Chapter 360 Split Personality
The production team behind "Fun Challenge" was thrown into a state of urgency as they announced a sudden halt in the program's broadcast, citing the ill health of a guest as the cause. Netizens, left in a state of confusion and disappointment, speculated on the reasons behind the abrupt suspension. They mourned the missed opportunity to see Barrett donned in women's attire.
As the clock struck midnight, within the confines of a private psychological clinic, a revelation was about to unfold.
"Sir," the doctor began, his face etched with seriousness as he clutched Roger's psychological evaluation results, "our initial diagnosis suggests the presence of an alternate personality within you."
"However, your heightened psychological defenses and your evident distrust in me limit my ability to fully understand your condition. At present, I can only conclude that you are suffering from dissociative identity disorder, also known as multiple personality disorder. The cause of this split and the characteristics of your second personality remain elusive."
Roger, who had left his home at the tender age of six, had endured the devastation of his family, the betrayal of trusted allies, countless lonely nights, and relentless bloodshed. He had always considered himself a pillar of strength, both physically and mentally. Yet, he had never anticipated that he would one day seek solace in a psychologist's office, only to be diagnosed with a mental disorder.
The psychologist, who had been Roger's confidant for nearly a decade, was taken aback. He had never imagined that even a man as formidable as Mr. Wild could fall prey to dissociative identity disorder, a condition often associated with escape from reality.
Roger, ensconced in a solitary armchair, leaned back, his eyes closed as he absorbed the doctor's words. The worry for Natalie, the internal struggle with his own mental health, and the crushing weight of his diagnosis left him feeling a fatigue he hadn't experienced in a long time.
His fear was not rooted in his psychological issues; he had never been one to maintain a healthy, positive mindset. His fear stemmed from the possibility of causing harm to Natalie. He could not bear the thought of hurting his precious girl.
"Sir," the doctor began cautiously, "dissociative identity disorder is typically a response to psychological trauma. If you wish to gain a better understanding of your condition, I need you to trust me."
As a dedicated mental health professional, he knew he should encourage his patient to communicate openly and accept treatment. But this patient was also his cold, ruthless master.
"No need," Roger retorted, his refusal immediate and unwavering. "Just provide the necessary medication. Also, give me a list of relevant literature and case studies. And remember, no one else is to know about this."
The psychologist dared not argue, responding with a simple "yes." Internally, he couldn't help but think, "Perhaps there is already a third party who knows - your alter ego."
Roger dismissed the doctor, instructing him to prepare the necessary medication. He retreated to the bathroom, his gaze meeting his reflection in the mirror. Despite the familiarity of his own face, he couldn't shake the feeling that the man in the mirror was watching him with an ominous intent.
"I warn you, no matter what you plan to do, don't harm Natalie. If you do, I will do everything in my power to destroy you," Roger threatened his reflection. He wasn't sure if "that person" could hear him, but he had a gut feeling that "he" could. Indeed, "he" could.
The following morning, Roger awoke on the sofa, a stark contrast to his memory of falling asleep in his bed. On the coffee table before him lay an unfamiliar notebook, its pages half-opened with an uncapped pen resting atop.
In stark black ink against the white pages were a few lines:
"Do you really have no idea what I plan to do?"
"Roger, stop lying to yourself. It's your uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts that brought me into existence."
"Since you, a coward, gave up on Natalie, she will be mine."
"And by the way, my name is Nathan. Nice to meet you!"
A name eerily similar to Natalie's.
The matter of Natalie's paternity test was far from clandestine. Oliver had ensured a robust security detail to safeguard Natalie, even going as far as to involve Rosy.
During Lucas's battle with leukemia, the hospital had retained a sample of his DNA. Now, all they required was a sample from Natalie for comparison. Oliver, always meticulous in his planning for Natalie, had covertly procured samples of Robert's blood and hair.
Typically, paternity DNA tests took between five to seven working days to yield results. However, for someone like Natalie, who was under special attention, the process was expedited.
To eliminate any potential anomalies, Rosy opted to test multiple sets of samples concurrently. "Natalie, why isn't Mr. Windsor accompanying you?" she asked.
During the interim period awaiting the report, Rosy invited Natalie to her private quarters. Sensing Natalie's gloomy disposition, she inquired with a tone of concern.
"He... is unable to leave at the moment," Natalie replied, cradling a cup of water, the ideal temperature radiating through the paper vessel. Rosy, noting Natalie's reluctance to elaborate, refrained from pressing further.
She redirected the conversation, "Weren't you in the middle of filming a show? What brought you back so abruptly?"
Rosy hadn't anticipated that despite her efforts to divert the conversation, it would inevitably circle back.
"There was an accident..."
Natalie briefly recounted the incident where Susan was injured due to Hailey's actions. She explained that she couldn't abandon Susan in her time of need, leaving Oliver to remain by her side as well.
Rosy couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly. It wasn't as if Susan was in critical condition in the ICU! Why did Oliver need to stay?
As Natalie's friend, Rosy found it hard to comprehend and asked, "Did Oliver choose to stay of his own accord?"
"No, I requested him to stay," Natalie clarified. "It's not right for Susan to be alone in the hospital without any family or friends, especially since she was injured because of me."
Rosy studied Natalie, hesitating before finally voicing her thoughts, "Natalie, I was uncertain before, but now I'm convinced that Susan is not as simple as she seems. She doesn't warrant your kindness."
Previously, Rosy had assumed that Susan harbored no feelings for Oliver, despite his willingness to do anything for her. She believed Susan was still infatuated with Arthur.
However, it appeared that she had underestimated Susan's cunning and resilience. They were far from ordinary!
Despite knowing Susan for a longer duration, Rosy found herself siding more with Natalie.
Natalie and Oliver were married, so why did Susan need to interfere? If she genuinely cared for him, why hadn't she acted sooner?!
In Rosy's perspective, mistresses were universally despised.
"I'm aware that she's not simple." How could a simple woman provoke such turmoil within her?
Natalie took a delicate sip of water, her voice airy and spectral. "Let's consider this a test for myself and for Honey."
With the doctor preoccupied, Natalie urged Rosy to return to her duties, insisting she needn't waste her time keeping her company.
Natalie made use of Rosy's lounge. Her initial plan was to observe other people's performances, learn from them, and consolidate her experiences. However, she found it impossible to concentrate; video clips flickered before her eyes, and Susan's image incessantly haunted her thoughts.
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