Chapter 2 – The Therapist She Invented
Chapter 2 – The Therapist She Invented
The foyer became deathly quiet.
Adrian stared at Celeste.
"What therapist?"
For the first time that evening, she hesitated.
"The one I've been taking Lily to every Thursday."
Adrian frowned.
"I've never approved a therapist."
"You've been busy," Celeste replied quickly. "I handled it."
Still holding Lily in his arms, Adrian pulled out his phone.
He dialed his assistant.
"Emma."
"Yes, Mr. Vale?"
"Find every payment made in the last six months to any counseling clinic, psychologist, or child therapist."
A keyboard clicked on the other end.
Several seconds passed.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"There aren't any."
Adrian's eyes slowly lifted.
"No appointments?"
"No insurance claims."
"No invoices."
"No medical records."
Silence.
Lily buried her face against his shoulder.
Celeste forced a smile.
"I paid cash."
Adrian asked one quiet question.
"Then tell me the therapist's name."
She opened her mouth.
Nothing came out.
Because there was no name.
There had never been a therapist.
Only another lie.
Lily whispered through trembling lips.
"She said if I told you..."
"...you'd send me away."
Adrian closed his eyes for a brief second.
When he opened them again...
Every trace of warmth was gone.
He looked toward the head butler.
"Mr. Collins."
The elderly man stepped forward immediately.
"Yes, sir."
"Call my attorney."
"And call Dr. Bennett."
"The pediatrician who has treated Lily since the day she was born."
"I want him here tonight."
Celeste's confidence finally cracked.
"Adrian... you're overreacting."
"No."
May you like
His voice was frighteningly calm.
"I haven't reacted yet."
