Chapter 357 Chance Encounter
Seeing Lila nodding absentmindedly, I couldn't help but feel concerned. "Lila, I've got an idea. You've been through so much, and I'm really worried about you. How about seeing a therapist? It might help you feel better, and it would definitely ease my mind too."
Lila's face tensed up at the suggestion. She bit her lip lightly, and I could see the struggle in her eyes.
Jessa, looking hopeful, turned to me and asked, "Really? Do you think therapy could help Lila? She's been through so much, and as her parents, we're heartbroken. We just don't know how to help her, and it's driving us crazy."
Trying to boost Lila's confidence, I quickly turned to her and said gently, "I know a great therapist. He's really experienced and has a very gentle and patient demeanor. Talking to him feels like chatting with a close friend. I believe he can help you through this tough time."
Lila listened quietly, and the conflicted look in her eyes gradually softened. She lowered her head slightly, thought for a moment, and finally nodded gently. "Alright, I know I've been in a bad state lately, but I just don't know what to do."
Lachlan's face lit up with a smile when he heard Lila agree to therapy. He quickly chimed in, "Diana, thank goodness for you! I hope this will help Lila get better soon."
I responded sincerely, "It's the least I can do. Lila is my best friend, and I want her to get through this and be her cheerful self again."
On the way to the therapist's office, Lila and I sat in silence. I glanced at her, noticing she was staring blankly out the window, lost in her thoughts.
Wanting to help her relax, I said softly, "Lila, seeing a therapist isn't scary. One of my department managers saw a therapist and was very resistant at first. But with the therapist's help, he gradually got better and is now full of energy every day. I truly believe this can help you too."
Lila turned her head slightly, meeting my gaze. For a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of hope in her eyes, which filled me with a sense of optimism.
She responded with a soft "okay" and turned back to the window, falling silent again. But I could feel that she seemed a bit more hopeful about the therapy.
When we arrived at the clinic, Lila slowly walked into the therapist's office. I found a seat in the waiting area and picked up a magazine to pass the time. However, my mind was preoccupied with the many issues waiting for me at work.
Suddenly, a familiar figure caught my eye, and my heart skipped a beat. I looked up instinctively and saw Edward.He noticed me at the same moment, freezing in his tracks. For a moment, we just stared at each other, and I felt like I could hardly breathe.
Edward's face showed a hint of panic. He awkwardly scratched his head and broke the silence first. "Diana, what a surprise. What brings you here?"
I tried to stay calm and keep my voice steady. "Lila's been having a tough time, so I brought her here for therapy. What about you? Why are you here?"
I gestured to the chair next to me, inviting Edward to sit down. He walked over slowly and sat down, a wry smile on his face. He replied, "After I got out of the hospital, I was in a bad place, completely lost. A volunteer guided me to this clinic for free therapy. Over time, I've come to terms with a lot of things. Now, I'm a volunteer here too, hoping to help others who are struggling like I was."
I was somewhat surprised as I scrutinized him, noticing that he really did seem different from my memories. That confidence and composure seemed to have slowly returned to Edward.
I couldn't help but express my genuine happiness for him. "I'm really glad to see you like this, Edward."
Edward looked at me, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "I heard you've been through some tough times recently. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."
I was shocked and full of questions, just about to ask how he knew, when he continued, "Fiona contacted me a while ago and told me what happened to you."
I stood there, stunned, my mind a mess. Fiona had contacted Edward? Why?
I couldn't help but ask, "What else did she tell you?"
Edward's expression was complicated as he spoke slowly. "She talked about the past, saying that before she married David, she had feelings for me. But she kept them hidden because of family pressure. Now, she's planning to divorce David."
Edward gave a helpless smile. "She wants to support me in starting a business after the divorce."
I was taken aback. Fiona's long-buried feelings had finally come to light.
I was lost in thought and murmured, "I never expected her to confess her feelings to you."
Memories of the past flooded my mind, intertwining with the present. I looked at Edward, trying to understand his thoughts, but found myself at a loss.
Edward was shocked and blurted out, "What? Diana, you knew she had feelings for me all along?"
I gave a slightly bitter smile and sighed. "It wasn't just a secret crush. Everyone knew that Fiona fell deeply in love with you the moment she met you. She even suggested that I marry David in her place so she could pursue you." As soon as I said it, I wondered why I had revealed this part of our past to Edward.