Chapter 59
Lindsey, with the help of her friends, located a psychologist. When they arrived, Jimena explained the situation to the poor girl. Carlota entered to assess Courtney’s mental state, but she didn’t stay asleep for long.
“The diagnosis is acute depressive disorder, a result of post-traumatic stress,” explained Carlota to Lindsey, handing her a prescription. “Buy this sedative; it will help her relax a bit. She’ll need therapy.”
“What will the therapy be like?” Lindsey responded with nostalgia.
“Once a week, I’m available on Thursdays at 2 pm. I can come to attend to her personally until she improves and can come to my office.”
“Doctor, that sounds perfect. I’ll contact you to arrange your fees. I leave my sister in your hands. Thank you, Doctor.”
“I’m here to help. That girl went through something terrible. The best medicine is time, support, and the love you can give her.”
Jimena recommended leaving her at the orphanage. Lindsey peeked into the room and saw her lying on the bed. She entered, kissed her on the forehead.
“Sister! Are you sure you want to stay here? Grandma wants to take care of you. I promise you’ll be safe with her. We’ll be close, and no one will disturb you there. We need to talk when you feel better.”
“I don’t want to be a bother to you. I’m not good company for anyone. I’ll only cause you problems.”
“Of course not, my dear! If you come with me, I’ll be happy,” she said with warmth, offering a warm smile.
Without waiting for a response, Lindsey helped her up, took her arm, and walked out of the room. Courtney tearfully said goodbye to everyone.
Oscar and Mario, who were waiting outside, were surprised to see the pitiful girl coming out, holding onto her boss’s arm.
Oscar approached to help, but Courtney had one of her episodes. Clinging to her sister’s arm, she dug her nails in and, hiding her face, screamed, “Don’t touch me, don’t hurt me anymore. Noooo…” She seemed almost in a trance.
“Okay, my love, I’m here,” she ordered Oscar with a look to stay away.
Oscar imagined the situation, and his eyes turned dark. He despised such acts. He was a former soldier who requested discharge after his wife’s death while giving birth to their little daughter.
“Lin! We’re going in my car. It’s better if she doesn’t see any male figures for now,” Janna intervened with teary eyes, reflecting, ‘No matter how bad Courtney has been to my friend, she didn’t deserve to go through that monstrosity.’
Lindsey dragged her sister and settled her in the back seat of the car. Then she walked towards her bodyguards, who looked somber.
“Guys, she’s my sister. She’s going through a situation of sexual abuse, and as you saw, she can’t tolerate the presence of a man. I’ll ask you to try not to get too close until she regains trust. I’m going with Janna; you follow us.”
When they arrived, they went to the house on one side of the mansion. Antonella had already prepared one of the rooms. She lived there alone. When her granddaughter suggested living with them in the mansion, she refused, not wanting to interfere in their marriage. Lindsey mentioned this house, and she gladly accepted.
Among the three women, they laid Courtney on the bed and administered a sedative. It took her a long time to fall asleep; she was very anxious.
Lindsey said goodbye to her grandmother and went to attend to her family.
At the Miller mansion, Maximiliano told Stefany about his encounter with Catrina.
In the Miller mansion, Maximiliano told Stefany about his encounter with Catrina.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
“Maxi! I don’t want a man who is constantly watching over me. I can take care of myself,” Stefany protested, pouting.
Maximiliano was excited to hear her call him that; it was progress between the two.
“As my wife, you need to be protected. That woman is dangerous, and I’m afraid she might do something to you.”
“Wife only on paper! Fine! If there’s no other choice,” she replied reluctantly.
“Now let’s tell our son that you’re his real mom,” he happily commented. She no longer avoided him and joined in the games he played with his son. They didn’t talk about themselves, only things related to Max.
They left the office, climbed the stairs, and entered the child’s room, where he eagerly awaited his dad for their nightly storytelling ritual.
“Champ! Dad’s got something to ask you,” he said gently.
“Yeah, Dad,” he replied with a little gruff voice.
“Do you want Stefany as your mom?” His eyes stayed fixed on his son’s reaction.
“Yes!” he shouted with joy. “She’s like a mom to me, I love her.”
“She’s your real mom; Dad and Mom got married, and you’re already her son.”
The child was sitting on the bed. Upon hearing the news, he jumped up and started jumping for joy. In one leap, he jumped onto Stefany, who was beside the bed, eagerly awaiting the outcome.
“Thanks for wanting to be my mom. I won’t be alone anymore. I can tell my friends I have a mom.” Clinging to her neck, he stammered, “I love you, Mom!”
“My son, I love you too.” She began to give him little kisses on his face as tears of joy spilled down her cheeks.
Maximiano felt a twinge of envy towards his son, wishing he were the one receiving kisses and affection from her.
“What’s happening, champ, and where do I stand? I told you I’ll never leave you alone again.”
“Mom! I like this dad who’s living with us,” the child said, pressing his forehead against hers.
“I love you too, my prince,” she expressed innocently.
“See, Dad! I told you my mom likes him. Can I sleep with you tonight?”
“No!” Stefany exclaimed, annoyed. That kid was putting her in a situation she didn’t want.
“Come on, Mom! Just for today, please!” he insisted with his big, pleading blue eyes.
“Yes, son, come to sleep with us,” Maximiliano said. It seemed like a great idea; his fears of losing her were disappearing.
Stefany squinted her eyes, and with a glare, she wished he would disappear. She sighed resignedly, placed the child in bed.
“Come on, champ, to my room.” He opened his arms and carried the child. Leaving the room, he shouted, “We’ll wait for you in the room, my love.”
Stefany was blushing and nervous. Even though she despised that man, she couldn’t deny that her heart skipped with excitement every time she sensed his presence.