her form, broadcasting both allure and authority.

She strode over and delivered a sharp slap to the driver's face. "You cut someone off and then play the tough guy? Did I teach you to behave like that?"

"Sorry," the driver mumbled, bowing deeply.

Turning to Kayce and Rosalyn, the woman offered a charming smile. "Please accept my apologies for his behavior."

Again, the driver bowed, this time more profoundly. "I'm truly sorry. This was my mistake."

Rosalyn's voice was low but clear. "We're good just so long as you're not expecting us to cover your damages." With that, she walked toward the clinic entrance.

In too much pain to engage in conflict, Rosalyn was reluctant to challenge someone who could afford a Mercedes.

Kayce lingered for a moment, observing the woman carefully, before moving to catch up.

Rosalyn's eyes narrowed slightly. "She's pretty, isn't she?"

Rosalyn felt a twinge of discomfort at the sight of Kayce's attention on the woman.

Kayce responded, "You're reading too much into it. I noticed something off about her posture."

Rosalyn replied, "No need to explain. You're free to look at anyone you want. It doesn't bother me."

The first floor of the clinic was sprawling, reminiscent of a hospital's size. A long queue stretched away from the reception area.

Rosalyn grimaced at the sight. "Look at this crowd. I doubt we'll manage to see Dr. Morley today."

The woman in red came over to them. "Dr. Morley limits his consultations to five patients daily. He's fully booked until next year."