Chapter 485: To Be a Third Wheel

Not long ago, when Sergio left, he seemed perfectly fine. He’d mentioned having another patient in the afternoon, so why was he suddenly at the hospital? If he were injured, he wouldn’t have driven himself.

“Turn around,” I instructed. “Follow that Cayenne and see where it goes.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the driver replied.

We trailed a few cars behind as Sergio’s vehicle pulled into the hospital parking lot. Following any further would risk being noticed. I glanced at the driver. “Can you get out and tail him on foot? Find out where he’s heading.”

“On it, ma’am.”

Whitney piped up, “I’ll take the wheel, Chloe.”

“Alright.”

As she took the wheel, Whitney gave me a concerned look. “Are you exhausted?”

“A bit,” I admitted. “I didn’t get a nap today. I’ve been feeling more and more drowsy lately.”

“Close your eyes for a bit. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

I leaned against the seat and drifted off before I even realized it. When I woke, I felt a gentle touch brushing against my cheek. Groggily, I murmured, “Carl?”

Carter bent down and lifted me effortlessly into his arms. “You’ve had a long day.”

Lately, I’d been doing better—less nausea, more energy—but I still felt perpetually sleepy, like I’d taken a sedative. Breathing in the familiar scent of him, I buried my face in his chest without bothering to open my eyes.

Soon, I felt myself laid on a bed. Carter pulled the blanket over me, his movements careful, and let me rest a little longer before I finally roused myself. When I sat up, I spotted him a short distance away, seated at a desk with his laptop open, quietly working through emails.

Slipping off the bed, I tiptoed to him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders from behind, nuzzling against his neck. “Carl, you’re home early today.”

He reached up, drawing me into his lap. “I missed you and our baby.”

I was reminded of Alisa’s checkup earlier. “Any news from Alisa?”

He sighed. “Yes. Taylor ran the tests. Turns out her embryo isn’t developing properly. It might be due to the medication that night or poor sperm quality. There’s a high chance she’ll miscarry, and she’s been secretly seeking treatment without telling us.”

“Is there anything suspicious about her beyond this pregnancy?”

“It’s hard to say for sure. The Hudson family is still in Jaford, so we can’t get samples quickly enough for a paternity test. Whether she’s truly one of them or not, we’ll stay cautious. If she’s connected to the organization, it might lead us to whoever’s behind her.”

I nodded, meeting Carter’s steady gaze. “At least we know one thing for sure. Our child is a threat to her. If she’s tied to the organization, she’ll make a move eventually. We have to stay vigilant, especially with Jeffrey. He’s an easy target.”

Carter’s expression tightened. “Your focus should be on staying healthy and taking care of the baby. Leave the rest to me. And make sure Joey keeps an eye on that psychiatrist.”

“Has there been any progress?” I asked.

“He had a short meeting with the deputy director before he left. I did some digging—turns out, the deputy was one of his professors back in college. But why are you suddenly so interested in him? Didn’t he help you uncover that Wisteria faked her death?”

Carter’s question hung in the air, and I took a moment before responding. “It’s not that I suspect him. Earlier, just before Whitney’s session ended, he mentioned having a patient in the afternoon. But later, he showed up at the hospital instead. So, I asked someone to check it out. If there’s a problem, we’ll catch it early. And if he’s in trouble, I want to help. It’s the least I can do to repay him for what he’s done.”

Carter gave a curt nod, his approval clear.

In the days that followed, I accompanied Whitney to her therapy sessions. Sergio hadn’t changed much, apart from the growing pile of comic books on his desk. His office was starting to feel more like a library than a clinic. Whitney, too, was changing. Slowly, she began to drop her guard and work with him. The progress was subtle but steady, like sunlight breaking through a clouded sky. Even so, I’d catch her drifting off into thought, her mind undoubtedly circling back to Taylor. Since that last encounter, even Carter hadn’t been able to track him down.

Whitney continued her routine at the academy, where Luther hovered like a shadow. She played her part flawlessly, never revealing too much. It reminded me of a fisherman waiting for the perfect moment to reel in the line.

Meanwhile, my attention had shifted to Alisa. I used to think of her as a quiet homemaker, content to stay indoors. But now I realized she was carefully nurturing her pregnancy. Beyond that, she didn’t seem remarkable. I, however, had been feeling increasingly exhausted. Today, I barely managed to read three comics before sleep overtook me on the couch.

Half-asleep, I felt something soft brush against my face. I was too groggy to open my eyes, and when I finally woke, I found a blanket draped over me and a thermos placed within arm’s reach. Across the room, Sergio sat quietly, a psychology book in hand. I glanced at the blanket and smiled. “Did I fall asleep? Thanks for this.”

He glanced up briefly. “It was nothing.”

“How’s Starling doing today? Any better?”

“She’s improving,” he said, his tone thoughtful. “The hypnosis seems to be helping. But she still looks pale. Probably the insomnia. She’s asleep in the treatment room right now.”

I nodded, understanding. I had once found solace here, too. Watching him immersed in his book, I couldn’t help but ask, “You’re 30 now, right? Still no girlfriend?”

He answered casually, “Yeah. There’s someone I like, so I’m not interested in leading anyone else on.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, what? You’ve never said anything about this. Is it someone you just met? Who is she? If you like her, why not go for it?”

Sergio lowered his book and glanced at me. His expression was unreadable. “I can’t. She’s already married. You think I’d ruin a marriage over some feelings?”

His words hit me unexpectedly. I felt a pang in my chest. Could he be talking about me? After all, I was married too. But then again, that thought felt a little egotistical. Was I really that important to him?

“Who is she? Do I know her?” I asked, trying to mask my discomfort with a nervous laugh.

“No, you don’t,” he replied calmly.

I exhaled, relieved but still curious. “What’s she like? I’m curious. What’s your type?”

“She…”

For the first time, his stern face softened into a rare, gentle smile. “She’s innocent, a little naïve, and so unguarded. Beautiful in the truest sense.”

I frowned inwardly. That didn’t sound like any married woman I knew. In fact, it sounded more like the kind of person you’d find fresh out of college.

Before I could speak, his gaze darkened, and his voice dropped lower, “She’s so perfect, I just want to keep her to myself. Keep her hidden away where no one else can see her.”

I felt a knot twist in my stomach at his words. I kept my voice steady, though. “Sergio, you do realize that’s not only crazy—it’s illegal, right? Kidnapping? Let’s not go there.”

I stood up straight, my voice firm now, “And even if she’s perfect, she’s married. If you really love someone, it’s not about possessing them. It’s about letting them be happy, even if it’s not with you.”

Before he could respond, I took out my phone and called Carter. “Hey, babe, I’m almost finished here. Can you pick me up soon?”

I saw the flicker of disappointment in Sergio’s eyes, but I quickly changed the subject to lighten the mood.

“Thanks for everything this week,” I said with a smile.

“Chloe, do you really have to be so formal with me?” he asked, his voice softer now.

I shrugged. “It’s not about formality. I really do appreciate everything you’ve done. Starling seems more at ease with you now. I won’t need to come along anymore. Just take care of her for me, okay?”

Half an hour later, Carter arrived, right on the dot. He stepped out of the car with his usual confident stride. His presence was effortless, commanding. I rushed over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist and snuggling into his chest. “Carl, you’re here! Let me introduce you,” I said, turning toward Sergio. “This is Dr. Zimmer.”

Carter put his arm around me and extended his hand to Sergio. “Dr. Zimmer, nice to meet you.”