Chapter: 217

"I'm still on my period," she replied, trying to keep her tone neutral.

Joshua let out a low chuckle. "Do you think I only want to see you for sex? We were married for two years. Did I ever do anything to you back then?"

His words only deepened the disgust bubbling inside her.

The irony wasn't lost on her-when she craved his attention, he was off indulging with Lilliana.

Now that she wanted nothing to do with him, he was suddenly present persistent, if anything.

But Alicia knew better. Whatever was meant to happen would eventually unfold. "Okay, I'm on my way back now," she said, her voice steady.

"Great," Joshua murmured, as if appeased. “I've been missing your cooking. It's been a while."

Alicia nearly laughed aloud.

Cooking? Again?

He and Caden really were brothers-they both treated her like some kind of servant.

“I should've just invited you to join us earlier," she quipped sarcastically.

“What?" Joshua was confused.

Clearing her throat, she covered her tracks quickly. “Nothing, I just had dinner with Monica."

As soon as the call ended, Alicia shook her head, half-amused, half- annoyed. If cooking was what he wanted, she'd oblige—-for now. It was better than the alternative. After all, sex was the last thing she wanted from him.

With a new plan forming, she turned back toward Monica's door.

“Monica, do you still have that medicine you mentioned?"

Monica nodded and went to fetch a small vial. “Yeah, you should make him take it now. It takes a few days to really kick in.”

“Perfect,” Alicia muttered, a grim smile tugging at her lips. She took the vial, pocketing it swiftly.

Joshua wanted her cooking? He'd get it, alright.

The vial contained a medicine that could induce a lack of appetite, drowsiness, and most notably, a significant decrease in sexual desire.

"This is an upgraded version crafted by my mentor," Monica explained with a knowing smirk. “It's tailored for patients who have... difficulty controlling themselves. The side effects are mild, but it works like a charm. The best part? It's nearly impossible to detect!"

Alicia's curiosity was piqued. “Patients? Do people really struggle with controlling their sexual urges?"

Monica, well-versed in the oddities of human behavior, shrugged it off like it was nothing out of the ordinary. "You wouldn't believe the bizarre conditions out there. It's hard to keep up. My mentor and I have dedicated ourselves to researching these issues, and we've made impressive strides over the past two years."

Alicia found herself both impressed and a little ashamed. “You put in so much effort, and here I am using your work for... less noble purposes."

Monica Laughed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh, don't sweat it. Serving justice to assholes like Joshua is as noble a purpose as ever. Honestly, I wish I could whip up a pill that would turn him into a pathetic little lapdog. That way, when you're in a foul mood, you could kick him around, and when you're feeling generous, you could feed him shit."

Alicia couldn't help but burst into giggles, the imagery disturbing yet oddly satisfying.

Being with Monica was such a welcome escape, but she couldn't afford to dilly-dally. She sighed, painfully aware that the clock was ticking.

Monica noticed her hesitation to leave. "Stop acting like you miss me so much. If you really did, you'd think of me more often."

Alicia smiled faintly. "I've been busy today. I didn't avoid you on purpose, silly.”

Monica quirked an eyebrow. “Busy with what exactly? You've been tied up all day."