The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 134

The man standing before her was tall and broad-shouldered, his imposing frame easily casting her in shadow.

Likely due to the workout, his skin held a healthy flush, and the veins on the back of his hands stood out sharply—strikingly attractive.

"I'm going to go change."

Alistair told her before heading upstairs to the second floor.

By the time he came back down in fresh clothes, the chef had dinner ready. Alistair sat down to eat with her.

"How is your cold today?"

Alistair asked in a deep voice.

Celia smiled and nodded. "Mhm, it's pretty much gone."

She paused, then looked up at him with earnest sincerity. "Uncle Alistair, can I go back to work tomorrow?"

Alistair replied, "You should focus on recovering completely first."

"I really am almost entirely better. I'm still in my internship period, and I don't want to fall behind on the project."

Alistair didn't understand her obsession with proving herself at work.

But since she insisted, he wasn't going to stand in her way.

He nodded. "Alright. I'll have the private doctor come by tonight. If he clears you, you can go to work tomorrow."

Celia's eyes curved into happy crescents as she shot him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Uncle Alistair!"

When the private doctor arrived at the manor, the atmosphere was much more relaxed, as this wasn't their first meeting.

Seeing Celia, the doctor offered a polite nod. "Ms. Stafford, please have a seat."

Celia sat obediently on the sofa while the doctor examined her. He gave an approving nod.

Like a drowning victim with no hope of rescue, she eventually slit her own wrists.

In her dreams, she had died so many times.

"It seems to me that you're overwhelmed by anxiety," the doctor advised gently. "If you need to, you should talk about what's weighing on you with someone you trust—or even a professional. Unburdening yourself will help your sleep."

Celia offered a weak smile. "Thank you, Doctor."

Since it was only a suggestion, the doctor didn't press the issue. He finished packing his bag and left the manor.

Once the doctor was gone, a low, frosty voice drifted from behind her.

"Why are you having nightmares?"

Turning to face Alistair, Celia lowered her head and bit her lip. "It's nothing. Just... thinking about random things. Nothing important."

"Are you thinking about Talbot?" the man asked, his tone dark.