Dr. Yale knew Khloe hadn't quite understood what he meant. Smiling softly, he looked at her. "Not necessarily."
"Then…?"
"But I remember you saying just now that when Nick lost consciousness, he didn't hurt you."
Khloe froze.
It was as if something clicked.
Dr. Yale turned his gaze to Nick. "Nick, not everything that happened was your fault. You see—you protected your stepmother. You also protected the woman you love. People can do irrational things in order to protect someone, and for the same reason, they can also stop themselves from causing harm.
"And from now on, with someone beside you who wants to protect you just as much, you'll only get better."
When Dr. Yale finished speaking, silence settled over the room.
This time, though, the silence carried warmth.
A quiet tenderness welled up in Khloe's chest. She looked at Nick, her eyes filled with a smile, and gently cupped his face. "Did you hear that, Nick? In the future, when you protect me—even if you lose consciousness, you'll stop for my sake. So don't be afraid anymore."
"…Okay."
Nick gulped. He stared at the woman reflected in his eyes, feeling that any words would fall short.
Even saying yes to her a thousand or ten thousand times wouldn't be enough.
He leaned in again, brushing his lips lightly against the tip of her nose, her cheek—careful, trembling with restraint.
It was about time. Loretta returned with her assistant.
The five of them had a simple meal together. Dr. Yale's schedule was tight, and he soon took his leave.
Khloe and Nick personally walked him downstairs. Before getting into the car, Dr. Yale turned back to them once more.
"Recovering from trauma takes time. Love and understanding are the best medicine. I wish you both happiness."


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