New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 395

Winnie stepped out of her car and took a deep breath, steadying herself. It was only her second day on the job, and everything still felt so new, so… off.

But she reminded herself, it’s all for the paycheck. Dressed in her best “therapist” look—pencil skirt, blazer, and a soft pink blouse—she certainly looked the part. She marched toward the psychiatric ward’s entrance, letting her heels click with confidence, even if she didn’t feel it.

Inside, she handed over her ID, signed the visitor log, and let herself be escorted by one of the officers.

“Good luck in there,” he said with a slight smile.

Winnie managed a nod and a small smile in return, though her nerves were jittery. Today was going to be different from yesterday. No one-on-one session in Lisa’s room; instead, they’d be meeting in the common room where the other patients were hanging around.

As soon as she entered the gathering area, she scanned the room and quickly spotted Lisa sitting alone at a table, intently playing a solo game of chess. Lisa’s expression was focused, her eyes flitting across the board with such intensity that Winnie found herself raising an eyebrow. It seemed that I was not exactly a people person.

Why wasn’t Lisa playing with anyone else?

Winnie took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and made her way over. Her heels clicked as she walked, but Lisa barely glanced up. “Good afternoon, Lisa,” Winnie greeted her in her best upbeat tone.

Lisa rolled her eyes and sighed. “Didn’t I tell you I didn’t want to see you? And why are you sitting across from me? I didn't give you permission.”

Unbothered, Winnie slid into the seat across from her, giving Lisa a smile. “You didn’t tell me that I couldn’t sit here, either,” she replied, unfazed. “Plus, I’m your therapist. Kind of comes with the territory.”

Lisa raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Fine. You’re here. What do you want?”

“Just the usual check-in.” Winnie pulled out her notepad, clicking her pen. “How’s your day going? Anything bothering you?”

Lisa looked back down at her chessboard, moving one of the pieces absently. “Isn’t everything about my life in your little folder already? Why ask me?”

“Because your answers matter, not just what’s on paper,” Winnie replied smoothly, jotting down a few words. “And hey, just humor me. It’s my job.”

Lisa sighed but gave in. “Fine. The day’s the same as always. The nurses are too chatty, the food’s awful, and my roommate won’t stop singing at night.”

“Ah, classic roommate troubles,” Winnie said with a chuckle. “And here I thought that only happened in college dorms.”

Lisa gave a half-smirk but quickly hid it, clearly trying to keep her usual poker face. Winnie pressed on, asking about her hobbies, what she looked forward to in the day, and anything that could get a feel for Lisa beyond the snark and indifference. As Lisa answered, Winnie scribbled each response, noting the hints of sarcasm, the rare genuine replies, and even the occasional eye roll.

After a few minutes, Winnie glanced down at the chessboard between them, then back up at Lisa. “You know,” she said, tilting her head, “I’ve always been a bit of a chess fan. Mind if I join?”

Lisa raised an eyebrow, giving her a skeptical look. “Can you even play?”