Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 448

Loretta had already arranged to meet Nick at ten that morning. He had confirmed it, and she had even sent a reminder before leaving. Yet, he hadn't replied since.

"Oh, he's up," Khloe said, nodding, and hurriedly went to welcome Loretta and her companions inside.

"Nick is washing up; he'll be out soon," she added, a little embarrassed, then glanced at the people standing beside Loretta. "Grandma, who are these?"

"I'll introduce them," Loretta said with a smile. "This is my friend, Ronald Yale, director of the International Institute for Psychological Research. He currently teaches at the Listher Medical College in Naraida and also works as a psychological consultant at several major hospitals."

"And this young lady," Loretta continued, "is his student assistant."

Khloe understood immediately. She had heard Nick mention that he was going to undergo therapy. But she noticed a subtle, reluctant expression on his face as the introduction was made. He clearly wasn't eager about it.

Even allowing someone to see his injuries could leave him shaken. For Nick, seeing a doctor was probably like reopening a wound.

Khloe didn't want to force him. If he wasn't comfortable, she could act as if none of this had ever happened. Nick was dealing with trauma, and she could quietly accompany him, protect him, and keep him from falling back into those dark emotions. Even without digging into the wounds, as long as they didn't worsen, that would be enough to begin healing.

Still, out of respect for Loretta's kindness—and since Nick had already agreed—Khloe didn't press the matter further. Thankfully, Loretta was considerate enough to invite Dr. Yale as a friend, to make the meeting easier.

"Forgot," Nick murmured, his voice low and tinged with a hint of guilt. He should have waited until Khloe left to make the appointment. But Loretta had explained that Dr. Yale would be giving a global lecture and would only be in Goldmont City briefly to see old friends. Missing him now might mean never getting another chance.

To reassure his family—and Khloe—Nick had forced himself to sit across from the one person he most wished to avoid.

Dr. Yale wore heavy, metal-framed glasses. Calm, grounded, and dressed simply yet neatly, he exuded approachability. Even so, after greeting Nick, he immediately sensed Nick's tension.

Indeed, the moment Nick saw Dr. Yale, long-buried, unbearable memories surged back. Accompanied by George, Nick had seen countless doctors before in cold, clinical, monochrome rooms. Their shallow sighs had weighed on him like chains, each one a heavy shackle on his heart.