That was a statement that could easily lead to misunderstandings.
If an outsider heard that, they might mistakenly think Dylan and Nia had dated in the past.
Whether the woman’s words were true or not, Lola felt an inexplicable discomfort.
“My brother absolutely hates women, so I have no idea what nonsense you’re talking about.”
Gia shot back incredulously. Yet, Nia maintained her relaxed smile throughout.
“When you speak so harshly, you really sound like Dylan.”
“Of course. I’m Dylan Eve’s sister.”
Gia openly displayed her displeasure. Yet, seeing the woman remain unfazed, Lola thought she was quite impressive.
If it were her, she would have run away long ago if the atmosphere felt so tense.
“But I really dislike it when someone I don’t know pretends to be close to me. I don’t want to hear you speak informally. And I’m not that free, so just get to the point about why you’re here.”
“Oh my! How unfortunate! I came to see Lola Dax today.”
Nia’s gaze shifted back to Lola. Gia was utterly flabbergasted by Nia’s absurd statement.
“What? No, what business do you have with Lola? If you have something to say, say it here.”
Even with Gia’s sharp tone, Nia didn’t lose her composure.
“Come on! Why are you so tense? Anyone would think I’m harassing Lola Dax.”
“I have an appointment for a consultation today.”
For the first time, Lola, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. Gia’s expression twisted in shock, moving beyond disbelief to sheer horror.
“Nia Aliza, please fill out the questionnaire first.”
Lola handed Nia the questionnaire and a pen. Nia’s face, which had not been there for treatment, suddenly showed displeasure.
“Do I really have to fill out this annoying thing?”
“Yes. It’s a necessary procedure for treatment.”
Lola spoke firmly to Nia while signaling to the nurse sitting at the desk.
“Once this patient completes the questionnaire, please let her into the consultation room.”
“Yes, understood.”
Lola walked into the consultation room first. Gia glared at the back of Nia’s head as she filled out the questionnaire for a long time before stepping away from the desk.
*****
Getting a same-day appointment at the university hospital’s psychiatry department was as difficult as picking stars from the sky. The earliest appointment was three days later, and for someone like Nia, who had little patience, three days felt unbearably slow.
Before coming here, Nia had gathered information about Lola Dax through the hospital’s website, but she hadn’t found out much.
Just her name, that she was a fourth-year resident, and her specialties: depression, sleep disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)—that was all.
Nia was honestly curious. What kind of charm did Lola Dax possess that the cold and prickly Dylan Eve was dating her and even matching rings? But since she didn’t have much information about her, Nia had deliberately come to the hospital under the pretense of seeking treatment for insomnia.
As she entered the psychiatry consultation room and sat down, the first thing that caught Nia’s eye was the ring on Lola’s left ring finger. It was the same ring Dylan wore. Just when she thought it couldn’t be true, seeing it with her own eyes made her feel like she was going to explode. It took effort to keep her emotions from showing on her face.
“Nia Aliza, how did you come here?”
After carefully reviewing the questionnaire Nia had filled out, Lola asked the formal questions necessary for the consultation.
“I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately.”
“When did you start experiencing sleep disorders?”
Nia Aliza.
This was already their third meeting.
Somehow, it felt like the woman wasn’t just here for treatment.
What was her true intention?
Though she felt uneasy, Lola calmly responded, clearly recognizing that the woman in front of her was her patient.
“I haven’t been able to sleep well for a while.”
Nia spoke with a haughty expression, her pink lips parting.
The woman in front of her exuded confidence and looked glamorous as always. Lola struggled to suppress her instinct to shrink back and sat up straight.
“Sleep disorders can often arise from various factors. Changes in a previously regular lifestyle, jet lag from traveling, and environmental factors like noise can all contribute. In such cases, once the initial triggering event is removed, symptoms usually improve within a few days, so there’s no need to worry too much.”
Nia smiled as if she found it amusing. Though it was an unpleasant smile, Lola maintained a generous expression as a psychiatrist.
“And if there are chronic physical conditions, symptoms like pain, arthritis, headaches, and shortness of breath can accompany insomnia. Additionally, psychological issues like feeling depressed or anxious can also affect sleep disorders.”
