---
Vincent Charbonneau had lived his life according to other people's expectations.
From a young age, his parents drilled into him the idea of success-prestige, money, a *real* career. He had wanted to become a chef, but they had made it clear: "Cooking is a hobby, not a profession. Study for a real job." So here he was, a highly respected maternity doctor, wearing a crisp white coat in the sterile, monotonous walls of the hospital.
He hated it. The clinical routine, the repetitive nature of it all. Every day felt the same-until *he* walked in.
Rody Lamoree.
Vincent didn't know what it was about him at first. Maybe it was the messy auburn hair, the powerful build, the way his green eyes glimmered with uncertainty as he walked into the ultrasound room. Rody had entered with his wife, Manon, her hand gently clasped in his, their bodies leaning into each other like they shared everything.
Vincent's breath hitched in his throat. It was love at first sight.
It was irrational, dangerous even, but Vincent didn't care. He'd felt nothing for years-no passion, no excitement. His life had been a dull, steady hum of routines and responsibilities, but now his heart pounded like it had awoken from a deep slumber.
The session had gone as expected. Manon was pregnant, and they were overjoyed. Rody's soft laughter as he gazed at the ultrasound screen sent a sharp ache through Vincent's chest. As they exchanged congratulations, Vincent barely heard the words. He was too focused on the easy smile on Rody's face, the warmth he exuded.
But it wasn't enough.
Vincent wanted Rody-*needed* him in ways he couldn't explain. He didn't care that Rody was married or that he had a baby on the way. In fact, it made Vincent's desire burn even hotter. Rody's devotion to Manon only added to the allure. What would it be like to tear that perfect, domestic life apart? To claim Rody for himself?
As the couple left the room, Vincent's eyes lingered on Rody's broad back. He knew he would see him again. This was only the beginning.
---
Weeks passed, and Vincent found himself volunteering to take every one of Manon's appointments. He told himself it was because he wanted to ensure a smooth pregnancy, but deep down, he knew the real reason. He wanted more time to see Rody.
With each visit, the tension between them grew-at least for Vincent. He couldn't stop imagining what it would feel like to pull Rody away from Manon, away from his perfect little life, and into his arms. He longed to kiss him, to feel the strength of Rody's body beneath his hands.
But Rody barely noticed him. He was always focused on Manon, on the pregnancy, on the future he was building with his wife.
And that drove Vincent insane.
---
It happened on a rainy afternoon, during another routine appointment. Manon was talking animatedly about baby names while Rody sat quietly beside her, his hand resting protectively on her knee. Vincent couldn't take it anymore. He had to act.
As Manon stepped out for a bathroom break, Vincent seized his moment. The room was eerily quiet, and for the first time, it was just the two of them. Rody glanced up from his phone, confused.
"Dr. Charbonneau?"
Vincent stepped forward, his hands trembling slightly. His heart raced, the thrill of it all driving him forward. "Rody," he began, his voice low, almost a whisper, "I can't stop thinking about you."
Rody blinked, clearly taken aback. "What?"
"I want you," Vincent said, his words thick with desire. "I don't care about anything else. Your marriage, the baby-it doesn't matter. I know you feel it too. You don't belong with her. You belong with me."
