Delayed Passion: Miss Lynch's Unrequited Love-Chapter 16: A Narrow Encounter with an Old Foe

Chapter 16: Chapter 16: A Narrow Encounter with an Old Foe

The uncle knew quite a bit about the incidents from back then. Although Thea Lynch had cut off contact with everyone in Coronet over the years, he understood that the one she was most eager to avoid was Ian Preston.

Thea Lynch carefully examined the uncle’s medical report and said nonchalantly, "He was just passing by. It’s not about reconciliation. In a small circle, in such a little place, you can’t always keep avoiding each other."

During her earlier years of schooling in Westmere, no one took care of her mental state, so now at the slightest hint of trouble, her uncle becomes highly vigilant. Thea Lynch has grown used to it.

"I see," the uncle quickly understood her meaning. "Is this how you plan to continue with him?"

Thea Lynch paused in turning the page, "Isn’t this fine enough? What more do you expect?"

The uncle clearly had something to say, but in the end, he just gently shook his head and said nothing.

Thea Lynch felt puzzled, always sensing that her uncle was hiding something from her.

Due to a minor incident on the plane yesterday, she went to the hospital the next day for a recheck as a precaution.

Everything was still normal. After hearing her description, the doctor pondered for a moment and suggested she go talk to a psychologist.

After leaving the hospital, Thea Lynch hesitated for a moment and decided to visit her previous psychologist.

Her psychologist was a middle-aged Asian man, renowned locally for his psychological counseling services.

Years had passed since their last meeting, and upon seeing her enter the door, the man appeared momentarily bewildered before reacting, "Thea Lynch?"

"Hello, Dr. Xu, long time no see."

"Come in, come in!" Dr. Xu got up to welcome her in. "Still like black tea?"

"Yes, please, thank you."

Dr. Xu placed the teacup on the table in front of her, then moved to sit on the opposite sofa.

After some small talk, Dr. Xu cautiously inquired, "Have you been well lately?"

Thea Lynch’s sudden visit probably meant something was wrong.

He remembered the last time he saw Thea Lynch was when she was in her senior year.

During that period, she suffered severely from insomnia, almost visiting him daily for tea before leaving.

"I’ve returned to the country, but haven’t been sleeping well. On the plane yesterday, I thought of past events, and my old problems recurred."

"Still anxious?"

"Yeah. Because of the tinnitus, I subconsciously felt I was back years ago."

"How long did this episode last? Same as before?"

Thea Lynch hesitated for a moment but didn’t answer.

Dr. Xu instantly became tense, "Is it more severe?"

Across from him, the girl showed a peculiar expression, her hand slightly tightening around the teacup. Her mouth twitched, she hesitantly spoke:

"It didn’t last long. Someone grabbed me, then, I became clear-minded."

As she was immersed in a nightmare, trying to cover her ears, someone suddenly grabbed her hand.

"In the dream?"

Dr. Xu assumed it was like before.

Thea Lynch, when trapped in nightmares, would subconsciously struggle, causing her to associate incoherent memories or figures in an attempt to break free.

She was aware of self-saving mechanisms, but Dr. Xu didn’t find it a cause for happiness. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Just when Dr. Xu thought she regressed to her state seven years ago, Thea Lynch spoke up suddenly: "No." She emphasized, "It’s not like that this time. He was right beside me."

The hand Dr. Xu was using to record paused, leaving an ink blot on the paper.

Thea Lynch’s gaze was exceptionally resolute.

After a few moments of eye contact, Dr. Xu smiled, putting down the pen, intertwining his fingers atop the table, "Is it the person who always appears in your dreams?"

"That person from every perspective, who ’troubles’ you greatly."

"..."

Hearing the question, Thea Lynch felt slightly uneasy.

Dr. Xu noted all her small gestures, already understanding, "Perhaps indeed, you two have shared a history that was once very troubling for you."

"But I believe you still care about him."

"Your subconscious doesn’t deceive you. Clearly, the assistance he offers outweighs the harm he brings. Deep inside, only he can guide you out of the dilemma."

"From the time you first came to me seven years ago till now, it’s always been this way. I believe you’ve already recognized this, just reluctant to admit it."

Such a smart person, how could she not be aware?

Maybe from the very start, she knew.

——

Leaving Dr. Xu’s place, Thea Lynch walked aimlessly down the street.

This road, for the past seven years, she had traversed almost daily. Not far ahead was her school.

At the crossroads, she stood alone at the street side waiting for the green light,

Noticing the vehicles on both sides coming to a halt, Thea Lynch glanced at the signal light, and slowly proceeded forward.

Dr. Xu’s words echoed in her ears, yet oddly, her mind felt blank.

Upon exhaling, she inadvertently raised her head, her gaze froze on his figure across the road.

That person was standing at the opposite end of the pedestrian crossing, clearly during a green light, yet he stood there quietly, his eyes fixed upon her.

Thea Lynch stopped, staring dazedly at the distant figure.

If he hadn’t already seen her, she would have turned and taken another path. But he didn’t give her the chance.

They were indeed bound by fate, impossible to escape each other.

As the red light appeared, the sides erupted with honking, prompting Thea Lynch to quickly cross the road.

"Third Brother," she reluctantly called him.

Ian Preston gazed down, his eyes lingering on her face, "Where did you go?"

"..." Thea Lynch didn’t want to answer that question.

The words Dr. Xu had just said to her flashed through her mind—

"Thea Lynch, my advice is to try interacting with him. Maybe it’s not as difficult as you think."

Hence, she raised her head, asking Ian Preston, "Third Brother, shouldn’t you know about my whereabouts? Where I’ve been, you actually know it all, right?"

"The maid at your uncle’s place said you went to see a doctor."

Ian Preston indirectly answered her.

Thea Lynch nodded, although that wasn’t what she wanted to hear. "But what I meant wasn’t today."

Taking a deep breath, she slowly exhaled, her shoulders slumping, she offered him a radiant smile.

"I’m talking about back when I lived here. You clearly knew which hospital I visited, which doctor I met, you even knew the progress of my treatment, didn’t you?"

Yesterday, on the plane, she had wanted to ask.

But the atmosphere at the time was not suitable.

Ian Preston remained silent, seemingly contemplating how to answer her question.

At that moment, Thea Lynch seemed to see through all his thoughts, her eyes curving into laughter: "I’m in no rush. How about we find a place to sit first, so Third Brother can slowly make up a story?"

"..."

Anyone else wouldn’t dare to jest with Ian Preston. Even knowing he was evading or lying, wouldn’t dare dream of exposing it.

Only Thea Lynch was bold enough.