𝐔𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞.

𝐊𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

Maxine's POV

The sun came through the curtains just little enough to make the room quite bright and warm. Of course, it was morning. I needed to go to the hospital where I work as a psychology doctor.

My routine was simple-wake up, shower, grab a quick coffee, and head out. Today seemed no different.

I had patients waiting, files to review, and a tight schedule to keep. I was just about to step into the bathroom when a sharp knock echoed from downstairs.

I stopped dead in my tracks, my frown deepening. It was not just the rapping at the door that sent my heart racing-it was the sense of urgency that underscored it. My senses tingled. Shrugging tighter over my robe, I stepped back upstairs.

The knock was repeated, this time louder as if whoever was standing there could not wait even one more second. When I got to the door, my pulse was racing.

When I opened it, my parents-Mom and Dad-stood on the porch. Their faces looked tired, their expressions tense. It wasn't just exhaustion; it was something heavier. Something personal.

"Mom? Dad?" I blinked, startled. "What are you doing here?"

Neither answered right away. They exchanged a look-a silent conversation passing between them. Whatever this was, it wasn't a casual visit. Without a word, they handed me their phones.

Confused, I looked at the screens. My breath caught in my throat.

There, in glaring detail, were pictures of me and Airis. Together.

The images showed moments I recognized, but seeing them like this felt surreal. There was no mistaking the closeness, the way our heads leaned toward each other.

the way we smiled in a way that wasn't just friendly. My pulse quickened as I scrolled through the photos, each one more damning than the last.

"Care to explain?" Mom's voice cut through the silence. It was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge beneath her words.

I pulled my eyes away from the screen and looked at her. Her arms were crossed tightly, her jaw set. Dad stood slightly behind her, his expression unreadable but no less serious.

"I..." My voice faltered. Words felt like they were slipping through my fingers. "Where did you get these?"

"Does it matter?" Dad's voice was softer than Mom's, but his tone carried its own weight. "The question is why. Why didn't you tell us about this, Eira?"

I inhaled shakily, my hands holding to the doorframe for support. My mind was racing; I couldn't seem to grasp answers, though I desperately sought them.

Morning, which had started simply as just another routine day, had spiralled into a place beyond recognition.

"I think you both need to come inside," I said finally, stepping aside to let them in. Whatever this was, it wasn't a conversation to have on the porch.

---

Inside, the air was dense with tension. I took them into the living room, and they didn't sit down.

Mom stood by the window, arms crossed as always, her back as stiff as if holding in some energy; Dad remained near the couch with his hands in his pockets and watched me intently.

"Explain. Now." Mom's voice was sharp, incisive, that edge always making my stomach go into knots.

I swallowed hard. "There's nothing to explain. Airis and I-"

"Don't lie to us, Eira." Mom cut me off, her voice rising slightly. "We've seen the pictures. You've clearly been spending time with her-intimate time. At the hospital, no less. What are you thinking?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but Dad raised a hand. "Let her talk," he said, his voice calm but firm.

I breathed deep, compelling myself to meet their eyes. "Airis is my patients," I said carefully. "She has been seeking for help. That's all.

Mom let out a laugh that was full of disbelief and shook her head. "She's just a patient? That's your excuse? You're sitting in cafés together, leaning in like you're-" She caught herself, and her frustration spilled over.

"Like we're what, Mom?" I spat before I could help it. "You don't even know what's going on!"

"Then tell us!" she shot back, her tone sharp.

"Because from where we're standing, it looks like you've been sneaking around with her behind everyone's back. Why? What's so special about Airis that you couldn't even mention her to us?"

Her words came harder than I had expected. I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my voice steady. "It's not like that," I said.

"Airis is just someone I trust, okay? She has been helping me sort through some things at work-personal things, and yes, we have met outside the hospital, but it's not what you think.

Dad stepped forward, his voice measured. "If it's innocent, Eira, why hide it? Why are there pictures of you two that look..." He paused, searching for the right word. "That look like more than just patient?"

"I wasn't hiding anything," I said defensively, but even as the words left my mouth, I knew they weren't entirely true.

Mom turned fully to face me, her eyes softer now but no less probing. "Eira, we are not trying to attack you.

But we are your parents. We deserve to know what's going on in your life. Especially if it involves someone like Airis and you know she's dangerous!"

My chest ached at her words. They weren't wrong to feel this way, but I couldn't help but feel cornered.

"It's complicated," I said finally, my voice quieter now. "Airis... she's just someone a patient of mine. She's struggling with maladaptive day dreaming."

Mom's eyes narrowed. "And Damian? Does she understand you the same way?"

The mention of Damian sent a fresh wave of guilt through me. I opened my mouth to respond but found I had no answer. She had someone mom if you only you knew.