Chapter 193 This Illness May Never Be Cured
Aria's voice came through again, firm this time. "Your relationship with Juniper seems one-sided. You're putting in all the effort, but she's not responding. It's clear you're getting frustrated. This kind of toxic relationship is bad for both of you."
Magnus asked, "What triggered the PTSD?"
Aria replied, "A major trauma. One-third of chronic patients never recover."
"Never recover." Those words hit Magnus hard.
He remembered Juniper wasn't always squeamish about blood; it probably started after seeing Lyra's death.
But if Juniper had PTSD because of him, why react this way to him? Was it because of his past revenge?
Magnus asked, "How can I tell if she really has it?"
Aria said, "Watch her reactions and see if she's on medication. If her reaction to you causes breathing issues, she likely knows she has a problem. But whether she's sought help is another story. Psychological issues are often ignored here."
Many people seemed fine but suffer from depression or mania, dismissing it as a bad mood. Some adjusted on their own, but others got worse without help, leading to suicide.
Before hanging up, Aria asked, "Are you really not considering MECT treatment? Afraid of the side effects?"
He had been on lithium carbonate and recently had hand tremors. After four years, his bipolar disorder hadn't improved much. Magnus was one of Aria's toughest cases.
This time, Magnus didn't refuse outright but said, "I want to wait a bit longer."
He wanted to wait for an answer. If he and Juniper were truly impossible, he'd accept MECT treatment.
Southern City, Christopher’s Mansion. After his call with Juniper, Ronald was distracted.
Christopher teased, "You finally got smart, using me as an excuse. I haven't nagged about Juniper lately, have I?"
"Dad, you heard everything?" Ronald felt embarrassed.
Christopher smiled, "Have you finally figured it out?"
Ronald's ears turned red. "Dad, please don't make fun of me."
Christopher said, "Juniper doesn't seem to be doing well in the Imperial Capital. Even I, who don't go online much, have seen negative comments about her."
Ronald said, "Those netizens have too much time."
Christopher, having seen it all, didn't think online opinions mattered. "I've followed Harper Beaumont's account. For some reason, Juniper playing the violin reminds me of my wife. I didn't know Juniper was so good at it."
Christopher's late wife, Bella Hill, was a talented violinist.
They still kept Bella's violin in their home. Christopher and Juniper seemed connected by fate.
Ronald had seen photos of Bella and thought Juniper's demeanor was similar. A bold guess crossed his mind but he dismissed it quickly.
The girl who recently recognized her family, Sophie, had a paternity test done by Ronald himself. Sophie was indeed Christopher's biological daughter.
Ronald asked, "Dad, when do you plan to reveal Sophie's identity?"
Christopher said, "No rush. I'll bring Sophie home next week to see if she can adapt."
Ronald nodded.
Christopher noticed Ronald's heavy heart and smiled. "Thinking of going to the Imperial Capital to find Juniper?"
Ronald said, "Seeing the recent news, I can tell she's been through a lot. I'm worried."
Christopher said, "Karen is handling business in the Imperial Capital. If you go for personal reasons, no one can stop you."
Ronald's eyes brightened.
Christopher gave him some advice. "Go ahead. It's not easy to find someone you like. You should pursue her. If you keep it to yourself, how will Juniper know you like her?"
Ronald said happily, "Alright, I'll finish my work and book a flight to the Imperial Capital."
That night, in Oakvale County, it was pouring with rain.
Mila pulled Sinclair upstairs. "Stay here and don't go anywhere! I want to see if Michael is serious about marrying you!"
She locked the door, not giving Michael a chance to come in.
The rain was heavy outside.
Sinclair stood by the window, seeing Michael standing in the yard, soaked without an umbrella.
Mila glanced at her daughter and said coldly, "He got you pregnant and won't take responsibility. Letting him get rained on is a small punishment. Are you feeling sorry for him already?"
Sinclair shook her head. "Mom, I'm not."
Mila said, "If not, then go to sleep. You're pregnant; don't stay up late."
After washing up, Sinclair saw Michael still standing downstairs.
Mila pulled the curtains shut. "Stop looking. He won't let you have an abortion, so let's see how sincere he is. Sinclair, I'm doing this for your own good. If a little rain makes him leave, then you know he's not serious about marrying you."
Sinclair knew this and asked, "Mom, do you think he and I are not suitable?"
Mila said, "I don't know him well, but he's not from our social class. You've been dating him for almost a year. Last time you said you were engaged, but if you were really engaged, he should have visited. He hasn't shown any commitment. Does that look like someone who wants to marry you?"
Sinclair lowered her eyes, then gathered her courage and said, "Mom, give him an umbrella and tell him to leave."
After suggesting a breakup, she never hoped to reconcile with Michael.
Mila asked, "Are you sure? If you're determined, I'll chase him away. If he leaves, you can't blame me."
Sinclair said, "Yes, I won't blame you."
Mila said, "If he leaves, it means he doesn't want to marry you. If that's the case, Sinclair, we can't keep this baby."
Sinclair took a deep breath and decided to listen to her mother. "Mom, I'll do as you say."
"Good." Mila found an umbrella and went downstairs.
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