?<strong>Chapter 453:</strong>


    With her fingertip, she traced a heart in the center of his palm.


    Adrian locked eyes with her. She offered a gentle smile and waved her hand in a soothing gesture, as if to reassure him not to worry too much.


    But how could Adrian not be consumed by concern? The relentless cycle of losing and finding her again left him in a state of confusion, as if fate were ying cruel games with him. Every time he managed to reim her, it seemed he was only setting himself up to lose her even morepletely the next time.


    Atst, Joelle had the space to reflect on her next move while Adrian enveloped her in his embrace for a full twenty minutes in front of everyone.


    Herst memory was of leaping from a building, and now, amidst the warmly dressed crowd, it felt as though her past suffering was but a fleeting shadow, reduced to dust.


    Adrian wasted no time; he guided her through all the necessary tests with unwavering determination.


    “While you’re a bit weak, with adequate rest, you’ll recover. However, Ms. Watson, given your extended bed rest, some moderate exercise could help restore your body’s functions.”


    Following the physical examination, Adrian led her to the psychiatric department, his concern evident in every step. Her persistent moderate depression remained a pressing issue. Sensing his apprehension, Joelle reached her left hand to gently pat Adrian’s hand resting on her right shoulder.


    “I don’t want to meet with the psychiatrist,” she murmured.


    Adrian spoke with gentle patience. “Joelle, please, don’t hold anything back from me this time. Whatever happens, I’ll be right here by your side.”


    Joelle feared hearing those words. She was acutely aware of her status as a patient, now confined by limited mobility. She had heard whispers that Adrian had turned the hospital into his personal study, pouring all his energy into caring for her.


    The more devotedly he tended to her, the heavier the weight on her heart became. asionally, she found herself yearning—almost selfishly—for a life free of responsibilities and expectations. In that life, she could simply exist without the weight of anyone’s expectations pressing down on her.


    Adrian was resolute in his decision to take her into the psychiatrist’s office, and when Joelle finally emerged, she seemedpletely transformed.


    Her unhappiness was palpable.


    Seeing her in such distress, Adrian’s heart raced with worry. “Joelle, what’s the matter?”


    Joelle fumbled for the words. In that moment, probing into her emotions felt like standing on the edge of a fragile dam, one question away from sending her into an overwhelming tide of tears.


    Adrian quickly wiped away her tears, flustered and unsure where to ce his hands. “I’m sorry. Did I do something to upset you?”


    Joelle harbored quiet resentment towards Adrian. Despite her insistence that she didn’t want to see the psychologist, he had insisted on taking her,pelling her to reveal her inner struggles in front of him. What purpose did it serve for him to know so much about her?


    She longed to shield her struggles, resolutely resisting the idea of being seen as delicate.


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