I picked up my fourth magazine and started skimming the contents for interesting articles. Since I had dashed out of the house without eating, I had arrived at Crescent Medical a whole half an hour earlier. I could have headed to a convenience store or cafe for a light bite, but after the egg fiasco, I had no appetite. My stomach churned at the mere thought of food. I swallowed.

Distracting myself from my memories, I look around.

Crescent Medical was by far the most posh looking clinic I had ever visited. In fact its aesthetic reminded me of a five-star hotel. Everything was in calming shades of cream, brown and gold. From the walls hung not only numerous awards but tasteful abstract paintings, which added subtle hints of colour and warmth.

Faced with the clinic’s opulence, I could not help but think back to Alba’s warning that these were ‘powerful people’.

Well at least the clinic is legit.

Shouldn’t Alec be proud of being a lead psychiatrist of this clinic?

What is he doing playing a life coach?

I shook my head and returned my attention to the magazine in my lap. After some flipping through, I settled on an in-depth article about the future of mental health treatments. It piqued my interest and I quickly became absorbed.

“Great article isn’t it? That was written by Dr. Lee.”

I looked up with a start. The receptionist who was at the front desk just a moment ago was standing right in front of me.

How did she move so silently across wood floors in those three-inch heels?

“Sorry?”

“Dr. Lee wrote that article. The doctor you’re meeting with today.”

I scanned the article and found the byline. In bold print it read, ‘Dr. Alec Lee’.

“Oh... I see. Right. Dr. Alec Lee.” My head started throbbing.

“That’s right. You seemed a bit nervous coming in today, but I want you to know that you’re in good hands.”

Oh goody. According to this lady, you’re in good hands, Rachel.

“That’s great to know.” I flashed the receptionist my best smile and she responded in kind.

“Would you like something to drink Miss Miller?”

“No, I’m fine, thank you.”

“No problem. I’m Cynthia by the way. Just let me know if you’d like anything.”

“Thank you, Cynthia.”

Cynthia the receptionist was quite the professional beauty and walked the line between sexy and formal all too easily.

She wore a silk lilac blouse with a dangerously low neckline, yet it was camouflaged with ruffles, making it appear more appropriate. Her blouse was tucked into a long, grey pencil skirt that covered her all the way to her calves, yet somehow left no curves to the imagination. Her thick platinum blonde hair was tied up in a neat bun, but she had let loose a few wispy strands that made one imagine shaking her hair loose, and running their fingers through them. Her make-up was neutral, but accentuated her sensual, pouty lips and smoky blue eyes.

I looked down at my oversized black tee and blue jeans.

Well at least I don’t have paint stains or holes in my clothes today.

“Also, because this is your first time with us, before you go in to see Dr. Lee, we’re going to need you to fill out these registration forms.”

She leaned over slightly and handed me a pen and a clipboard which had a few sheets of printed paper attached. As she did so, I caught a whiff of Lavender.

Does she wear that to make clients feel more relaxed?

“By the way, how did you come to know about Dr Lee?”

Warning bells in the form of my sister’s voice rang out in my head: “... you won’t cause any trouble?”

I probably shouldn’t mention that I know him from his thirst trap Instagram profile or that he caught me illegally capturing a voice recording of him and his client...

“Dr. Lee gave me his name card.”

Cynthia’s professional smile froze in place, she paused for a second too long before replying, “Oh. So he gave you his name card.”

Something is off.

What’s wrong with me getting his name card?

“Err... is there a problem?”

“No, no. Not at all.” Cynthia’s smile continued awkwardly. Like a band stretched across her face. Her previously friendly tone turned a shade colder.

“Okay...”

“Please do fill in those documents as thoroughly as possible. You may leave them on the table here when you’re done. I will collect them later once Dr. Lee is ready to see you. Also, do let me know if you require anything, Miss Miller.”

Smiling Cynthia turned and sashayed back to the front desk. The picture of professionalism.

Something’s definitely off.

She’s clearly being weird about me receiving Alec’s name card.

Should I ask Alec about it later?

I sighed in frustration.

Why is everything about Alec so god damn mysterious?