Lina had grown used to Shen's presence the week after she awoke from her coma.
He was kind, considerate, gave her the space she needed and supported her as she remained obsessed with her work.
Mei came in to help every day. She was diligent, clever and filled in the blanks for Lina. Lina was quickly getting very fond of the little curly-haired assistant.
Even thought her progress was good each day, the recovery was not easy. Her body would get exhausted quick and weakness would take over. But the worst part was that her dreams would continue tormenting her every night.
Shen would still sleep on the sofa, but would wake up to comfort her and make sure she slept peacefully later. But his worries increased.
The following week, there was an important visitor at the Moshi mansion.
Butler Min led a tall, handsome man in his late 40's into the living room where Shen was waiting to receive the visitor.
As he walked in, Shen glanced at the clock. He was 5 minutes early. He wore a nicely fitting grey suit and had salt and pepper hair. There was an air or academia and pride about him.
Shen got up and extended his arm out to the man.
"Good morning Dr. Hayama. Please take a seat. I'm glad you could make it today."
The older man sat down opposite Shen and smiled at his greeting.
"Likewise. When Dr. Yoshi explained the situation to me, I was happy to schedule Madam Moshi in immediately. Shall we speak more about your lovely wife?"
Dr. Hayama's smooth way of talking and keen gaze made Shen slightly uncomfortable. It was as if an outsider was prying his way into Shen's private life. The devil was fiercely secretive and did not allow outsiders into his sphere.
It was one of the other reasons his marriage to Lina was a secret. And now, yet another person knew. But he bit the bullet, this was necessary. This man was vital to his precious wife's recovery.
"My wife has a very complicated past. I've tried looking into all aspects of her life since she was attacked. But I'm afraid there isn't much to go on."
Dr. Hayama's gaze never wavered and his tone remained even, as if always indifferent. But psychiatrists were trained to distance themselves from the lives of their patients. This was nothing new.
"That's not a problem, young master. It's what I'm here for. We will peel away the layers of her trauma one step at a time, and will consequently uncover the root cause of her distress."
Dr. Hayama talked surgically, as if Lina was a project, not a person. Shen was irritated but maintained a poker face on the outside.
"Young master, the real trouble is the recovery after her secrets are exposed. Facing her troubles out in the open will cause her maximum distress and you must be responsible for her during that time."
Shen understood what Dr. Hayama was saying. He was the second arm that was required to support Lina's recovery. He couldn't help her alone. He would have to be strong for her.
"Of course, Doctor. I will never leave her side—"
Suddenly a little curly haired figure barged into the room, throwing the doors open with a big bang. She was frantic and out of breath.
"Sir! Boss fell asleep in the study while reading and I didn't wake her up but she's crying and choking and I don't what to do!"
Mei was on the verge of tears. She did not dare touch or wake Lina, fearful of hurting her. She was far more cautious than Ayu.
Shen stood up immediately.
"Dr. Hayama, will you please accompany me?"
The doctor stood up and followed him out of the room and up to the study. As he walked past the frightened Mei, she almost swooned.
This Dr. Hayama— he was just so hot!
His scent was a strong and refined with a slight cigar-like smoky note. She fell to the ground after the two men headed up to the study.
Poor little Mei was actually overworked, and anxious for her boss...and now lovestruck. It was too much!
"I hope boss is okay. We can't deal with another conflict at work if Mrs. Boss takes over..."
She sat there sighing and talking to herself, unaware that a very tall, gorgeous, domineering lady was looking down at her.
"Meimei...did you just call the devil 'Mrs. Boss'?"
Mei jumped up, startled. She recognized this voice. She'd been bullied ceaselessly by this voice.
As she puffed up her short frame and brushed her hand through her messy, curly hair and adjusted her spectacles, she looked Ayu straight in the eye.
"When did you get here? Aren't you supposed to be in a certain Human Resources department?"
Ayu laughed at Mei's attempt to trash talk.
Before Mei knew what had happened, Ayu slammed her hand on the wall behind her.
She had been kabedoned!