Chapter 8 The Friendly Doctor

Aria's POV

"Are you alright?" Andrew asked me for the third time during dinner. I forced a smile.

"Of course. Why do you keep asking me?" I replied, questioning him in return. He sighed and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"I’m asking because I spoke to Seraphina today. She told me she made your plan for the week, and I'm worried that visiting kids isn't good for your mental health," he said finally. It was nice to know that he cared about me so much.

"You don't need to worry, Andrew. Actually, visiting kids makes me feel better. It gives me something to do, and I enjoy spending time with them," I reassured him. I didn’t like how he kept staring at me, but eventually he picked up his fork and resumed eating. His behaviour made me uneasy, but perhaps that was just my fear of him finding out about my illness.

The night felt unusual. Even though I didn’t feel great, I didn’t refuse him. His closeness felt comforting as always, but in my mind, I was already ready for the next day—my appointment and the start of treatment.

The morning began as usual. I woke up alone in bed. Hilda made sure I had breakfast just the way I liked it, and after I ate, I got ready.

"I thought your plan started later, Luna," Hilda said, surprised.

"I decided to start earlier today. Maybe that means I can be back sooner as well," I replied.

"Oh, does the Alpha come home earlier today?" she asked.

"I don’t know if he can manage, but I certainly hope so," I said, and she seemed satisfied with my answer.

Once I was ready, I got into the car and drove to the hospital. I looked around nervously to make sure no one could tell Andrew I was visiting the hospital today. I knew I could come up with an excuse, but I didn’t want to worry him unnecessarily.

The receptionist directed me to the waiting area and reassured me that the doctor would call me in shortly. I didn’t have to wait long. Dr Parker invited me into his office with a warm smile.

"Scared?" he asked with sympathy.

"Yes," I admitted.

"No need to be. These treatments are safe, and I believe they’re effective in curing your disease," he said, leaving me stunned.

"But you told me the chances of getting better are fifty per cent," I replied.

"That's true. However, I’m a specialist, and if you ask me, this program is excellent," he continued. I nodded in understanding.

His explanation was lengthy, and I didn’t like that I would have to attend the hospital at least twice a week, nor did I like what he said about the medications I would need to take.

"So these pills will make me gain weight?" I asked, and he pursed his lips before nodding.

"Yes, they may result in some weight gain, but not so much that it would risk your health, Luna," he assured me, though that didn’t ease my concerns.

"You'll need to handle the side effects. If the mood swings become too intense, I can prescribe something to help with that," he said.

"So, you mean that if I can’t tolerate the medications, you can prescribe other medicines to treat the side effects?" I asked, feeling confused. He nodded.

I sighed and closed my eyes for a moment. "How long will the treatment last?" I inquired, and he paused to think.

"At most, three months. After that, to avoid risking your health, we’ll need to stop. However, if we reach that point, it means..." He trailed off.

"That means the treatment was unsuccessful," I finished for him, and he nodded again.

"Exactly," he confirmed.

Processing everything felt like wading through murky waters. I glanced at the five prescriptions laid out before me, and for a fleeting moment, doubt crept in—I thought about turning my back on the treatment entirely. But then, an image of that poor Luna pierced through my thoughts. I could still see her standing there, desperation etched on her face as she pleaded with her Alpha, her voice breaking in the room's sterile silence. They had dragged her away, forcing her into a divorce and banishing her from her home—a fate without mercy or recourse. The weight of her anguish settled over me, igniting a fierce resolve I couldn't ignore.

I swallowed hard and took the prescriptions.

"You might feel dizzy at times, and you may experience drowsiness, but that's completely normal," he said, probably noticing the internal struggle displayed on my face. "Luna, what's wrong?" he asked, and I lowered my head. However, I quickly looked up when I felt his hand on mine. 

"Luna, you will be my patient, and for this treatment, we need to trust each other," he encouraged me to open up. I realised I had no one else to talk to about this, so I decided it was better to accept his offer.

"It's just overwhelming. I'm worried. I'm doing this to save my marriage and my job, but if these symptoms keep happening, I have to question whether it's worth it. How can I keep this a secret from my husband?" 

I felt on the verge of tears, but Dr Parker seemed to understand. 

"Luna, there are many reasons for your symptoms, and if your husband is becoming concerned or trying to find out what's wrong with you, please rely on me. Make an appointment with me, and I promise I will help resolve the issue," he said, but I couldn't grasp how he intended to do that.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I believe that, in this case, a little lie wouldn't hurt anyone," he replied with a smile.

What he said made me feel a little more at ease. I smiled at him in gratitude as I stood up. 

"Thank you so much, Dr Parker. I don't even know how to express my gratitude for your help with this," I said. After he stood up, he walked around the desk and took my hand. 

"For me, it is a pleasure to help my Luna," he said, which made me smile again. I was about to pull my hand away when my phone rang; it was Andrew.

I answered as soon as I stepped out of the hospital. "Where are you?" I heard his astonished voice. In the background, I heard the Omega servants’ voices from our house. He was home.