Under His Protection

Chapter 70: Taylor's Fractured World

The morning air in the villa was heavy with tension. Travis sat on the couch, Taylor curled in his lap as if her very existence depended on his proximity. Her face was pressed against his chest, her hands clutching his shirt with the same desperation she had since her breakdown. Bronze sat nearby, quietly playing with blocks, occasionally glancing at Taylor with the solemn concern only a child could muster.

Dr. Caroline had returned with a firm plan to encourage Taylor's gradual independence, but the moment she stepped into the room, Taylor's body tensed like a coiled spring.

"Taylor," Dr. Caroline began, her voice calm and measured, "I think it would help if we tried something new today. How about we have Travis step out for just five minutes while we-"

"No!" Taylor's voice cracked like a whip, her arms tightening around Travis. "He's not leaving. Don't even think about it!"

Dr. Caroline held up her hands in a placating gesture. "I understand that it's hard, Taylor, but this is just a small step. Travis will be right outside-"

"I said no!" Taylor screamed, her voice raw with panic. Her breathing became erratic, her chest rising and falling as though the very thought of Travis stepping away stole the air from her lungs.

Travis's hands rubbed soothing circles on her back, his voice low and steady. "Hey, Sunshine, it's okay. I'm not going anywhere. I've got you."

Taylor's head whipped toward Dr. Caroline, her eyes blazing. "You don't get to decide what's best for me. I do. And I need him here. Always."

Dr. Caroline took a cautious step back. "Taylor, I'm not trying to upset you. I'm here to help you."

"Then listen to me!" Taylor shouted. "Help me by leaving me alone!"

The escalating tension drew Patrick, Brittany, and Ross into the room. They exchanged uneasy glances as Taylor's voice reverberated through the villa.

Travis tried to calm her, but the situation spiraled when another doctor, a man with a clipboard and a well-meaning but stern demeanor, stepped forward. "Ms. Swift, we need to assess you properly. Travis, if you could step aside for a moment-"

The words were like gasoline on a fire. Taylor's panic transformed into unbridled fury. "Don't you dare!" she hissed, her voice trembling with rage.

When the doctor reached out, as though to guide Travis away, Taylor snapped. In a blur of motion, her fist connected with the doctor's shoulder, sending the clipboard clattering to the floor.

The room froze.

"Taylor!" Travis exclaimed, his voice sharp but not angry. He tightened his hold on her, preventing her from lashing out again.

The doctor stumbled back, more stunned than hurt, his eyes wide. "She just hit me!"

Taylor's chest heaved, her wild eyes darting between the doctor and Travis. "Don't touch him! Don't take him from me!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face.

Dr. Caroline stepped in quickly, her voice firm. "Everyone, step back. Now."

Patrick and Ross moved to usher the other doctor out of the room, his protests fading as the door closed behind him. Brittany lingered near the doorway, her expression a mix of shock and sadness.

"Taylor, look at me," Dr. Caroline said, her tone commanding but kind. "You're safe. Travis is here. No one is taking him from you."

Taylor clung to Travis, her entire body trembling. "They don't understand," she sobbed. "I need him. I can't do this without him."

Travis cupped her face, forcing her tear-filled eyes to meet his. "Sunshine, breathe. Look at me. I'm here. No one is taking me anywhere. You hear me?"

She nodded weakly, her sobs subsiding into hiccupping breaths.

Dr. Caroline stepped back, her gaze shifting to Travis. "This isn't working. Forcing her to separate from you right now is only causing more harm."

"No kidding," Travis snapped, his voice laced with frustration. "I told you she's not ready for that. All this talk about what's 'best' for her-how about actually listening to her?"

Dr. Caroline nodded, her expression apologetic. "You're right. I miscalculated. We'll adjust the approach."

"Damn right, we will," Travis muttered.

A Private Conversation

Later, after Taylor had finally calmed down and drifted off to sleep in Travis's arms, Dr. Caroline gathered the team in the dining room.

"I need to address what happened today," she began, her tone serious. "Taylor's reaction was extreme, but it's also a clear sign that she's not ready for the steps I proposed."

"No kidding," Ross said dryly.

Brittany shot him a look before turning to Dr. Caroline. "What do we do now? We can't just let her keep spiraling like this."

Dr. Caroline sighed. "Taylor's attachment to Travis is deeply rooted in her current trauma and hormonal imbalances. Forcing her to separate from him is counterproductive right now. What she needs is stability and gentle encouragement, not ultimatums."

Patrick crossed his arms, his expression grim. "So we keep doing what we're doing? Just let her cling to him until she decides she's ready to let go?"

"It's not about letting go," Dr. Caroline said. "It's about helping her rebuild her sense of security and autonomy in her own time. That means supporting Travis as much as Taylor. He's carrying the weight of this alone, and it's unsustainable."

Ross frowned. "You think he's going to break?"

Dr. Caroline shook her head. "No, but he's already stretched thin. If he burns out, it won't help Taylor-or the kids."

Brittany nodded slowly. "So, what's the plan?"

Dr. Caroline leaned forward, her gaze steady. "We take the pressure off both of them. Help with the kids, the household, anything that allows Travis to focus on Taylor without running himself into the ground. And most importantly, we let Taylor set the pace. Pushing her too hard, too fast will only make things worse."

Patrick sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "This isn't going to be easy."

"No," Dr. Caroline agreed. "But with the right support, Taylor can heal. It's going to take time, patience, and understanding from all of you."

The group exchanged determined looks, a silent agreement passing between them. They would do whatever it took to help Taylor-and Travis-through this storm.