“This is Hadale Central Hospital,” Dr. Cruise answered.
Cristofer nodded in a thoughtful look. “I remember this hospital. I used to come here for psychological treatment.”
“The police have asked me to conduct a psychiatric evaluation on you. They suspect you might have a mental illness. Have you had a relapse, Mr. Hans?” Dr. Cruise asked, sounding puzzled.
Cristofer massaged his temples and said, “I don’t know. I’m confused about many things.”
“Let me perform the psychiatric evaluation first, and then you can tell me about your condition,” Dr. Cruise suggested.
“Okay.”
*****
An hour later, Dr. Cruise silently reviewed the results of the test report with mixed emotions.
Cristofer quickly asked, “What does the report say?”
With a hesitant expression, Dr. Cruise replied, “Mr. Hans, I have both good news and bad news to share with you.”
“Please tell me.”
“The good news is that the test results show you’re mentally healthy now. There are no signs of bipolar disorder, and your mental state is stable. It appears you’ve made a full recovery. However, the bad news is that if you’re not mentally ill, you will be facing various criminal charges and potentially go to jail,” Dr. Cruise explained.
Cristofer nodded calmly upon hearing this. In truth, he had sensed his improvement. Since Estelle returned to the Hans’ Residence, he hadn’t experienced the sleeplessness or irritability he once did. He felt more level-headed and didn’t have suicidal thoughts.
“Dr. Cruise, I’ve regained my memories.”
“What?” Dr. Cruise asked, puzzled.
“I remember everything that occurred during my secondary personality,” Cristofer disclosed.
Dr. Cruise was astonished. “You’ve remembered everything? So you’re currently in your secondary personality?”
“I don’t know which personality I’m in right now. What I do know is that I have the memories of both my personalities,” Cristofer explained.
Dr. Cruise looked at Cristofer in astonishment. “Typically, individuals with a split personality don’t retain memories of all their personalities simultaneously. This is quite remarkable, Mr. Hans. How did you manage to remember everything? Did you use any unique technique? Please share the details. This could be highly valuable for the advancement of psychology and psychiatry.”
Cristofer offered a wry smile and responded, “I didn’t use any special technique. I regained my memories by reliving the experiences I went through during my secondary personality.”
“By reliving your experiences…” Dr. Cruise realized the implication. “So, the injuries you sustained were a result of your efforts to recall your second personality?”
Cristofer didn’t refute this and lowered his head.
Getting the answer from Cristofer’s silence, Dr. Cruise looked at Cristofer with both surprise and admiration in his eyes. “Mr. Hans…”
Before he could continue, Cristofer interjected, “But having these memories now seems pointless. Estelle still hasn’t forgiven me.”
Dr. Cruise was puzzled. “Didn’t you two reconcile? At Old Mr. Hans’ birthday party, you appeared so affectionate.”
Cristofer sighed and replied, “It’s a long story. We were merely pretending to be a loving couple. I thought we had reconciled, but she didn’t feel the same way. I’ve lost her again, and in her eyes, I remain a scoundrel.”
Recognizing that there might be sensitive details regarding Cristofer and Estelle’s relationship, Dr. Cruise refrained from asking further, respecting his patient’s privacy as a professional psychiatrist should.
“Mr. Hans, should I inform the police about your true mental state?” Dr. Cruise asked.
Cristofer took a deep breath and nodded, saying, “Yes, please tell them the truth.”
“But revealing the truth means you might face a lengthy prison sentence,” Dr. Cruise warned him.
Curious about the potential consequences, Cristofer asked, “How long could I be sentenced?”
Dr. Cruise replied, “I’m uncertain about the exact duration, but kidnapping charges typically result in lengthy sentences…”
“I understand. Just inform the police about my actual mental state,” Cristofer said composedly.
Dr. Cruise couldn’t help but release a sigh and proposed, “I’ve already heard about your case from the police. What if I contact Miss Hudson and encourage her to testify on your behalf?”
“Testify for me?” Cristofer seemed surprised.
“Yes, indeed. Convince her to assert that she mistakenly identified your brother as you, which could help you avoid incarceration,” Dr. Cruise suggested.
Cristofer smiled ruefully and expressed his frustration, “Dr. Cruise, Estelle and I have known each other for over a decade, and we used to spend every day together. How is it possible that she mistook my brother for me?” He paused and added with a hint of bitterness, “And if she could recognize me, why did she stand by and let me be wrongfully accused of crimes I never committed?”
Cristofer winced, closing his eyes in anguish, and let his head fall back onto the bed’s headrest. In a soft, defeated tone, he uttered, “Because she doesn’t love me anymore.”
‘Estelle lied to the police to help Victor escape, even though it meant I’d go to jail because of her lie. Does she really love Victor now? It doesn’t seem like it. There was no love in her eyes when she looked at Victor. So why did she save him? Is it a way to get back at me for what I did to her in the past? She still harbors resentment. I caused her so much pain before; perhaps I deserve this punishment.’ As Cristofer dwelled on these thoughts, his heart grew heavier.
“Mr. Hans. Mr. Hans?” At this time, Dr. Cruise called his name.
Cristofer brought his attention back to the present moment. He opened his eyes and looked at Dr. Cruise, gently saying, “Dr. Cruise, don’t try to persuade me anymore. Just do as I said.”
“Okay,” Dr. Cruise replied with a sigh of resignation.
They talked for a while, and then Dr. Cruise left the room. As he walked out, he bumped into Vincent, who had rushed in anxiously. They recognized each other immediately. Just as Vincent was about to greet Dr. Cruise, Cristofer called out to him, “Vincent?”
Smiling and nodding at Dr. Cruise, Vincent hurried into the room and said, “Mr. Hans, I just returned from the police station. I heard that…”
“I’m already aware,” Cristofer replied calmly.
“You know everything?” Vincent was surprised.
“Yes, the police were here earlier, and they filled me in on the details,” Cristofer explained.
Vincent then said urgently, “Mr. Hans, you can use your fingerprint to prove your identity. You left your fingerprint on the contract you signed with Alexander. I’ll take the contract to the police and explain that your brother is the one responsible for the crimes!”
“No, thanks,” Cristofer said, looking out of the window, “Where are Grandpa and the children?”
“I’ve settled them in your previous marital house in the suburb,” Vincent answered.
“How did you explain to them when you took them away from the Hans’ Residence?” Cristofer asked.
“I told them that you are going to redecorate the Hans’ Residence, so they will have to live in another place for some time,” Vincent explained quickly.
“Well done,” Cristofer nodded. “Is there any other news from the police station?”