Chapter 101

Dr. Howard rubbed her forehead in resignation. “This will only make her despise you more; she's mated to someone who behaves so extremely.”

“Yeah,” Drake lowered his sleeve, his expression vacant. “She already told me, ‘Don’t try anything like that again.’ Doctor, doesn’t that prove she still cares about me?”

Dr. Howard didn't follow his line of reasoning, deftly changing the subject and redirecting his thoughts. She gently guided him through the session, providing therapeutic support. The treatment lasted nearly four hours.

At the conclusion, Dr. Howard offered sincere advice, recommending that Drake gradually distance himself from the relationship and the person dominating his thoughts. He needed to shift his life's focus and stop directing his attention toward her.

Drake appeared to listen, even nodding vaguely as he left. In reality, he hadn't absorbed a single word. Stay away from Thalia? That was impossible!

Nightfall brought insomnia. He was still living in the apartment next to Thalia's Tribeca flat, but she had moved out. The night was silent and still. Drake lay in bed, the room unlit and completely dark. He closed his eyes, and Thalia's face appeared in his mind, over and over. Suddenly, a hateful image forced its way in: Asher, giving him a taunting smile, then taking Thalia's face in his hands and kissing her passionately.

“No! Stop!” Drake suddenly shouted. “Don’t touch her! Get away! Get out!” He yelled like a madman in the darkness. Again and again, he tormented himself by imagining scenes of Asher and Thalia together, sweet moments and passionate encounters. “No… Thalia… please don’t…” Drake curled up on his bed, muffled sobs echoing in the dark room. “No… no…” This six-foot-tall man had contracted into a ball, crying uncontrollably.

Thalia had just woken from an afternoon nap and was feeling peckish when the doorbell rang. She ran a quick hand through her hair, casually threw on a cream-colored fur coat, and went to answer the door in her fluffy slippers.

“Good afternoon, Miss Winters. I’m the housekeeper Mr. Blackwood arranged to cook for you.” A woman approaching fifty, dressed in a black padded jacket, with a kind face, stood outside.

Thalia paused. “Just a moment, please. I should check on this.” Being cautious with strangers, she couldn’t simply let anyone in.

“Of course! Please do confirm with Mr. Blackwood. I’ll wait right here,” the woman replied cheerfully.

Thalia dialed Asher’s number. “Did you arrange for a housekeeper to cook for me?”

“Yes, she’s Mrs. Wilson’s daughter-in-law. Mrs. Wilson is getting too old to come herself, but fortunately her daughter-in-law has learned all her cooking techniques. I specifically asked her to cook for you, thinking you’d enjoy familiar flavors.”

Thalia was momentarily stunned. She remembered Mrs. Wilson; her mother, Rosalind, had learned her cooking skills from her, and Asher had once taken her to visit Mrs. Wilson’s home. At that time, Thalia had only met Mrs. Wilson and her son, not this daughter-in-law. She was touched that Asher had been so thoughtful.

Women often notice these small gestures. Thalia’s heart softened instantly, becoming as sweet and tender as candy floss. “Right, I understand now.”

Thalia ended the call and politely invited Mrs. Wilson’s daughter-in-law inside. “Please come in.” During their casual conversation, Thalia learned the woman’s name was Mary, she was forty-seven years old, and had a daughter two years younger than Thalia who worked as a primary school teacher.

“Miss Winters, Mr. Blackwood told me which dishes you enjoy, so I’ve purchased ingredients for those. What would you like for dinner this evening?” Mary entered carrying two large bags from Whole Foods Market.

Thalia smiled. “If Asher recommended them, I’m sure I’ll enjoy everything. I’m not particular—please prepare whatever you think best.”

“Lovely! Mr. Blackwood specifically instructed me to shop at Whole Foods. It was my first time in such a place! My goodness, everything was quite dear, but all organic and naturally sourced. Should be top quality, very safe to eat.” Mary was warm and straightforward, somewhat familiar in her manner, which Thalia appreciated.

“You’ve grown so much, Miss Winters. I wonder if you remember me—I used to hold you when you were little.” Thalia was momentarily taken aback. With Mary’s comment, she began to recall. Thalia smiled. “Please, there’s no need to be so formal. Just call me Thalia.”

Mary asked, “Very well then, Thalia it is. Now, where might I find the kitchen?” Thalia pointed. “Just over there.”

“I’ll get started on dinner, then. Mr. Blackwood mentioned he’d be joining us this evening. Would a roast chicken with seasonal vegetables and a butternut squash soup be suitable?”

Thalia nodded. “Perfect.”

Having finished his work, Asher instructed his driver to take him to Pan Peninsula, where he had purchased the apartment for Thalia. To avoid any future awkwardness about not having a change of clothes, Asher had arranged for several large suitcases filled with new toiletries, bathrobes, loungewear, and everyday clothing.

At the door, Asher rang the bell. Thalia opened it and was genuinely surprised. “Why on earth have you brought so many things?”

Asher raised an eyebrow, a smile playing at his lips. “I’d hate to be caught without a change of clothes again if I stay over.”

Thalia thought to herself: This seems rather excessive—it’s practically like moving in together. On second thought, if Asher were to suggest living together, she realized she wouldn’t actually object. Noticing he had rung the doorbell, she asked curiously: “Haven’t you got a key? Why ring the bell when you arrive?”

“This is the apartment I bought for you. You’re the sole owner now, so naturally, I would need your permission to have a key.”

Thalia looked at him with amusement. “In that case, I’ll give you a spare key later.”

Asher followed Thalia inside, with his security detail carrying the suitcases behind them. “Don’t put it off—let’s do it today. I fear you might forget.”

Thalia laughed. “I’m hardly that forgetful.”

Sienna had been upset with Drake lately. He had attempted suicide because of Thalia, and upon waking, his first words were to ask where Thalia was. Sienna was heartbroken.

In a noisy bar with flashing lights and a dance floor packed with revelers, Sienna sat with her friend Celine in a private booth, drinking. Celine swirled her glass. “I never would have guessed that Thalia was the Winters heiress. It wasn’t obvious at all.”

“Ha,” Sienna laughed bitterly. “Celine, do you think I’m just a complete joke?”

Celine awkwardly pulled at the corner of her mouth. Truthfully, it did seem like a joke.