The Fragrance Queen's Final Note novel Chapter 1

Queenie Xylon stood outside the study, listening to the pained, muffled groans of her husband, Zander Calvert.

After a long moment, the study door opened. Zander walked out, his face flushed.

Queenie finally released her grip, her nails having nearly dug into her palms, and walked over calmly. "Is the session over?"

Zander reached out, gently stroking her long hair. "Yeah."

"How do you feel?"

"Same as always. Whenever Dr. Whitlock guides me through the trauma, it brings up a lot of fear. Good thing the process, though painful, leaves me feeling incredibly relaxed once the session is over."

He did look like he was riding a wave of cathartic release.

"Queenie, you must have been so worried hearing Zander's groans, right?" Renata Whitlock followed him out, a bright smile on her face. Her eyes were shimmering and undeniably seductive.

Queenie offered a faint smile. "Not at all. You're a renowned therapist in the industry. With you working so hard to treat my husband, I have complete peace of mind."

"Zander has been incredibly cooperative, which is why the treatment is going so smoothly." Renata shot the man a meaningful look, causing him to guiltily avert his eyes.

"I broke out in a cold sweat just now. I'm going to take a shower."

"I should go check on Romy."

Watching their figures disappear together, Queenie let the icy glint in her eyes fade before turning and stepping into the study.

She walked straight into the inner lounge area, her gaze locking onto the trash can in the corner.

Reaching over, she tipped it over. A foil packet slid out. It was empty.

Staring at the thin, reflective material, she let out a self-deprecating laugh.

As she laughed, her eyes turned red.

The betrayal itself wasn't the most ironic part. The true irony was that he couldn't do this with his own wife, yet had no problem doing it with another woman.

Three years ago, they had gotten married in Fiji. On their wedding night, Zander had complained that the hotel lacked ambiance and insisted on driving up to a mountain villa.

Halfway there, he wanted to do it in the car...

Queenie had refused, which killed his mood. Driving recklessly out of frustration, the car had swerved off the mountain road, and Zander had sustained a spinal injury in the crash.

They had narrowly escaped with their lives, but ever since that night, Zander couldn't summon the desire whenever he faced her.

In fact, the moment she got close, his body would involuntarily tense up, his eyes flashing with the terror of that tumbling car. He could no longer function like a normal man.

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