Ryan and Scarlett had been married for years, but they were still childless, even though they were only four years apart in age.
Ryan was getting older, and guys his age usually liked being around a lot of people.
He never got much love growing up. Even though he was adopted, his foster parents didn't show him much affection, and he spent most of his time studying alone at home.
With his naturally introverted personality, he didn't talk much or hang out with others, so he didn't make many friends in school.
Now that he was older, he really wanted to have a lively family.
But I was the complete opposite. I had always been cheerful and lively, and people often admired my good looks and fit body.
My interest in fitness started when I was a kid, thanks to an older guy who introduced me to it. One time, while playing hide and seek with my friends, I stumbled into a gym.
I saw a locker and wanted to hide inside, but a dumbbell blocked the door, and I couldn't open it.
I grabbed the dumbbell with both hands, leaned back with all my strength, and tried to lift it.
I ended up sitting on the ground, leaning back with my feet in the air, but I still held onto the dumbbell. Luckily, I managed to move it, and the locker door opened.
The gym owner noticed my potential and offered to train me for free, which led to my muscular physique now.
"In that case, I should give you two some space to have plenty of time to have a child. Even if I may be able to make this house a bit lively, it still can't compare to the liveliness a child brings," I said, looking at Scarlett to see her reaction.
As expected, she blushed like crazy, looking down at her plate, too shy to meet my eyes. She looked adorable.
Even though she was the one who first brought up the idea of having a child, telling Ryan it was her dream to become a mom, she got all shy when I suggested they should go for it.
I started to think that her argument with Ryan about having a child was just an excuse for her unfulfilled desires.
She probably wanted to blame Ryan for his performance in bed but was afraid he'd think she was promiscuous, so she used having a child as an excuse.
Ryan sighed, "I want to have a child too, but it seems like my age and busy work schedule have affected my sperm quality. I don't know what to do."
It seemed like Ryan really wanted a child too.
Should I mention my acquaintance with Hannah at this point? But if I introduced Hannah to Ryan for treatment and she actually helped him, then there would be no chance for Scarlett and me.
"Go see a doctor. I've seen plenty of wealthy men in their seventies and eighties who can still get their wives pregnant. Although our family isn't super rich, we should be able to afford the medical expenses," I said.
"I've seen so many doctors, but none of them could fix my problem. It feels like I was just born this way, and there's no cure," Ryan said, shaking his head helplessly.
Scarlett slowed down her eating, listening closely to our conversation.
"Why not give it another shot? I know a doctor who specializes in this stuff, and I've heard she has a perfect success rate. How about making an appointment with her?" I suggested, trying to sound casual.
Deep down, I wasn't too thrilled about him taking this help.
After all, Hannah was someone I had been intimate with. Even though we weren't in a relationship, I still felt possessive about her.
And what if Ryan really got cured by Hannah?
Then, things between Scarlett and me would be over, and I wouldn't get to be with her anymore.
Ryan and Scarlett exchanged a look like they were silently communicating.
I noticed Scarlett's long eyelashes flutter slightly, and then she gave a subtle nod.
Ryan immediately smiled at me. "Let's give it a try. Please contact that doctor for me, I appreciate it."
"By the way, I have to make it clear. That doctor is a woman, and there might be some physical examinations involved. Scarlett, do you mind?" I added, trying to gauge her reaction.
Both Ryan and I looked at Scarlett, waiting to see what she'd say.
Even if Ryan's performance wasn't great, Scarlett should still feel some possessiveness.
"I'm fine with it. As long as it helps improve his health and allows us to have a child of our own," Scarlett nodded.
Now it was my turn to exchange a glance with Ryan.
"Should I go ahead and make the appointment?" I asked.
"Sure, try to schedule it for after our work hours, so it won't interfere with work," Ryan agreed.
"Okay," I nodded, setting down my utensils, taking out my phone, and opening the familiar pink app.
I scrolled to the doctor's section, found Hannah's appointment number, and scheduled an appointment for an hour after our work hours on Thursday.
That day happened to be when I finished meeting Sophia's relative, so I had time to go with Ryan for the consultation.
I had to be there the whole time, considering it as supervising Hannah and Ryan. It wasn't that I didn't trust Hannah; I just didn't trust human nature.
Scarlett even mentioned that she would go with him on that day.
But when I said I wanted to go too, they seemed puzzled.
"Why do you want to come along?" they both asked.
"I care about Ryan's condition. After all, I'm his brother, and I should be concerned about his health. Besides, I'm also looking forward to when my dear niece will arrive," I said, trying to sound excited.
But deep down, I was feeling really uncomfortable as I didn't really want my beloved woman to have a child with another man.
"How do you know it will definitely be a niece? Can't it be a nephew?" Scarlett raised an eyebrow and asked.