Love Arranged (Lakefront Billionaires, #3)(104)

“That’s…great. I’m happy for you.”

I’m surprised by her comment. “Really?”

“Yeah. I still want the best for you.” Her shoulders curl in on themselves.

“You say it like it’s a bad thing.”

“Because I’m the one who always gets hurt.”

“Which is why I’m getting help.” My arms become a cage, trapping her between my body and the car.

It won’t be an easy process, but it could be a rewarding one, so long as I learn to work through my trauma and manage my anxiety, obsessions, and compulsions.

I need to.

I’m tired of running, both from my past and my future. It’s a pattern that needs to end because, as much as it absolutely pains me to admit it, Trevor called me out on my biggest issue during the debate.

I don’t fight when things get too hard.

I quit.

And honestly I’m sick of running. Sick of hiding. Sick of pretending that life will get better without me putting in the hard work to make it possible.

Trevor already stole my parents and my childhood from me, so am I going to allow him to take Lily and our future away too?

No. Not anymore.

I’m going to fight for her and us, one therapy session at a time, because Lily is worth it, but more importantly, so am I.




I considered canceling a few hours before my therapy session, but Doctor Martin has a zero-tolerance policy for no-shows within twenty-four hours, so I have no choice but to attend.

Doctor Martin, a middle-aged woman with a Jamaican accent and braids adorned with golden cuffs, spends the next hour getting to know me and the constant grating voice in my head rather than making headway.

Discussing my OCD diagnosis isn’t anything new. I’ve been to therapy before, but since I didn’t trust the psychologist who reported to my uncle, I always held back. I was cautious with my responses, never quite letting anyone peek behind the curtain of my mind.

Today is different because I force myself to answer honestly and openly, not wanting my own stubbornness to prevent me from making headway. I respond to all of Doctor Martin’s questions like a willing patient looking for answers to my life’s biggest problems, and I’m rewarded with non-judgmental commentary in return.

I didn’t have high hopes when I began the session, but when the psychologist doesn’t even blink twice at me describing the tracking bracelet I bought Lily, she earns some of my respect.

“Are you able to share more about other compulsive tendencies you have?”

I go through the basics, including my concerns with safety, food prep, and contamination, before I dive into my Lily-based worries.

“Sounds like a lot to manage.” She scribbles something on her notepad.

“That’s why I’m here.”

“What made you want to take this step after…” She scans her notes. “Over twenty years feeling this way?”

“I need to figure out a way to manage my anxiety and process my past, both for myself and my girlfriend.”

Her eyes soften behind her glasses. “Lily, right?”

“Yes, but right now our relationship is a bit…complicated.”

“In what way?”

I explain my fake engagement because why not? Doctor Martin is paid to keep everything confidential, so the worst that can happen is her openly judging me for my choices.

“Surprisingly, you’re not the first client to share a story like this.”

I chuckle. “You seem to have quite the roster.”

She nods. “But each one is different, so tell me a bit more about your relationship with Lily.”

“She’s…amazing. But I’m sure a lot of people tell you that about their…”

“Significant other?”

“Yes.” Although I was about to say fiancée, because in my mind, I’m fully committed to Lily, regardless if she feels similarly.

I continue, “She is the one who encouraged me to go to therapy.”

“Seems like you trust her opinion.”

“I trust her with everything.” I sigh. “Although I can’t say she feels the same about me right now.”

“How so?”

“I hurt her.”

“What happened?” She jots more notes down on her tablet.

“How much time do you have?”

She checks her watch. “I’m all yours for another twenty minutes.”

I give Doctor Martin a quick rundown of my life, from my parents being accidentally killed to me running for mayor against the man who took their lives. I explain how Lily still doesn’t know because I have never figured out the best way to tell her, and now it might be too late.

“What do you mean by it being too late?” she asks.

“She doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

“Because you plan on moving away?”

I hesitate before saying, “Yes. Probably.” I run a shaky hand through my hair. “I’m still deciding, but it’s looking that way.”

“And if you do leave, she won’t move with you?”

I force a laugh. “No, and I wouldn’t want her to. Lake Wisteria is everything to her.”

“And what does Lake Wisteria mean to you?”