Chapter 241

Hector heard Naomi’s voice and looked toward her. There she sat, on a leather sofa, hair slicked back, one leg crossed over the other, exuding carefree charm. He walked over. As he approached, the dim light revealed Cynthia. Cynthia, too, was surprised to see him.

Naomi stood, beginning an introduction: “Cyn, this is…” But before she finished, Cynthia also stood, saying, “Naomi, I know him.” Naomi was taken aback.

Cynthia turned to Hector. “Dr. Xenos, is this the place you had plans for tonight?”

Hector found the coincidence amusing. “Is this the bar you’ve been inviting me to?”

They shared a knowing smile. Naomi, still confused, asked, “When did you two meet?”

Hector sat down. “Cynthia and I have been good friends for years.”

Cynthia was actually one of Hector’s patients—a fact he would never disclose, regardless of Cynthia and Naomi’s relationship.

Delighted, Naomi poured three glasses of whisky. “This is quite a coincidence! We should have a drink to celebrate.”

They raised their glasses. “Cheers.”

After they sat, Hector asked, “So, what’s your relationship?”

Naomi and Cynthia sat close. Hearing the question, Naomi casually wrapped her arm around Cynthia, pulling her closer. “We’re childhood friends, sweethearts since we were kids. She’s the most important woman in my world. I’d give my life for her.”

Cynthia laughed. “I don’t want your life, thank you.”

Hector watched their affectionate interaction, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Why is Cynthia so close to another man? Even if they are childhood friends? But their bond seemed genuine and strong. Their closeness felt natural, he thought.

A moment later, someone called for Naomi. She stood. “You two chat. I need to greet some guests.”

After Naomi left, Cynthia and Hector continued their conversation. Finally, Hector took a sip of his whisky and casually asked, “You’re so close to Naomi. Isn’t your fiancé, known for being extremely jealous, going to be upset?”

Cynthia, mid-sip, nearly spat out her drink. She looked at him in shock. “What?”

“Jonathan is known for being jealous. Aren’t you worried he’ll flip out if he sees you like this?” Hector’s tone was light, but his concern was genuine.

Cynthia’s surprise was evident. “Don’t you know that Naomi is—”

Before she could say “woman,” Naomi returned, roughly covering Cynthia’s mouth. Naomi, having overheard their conversation, had practically pounced, her hand firmly over Cynthia’s mouth, her body draped intimately over Cynthia.

Seeing them in this position, Hector furrowed his brow. No man could tolerate seeing his fiancée being that intimate with someone else. Thankfully, Jonathan hadn’t seen this. Otherwise, Naomi would be in big trouble.

Naomi gave Cynthia a meaningful look; Cynthia blinked several times in response. Naomi released her and sat down. Cynthia, with a warm smile, said, “Jonathan knows about my relationship with Naomi. He doesn’t mind at all.”

Hector nodded thoughtfully. “Mr. Bennett is quite magnanimous, then.”

Naomi chimed in, “What’s there to mind? I raised this rose myself, and he took her away, pot and all. The one who should be minding is me.”

Naomi turned to Cynthia. “If Jonathan ever treats you wrong, you just divorce him. My door is always open for you.”

Cynthia smiled sweetly. “I know.”

Hector finally understood. Naomi and Cynthia were childhood friends, and Naomi had, or had had, feelings for Cynthia. But Naomi’s affection seemed unreciprocated.

They chatted for a long time. Cynthia listened as Naomi and Hector talked about their childhood, sharing funny and embarrassing stories. Cynthia had no idea Hector had such a different side when he was younger. She’d always thought of him as a gentleman, never imagining he’d been bullied by Naomi for years. She was also surprised to learn he had a twin brother, Harvey.

“One time, during the summer, we went wading in the stream. Since I couldn’t tell them apart, I would pull down their pants to check…” Naomi began.

“Naomi,” Hector interrupted, his ears turning red, “Don’t say anymore.”

“Okay, okay, I won’t. I know you’re shy,” Naomi teased.

Cynthia found the evening incredibly amusing. She learned many of Hector’s secrets, the most entertaining being his obliviousness to Naomi’s true gender. Despite his skills as a psychologist, he'd completely missed it.

Later, Cynthia recounted the incident to Jonathan. He laughed. “Dr. Xenos is such a smart person, but it seems he can’t see the forest for the trees.”

“He always thought Naomi was a boy when they were kids. Now, with her style of dress and personality, she looks every bit like a man. It’s natural he wouldn’t suspect anything,” Jonathan explained.

Cynthia nodded, curious. “I’m really curious about what Dr. Xenos’s reaction will be when he finds out his best friend of over twenty years is actually a woman.” She smiled. It must be quite a sight.

Jonathan pulled her into an embrace. “But I’m curious, why doesn’t Naomi want to tell Dr. Xenos about her true identity? What is she worried about?”