Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 34

"He has only ever had you. A total lack of a stabilizing male figure deprived him of the grounded security he needed. Without it, he latched onto you as his only lifeline, projecting terror onto everyone else and rejecting all socialization."

Dr. Harper hit the core of the issue. "A mother's love alone simply cannot fill that specific developmental gap. Has there been a recent shift in your home environment?"

Before Quinn could even process the question, the clinic door was gently pushed open.

A stream of warm sunlight spilled into the room, illuminating the broad shoulders of the man stepping inside.

Raymond stood in the doorway, his tall, imposing figure softened by the casual black shirt he wore.

He had parked the car and waited outside for a bit, timing his entrance perfectly with the end of the session.

Walking with deliberately quiet steps to avoid interrupting, his usual lethal aura was completely muted, leaving behind only an anchor of calm reliability.

His dark eyes briefly met Quinn's before locking onto the little boy.

Dr. Harper glanced at him, instant realization dawning on her face as she offered a warm smile.

"Ms. Yates, this must be Leo's father?" Dr. Harper said, genuinely delighted.

"It seems Dad has cleared up his schedule recently and spent some quality time with him."

Father?

Quinn was speechless.

Raymond simply stared.

The moment Leo saw Raymond, he instantly abandoned the sandbox. Pumping his little legs, he sprinted straight for the door without a single ounce of hesitation or fear.

The smile on his face was blindingly bright.

There was no flinching. Just absolute joy and total trust.

That single moment perfectly validated Dr. Harper's theory.

The terrified, clingy toddler who used to panic at the sight of anyone other than his mother was gone.

Raymond leaned down, effortlessly catching the incoming child and lifting him up. His massive hand securely supported the boy's weight as his deep voice rumbled.

Watching Raymond and Leo, a soft, warm light filled Quinn's eyes. She gave the doctor a grateful nod.

As they walked out of the clinic toward the parking lot, Leo announced he had to use the restroom again. Quinn asked Lydia to take him.

Raymond was about to head to the car when Quinn called out to him.

"Raymond, can I ask you a question?" She looked at him, suddenly hesitant.

He pressed his lips into a thin line, silently giving her permission to proceed.

"Do you... have a girlfriend?"

Even though her intentions were purely innocent, she knew it sounded like a blatant come-on. The heat instantly rushed to her cheeks.

Raymond didn't answer immediately. Behind the dark lenses of his sunglasses, his eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her as if he could read her very soul.

After a long, suffocating pause, his voice came out ice-cold. "I have no interest in women. Especially married ones."