The bathroom was filled with steam. Tegan soaked in the hot water and quietly reflected on what had just happened.

Lorian had been very gentle throughout the entire process. However, his gentleness seemed almost formulaic. It was too perfect and reminded her of a robotic husband.

With that said, Tegan dared not expect too much. They were in a marriage where they weren't equals. Demanding too much would be considered unreasonable.

Tegan didn't soak for long. There were still things she wanted to discuss with Lorian. Once her body felt more relaxed, she got up and wrapped herself in a white bathrobe before stepping out of the bathroom.

The chandelier in the bedroom was off. Lorian had left only a reading lamp on. He was leaning against the headboard and holding his phone, giving some instructions to Kris via voice message. When he saw Tegan coming in, he wrapped up the conversation with a few simple words.

Tegan took a tube of ointment and sat on the side of the bed, carefully app