Chapter 642: Chapter 642: Psychological Defense

Olivia Jenkins must be speculating about the issue of children, she thought arbitrarily.

Perhaps Olivia assumed he was still in love with Charmy Bennett, still yearning for Charmy.

Daniel Marshall’s brows furrowed, a poignant ache in his heart. His deep-set eyes conveyed a touch of sadness, making his complexion even paler.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like children, nor that he didn’t want children, he was truly terrified the tragedy would occur again.

If it required trading Olivia’s life for a child, he would rather remain childless.

Unwittingly, Daniel’s mind was again haunted by the image of a pool of blood, instilling an inexplicable apprehension in him.

Even if he had resolved to have a child, the indelible image of the bloody scene and Charmy’s horrifying death would reemerge in his mind, displacing his desires to have a child.

Daniel had wrestled with this, he had also tried to breach the emotional defenses he’d constructed, but he had failed each time.

Whenever children were mentioned, he’d inexplicably avoid it.

Without a child, he and Olivia could still live happily, why must they have a child?

Olivia simply didn’t believe he loved her!

Must they have a child for her to be convinced of his genuine love for her?

Daniel’s lips were tightly pressed. Suddenly, a myriad of chaotic thoughts flashed through his mind, leaving him in confusion once again.

The order of Daniel’s thoughts became a jumbled mess, losing the right direction, his heart enduring the struggles of torment.

…

In the afternoon, Martin Wallace visited the Serene City Medical College.

With the consent of Professor Winnie and for secrecy’s sake, they agreed to meet in the college’s academic office.

Upon meeting Professor Winnie, Martin politely bowed, “Professor Winnie, how do you do! I’m Matin Wallace, we spoke on the phone yesterday.”

“I remember you, please take a seat!”

After a closer look at Martin, Professor Winnie continued, “Are you friends with Olivia Jenkins?”

Martin nodded, looking sincerely at Professor Winnie, “Yes! I would like to consult you on some matters in person to ease my heart. More importantly, due to the gravity of the situation, I would appreciate if you could keep this confidential.”

Professor Winnie’s expression was stern, “My professional ethics forbid me from betraying the trust of my patients. You can rest assured.”

“I am making this inquiry on behalf of my good friend. His identity is rather sensitive. Moreover, I wish to protect him. If this matter is exploited by malicious individuals, I fear it’ll bring him harm.”

“I understand your concerns, so why don’t you describe the situation.”

Martin appeared a bit somber. After taking a breath, he slowly began, “Five years ago, his fiancée died in a car accident. He witnessed the entire process. Not only that, his fiancée was pregnant at the time.

This event deeply devastated him, as he believed he was responsible for the death of his fiancée and their unborn child. He was consumed by guilt, living in torment. There was a time when he resorted to alcohol to numb his pain.”

For the past three years, he focused on his career and never mentioned that painful memory to us. We all thought he had moved on from that period of anguish.

Last year, he got married. He fell in love with his current wife. We thought they were happy and that they could live a blissful life together. Unexpectedly, his current wife feels he hasn’t moved on from his previous fiancée.”

Furthermore, his wife believes he is mentally ill, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Possibly, his wife does not trust that he loves her. Recently, she’s been considering a separation. Professor Winnie, I heard you’re an expert in this field. I hope you can help them.”

Professor Winnie handed Martin a form, “Have him fill this out.”