Ethan's eyes gazed out the car window, his mind drifting to his complicated past.
Growing up, Ethan's life seemed picture-perfect: an affluent family, prestigious school, and a beautiful girlfriend. But beneath the surface, his world was fractured.
His parents' marriage was a cold, calculated arrangement, devoid of love. Ethan's father, a ruthless businessman, demanded perfection from his son. His mother, a socialite, cared more about appearances than her child's happiness.
Ethan's rebellion began quietly. He started volunteering at a local community center, finding solace in helping others. That's where he met his mentor, Marcus, who taught him the value of empathy and genuine connections.
However, when Ethan's father discovered his volunteer work, he forced Ethan to quit, deeming it "beneath" their family's status.
Resentful, Ethan conformed to his parents' expectations, hiding his true passions. Lyra, with her stunning looks and popular clique, became his trophy girlfriend.
But Ethan's encounter with Vesper awakened something within him. Her authenticity and resilience resonated deeply.
As Ethan arrived at school the next day, he couldn't shake Vesper's words: "You don't have to pretend."
Just as Ethan stepped into the hallway, he spotted Vesper across the hallway, her eyes locked on something - or someone.
Ethan navigated the school hallway, his eyes scanning for Vesper. He spotted her engaged in a hushed conversation with Julian.
Ethan's curiosity ignited, and a spark of jealousy flared within him. Who was Julian to Vesper? Why were they talking in hushed tones?
He edged closer, trying to eavesdrop, but their words remained indistinct.
Just as Ethan leaned in, Lyra grasped his arm, her voice husky.
"Hey, Ethan, what's going on?" Lyra asked.
Ethan shook off her grip. "Just wondering what's up with Vesper and Julian."
Lyra's eyes narrowed. "Why do you care?"
Ethan shrugged, attempting nonchalance. "No reason."
Meanwhile, Vesper and Julian continued their conversation.
"Where did you and Godfather go?" Vesper asked.
Julian's expression turned cryptic. "We had something important to attend to."
Vesper's mind whispered doubts. She was sure Julian was hiding something
"V" Mia called as she approached them
"Hey Mia" vesper and Julian said in unison
"Oh you" Mia said as she looked at Julian then turned her head towards vesper
"We have class let's go" she said noticing the large space between Julian and vesper, what annoyed her the most was his considerate nature towards vesper she was both worried and amazed
" Vesper, Rachael asked me to inform you that skipping sessions or refusing to do what she asked won't help improve your condition" he said and walked away
Vesper didn't need anyone to explain it to her before she understood her therapist was clearly inviting her in today and also was asking why she couldn't live a day without those gloves but the thing that she was puzzled about was how she got to know about it. Immediately after school session was over vesper knew her mom wasn't going to come early so she decided to phone her informing her that she has therapy sessions today .
__ __ __ __ __
"Hope I'm not too late" Sofia said as she parked her black Mercedes in front of the school building
"Not as late as the previous days" vesper said with a frown
"C'mon v, if she can help we'll all be happy, so why don't we try cooperating"
"Sure" vesper replied shortly, soon their car stopped in front of a building and vesper got down
"Call me when you're done" Sofia said
__ __ __ __ __
Rachael didn't work in a public or private hospital she was a private doctor, a personal doctor for special cases and she works at home. Vesper slowly walked into the building and into the room
"You're here" Rachael said as she lifted her head
"Yes" vesper said taking a seat
"The gloves are still on" Rachael said
"I'm trying"
"Vesper I don't need you to try I need you to do it, your godfather went through a lot to get me here, your mom pays me a lot for this sessions so appreciate them" Rachael said and vesper fell silent.
Rachael's words struck a chord within Vesper. She knew her godfather and mother were invested in her recovery and she really wanted to do her part but it wasn't easy.
"Let's begin," Rachael said, her tone softer. "Tell me about your week."
Vesper hesitated, then spoke of her encounters with Ethan and Julian.
Rachael listened attentively. "And how did you feel during those interactions?"
Vesper's gaze dropped. "Unsafe...exposed."
Rachael nodded. "We'll work through that. Now, about the gloves..."
Vesper's hands clenched.
"Vesper, trust me," Rachael said gently. "Removing the gloves is crucial to your progress."
Vesper's eyes met Rachael's, determination burning within her.
"I'll try," Vesper promised.
Rachael smiled. "That's all I ask."
As the session concluded, Vesper felt a glimmer of hope.
"Call me when you're done," Sofia's voice echoed in Vesper's mind.
Vesper dialed her mom's number.
"Hey, Mom. I'm done."
"Sofia asked, "How was it?"
Vesper paused. "It was...enlightening."
"We'll discuss it at home," Sofia said.
Vesper nodded, even though her mom couldn't see her.
The drive home was filled with contemplative silence.
As they arrived, Vesper noticed Ethan's car parked outside.
"What's Ethan doing here?" Vesper wondered.
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End of chapter seven 😊💖