Cristofer nodded. “Today, I went to the cemetery to visit my parents’ graves. The culprits who killed them had been put into prison more than three years ago.”
“But Mr. Hans, the items in the options you chose just now can form a beautiful and peaceful picture which is different from the scene of a car accident, which means that your parents’ deaths are not what’s troubling you recently,” Dr. Stewart stated seriously.
“Let me describe the picture formed by the options you chose just now. It was a quiet night, and the sky was studded with stars. You and your beloved woman are standing under a big tree full of flowers. The two of you take a photo, and you feel very happy.”
Hearing the Doctor’s interpretation, Cristofer felt irritable and asked impatiently. “Does it have anything to do with my disease?”
“Yes,” Dr. Stewart confirmed, “Mr. Hans, I’m afraid that only the lady standing next to you in the picture can help you heal. If I’m not mistaken, you have conflicting emotions for her. You love her, but at the same time, you wish you didn’t. These mixed feelings have worsened your mental condition.”
Cristofer released a long exhale and spoke wearily, “All I want now is a peaceful life. I’m truly exhausted.”
“If you want peace, you must first determine your desires. You need to decide whether to persist in loving her or let her go. Once you make a choice, your condition will improve. Mr. Hans, you should begin by asking yourself whether you still harbor love for her or not anymore.”
What is love?
When Cristofer pondered this question, a word popped into his mind, and he softly said, “Love is holding back when you want to be near her.”
“What?” Dr. Stewart inquired.
Shaking his head, Cristofer responded, “Never mind. I just recalled a sentence out of nowhere. Can’t remember where I heard it.”
“It’s alright. Sometimes, we forget things only to remember them unexpectedly later on. Just allow things to unfold naturally, and your life will simplify.”
“You sound like a philosopher,” Cristofer remarked, chuckling.
“Psychology is connected to philosophy in certain ways,” Dr. Stewart explained. “Mr. Hans, the medication prescribed by your previous psychiatrist is the correct remedy for your condition. You must continue taking it consistently. Also, take some time to consider the question I posed earlier and come to a decision.”
“Sure thing. Thanks, Dr. Stewart,” Cristofer acknowledged.
Once Dr. Stewart left, Cristofer took a shower and ingested the sleeping pills. Settling onto the bed, he soon drifted into sleep.
This marked the first time he had managed to fall asleep over the past week, and he dreamt about the events of the day.
In his dream, it wasn’t Tim but Cristofer himself who rode the black motorcycle. Estelle appeared wearing a creamy white dress covered with soft purple floral patterns. Her hair cascaded down to her waist, and she looked as youthful as she did back when she was twenty.
Waiting at the gate of the villa, Estelle was pleasantly surprised to see him and smiled brightly. But the next moment, she pouted and said unhappily, “Why are you so late? I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
He stopped the motorcycle and helped her put on a helmet, saying, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to see a tree.”
“A tree? Is there anything special about it?” Estelle asked.
“You will know it when we get there. It’s very beautiful.”
Cristofer then dreamed of the tree.
It was really beautiful and was full of pinky-white flowers.
The breeze blew, and the petals fell on the ground, forming a flower path. And the air was filled with a faint pleasant fragrance.
“It’s so beautiful!” Estelle marveled. Then she took out her phone and said with a charming smile, “Let’s take a photo, shall we?”
With a click of the camera button, she recorded the happy moment between the two of them.
The events in his dream felt incredibly familiar, as if he had lived through them a long time ago. Despite recognizing that he was in a dream, he held onto the desire to remain in that state, never to be stirred awake.
Yet, reality intervened and shattered his longing. A ringing phone call roused him from his slumber.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Cristofer. This is Mila.”
“Who?” Cristofer asked in confusion.
“Mila. I was your fiancée before today,” Mila said firmly.
It was not until then that Cristofer remembered that Miss Wilson’s name was Mila.
The splitting headache made him wide awake, and he asked, “What’s up?”
“Are you really going to call off the engagement?” Mila asked.
Since his sweet dream was interrupted, Cristofer was annoyed.
“You called me in the middle of the night just to ask about this?” he asked with a hint of anger in his tone.
“Yes. It’s about my marriage! It’s important for me!”
Cristofer took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, “I’ve made it clear to you before.”
“I know you were unhappy because I asked about your private affairs. You just want an obedient wife who doesn’t interfere with your affairs, but I have crossed the line. I’m sorry. I promise I won’t do that again. ”
“Miss Wilson, what do you mean?” Cristofer asked, deeply frowning.
“I mean, I hope we can hold the wedding this weekend as planned. After we get married, I will be a good wife and meet all your requirements,” Mila responded in an eager tone.
“You want to marry me so much, huh?” Cristofer sneered, his face looking grim.
“Yes,” Mila replied, “Given your honesty, I’ll be honest too. Mr. Hans, you possess good looks and wealth, while I’m just an average white-collar worker. It’s natural for me to look forward to marrying a remarkable man like you.”
“However, it’s important to clarify that I will never develop romantic feelings for you.”
“I understand that you had a woman you loved deeply. It’s Miss Hudson, isn’t it? Oh, I apologize, I shouldn’t pry into your personal matters. It doesn’t matter whom you love. If you want to be with her, go ahead. I’m content being your wife in name only.”
“In that case, what are your intentions behind marrying me?” Cristofer inquired, his expression darkening.
“Fame, power, and wealth.”
“Miss Wilson, you’re certainly not one to beat around the bush,” Cristofer chuckled and remarked.
“Why beat around the bush? So, will you consider marrying me?”
“I’m afraid I can’t marry you,” Cristofer responded, “Women tend to share two prevalent traits. One is insatiability, and the other is ingratitude. It’s wiser for me to avoid unnecessary complications.”