The Obsession Begins

In three days since his first encounter with Helena in his office, Jack became increasingly drawn into a vortex of exhaustion. He was constantly on guard, meticulously curating his actions and expressions to dispel Helena's suspicions. He was not infatuated with Ethan. Or so he kept telling himself.

His professionalism had remained intact, and he had fulfilled his duties as a therapist. He had ceased discussing his patients at home, and Ethan's name no longer slipped from his lips in idle conversation. Helena seemed to find amusement in his efforts, lauding his attempts with a hint of mockery. Her belief that he was obsessed with Ethan was a thorn in his side, and her knowing smiles as if she had an intimate understanding of his innermost thoughts only added to his irritation.

He shook off the thoughts. Their relationship was strictly professional, nothing more. Ethan was a puzzle that he was determined to solve. His feelings towards Ethan were purely empathetic, although some might mistake it for sympathy or pity. His sole desire was for Ethan to find closure, to cease his self-flagellation. Natsumi had moved on, embarking on a journey around the world and entrusting her bed and breakfast to Kyo and Miho, her loyal friends. There was no reason for Ethan to be wallowing in such pain.

A sudden realization hit Jack as he found himself once again lost in thoughts of Ethan. He had to stop. He allowed himself to think about Ethan during their sessions but now was not the time. He needed to focus on his breakfast.

Across the expansive dining table, Helena was leisurely enjoying her toast and coffee. Her knowing smile was a silent challenge as she watched him. He knew what she was insinuating, yet she refrained from voicing it. The servants cast curious glances, clearly puzzled by the undercurrents between their masters. Helena had kept her suspicions to herself.

"So, Jack. Any intriguing clients on your schedule today?" Helena asked, her words laced with hidden meaning. She bit into her toast with an exaggerated crunch, maintaining the decorum befitting a woman of her stature. As the COO of her family's company, she had fought to the top and was determined to stay there. She was the only woman in her traditionally-minded family to hold such a position.

"Yes, a few. We're making good progress. Especially with one of them," Jack responded, acknowledging her insinuations.

"That's good to hear. You seemed lost in thought for a moment there. I assumed you were mentally preparing for your cases today."

"Exactly. You know me so well. However, I apologize for not giving you the attention you deserve. That's not how I should treat my future wife." Jack replied, his smile soft.

A silent understanding passed between Helena and Jack as they locked eyes. She was keeping him in check, and he was holding up his end of the bargain. His mind had wandered, but she had noticed. He sighed, realizing just how well she knew him.

Helena finished her breakfast and excused herself. She had important meetings to attend and couldn't wait for him. Jack apologized once more and kissed her on the cheek as she left. Their relationship was not rooted in love, but they did care for each other.

"Please feel free to carry on with your duties," he told the servants waiting for him to finish. "If someone could bring me my daily notes, I can go through them while I eat. I don't want to keep you waiting. My apologies." He smiled at the servants, causing them to blush before they dispersed. One of his close friends and long-serving attendants fetched the necessary notes and his laptop.

Jack began preparing for the day's appointments, the first with Ethan. His anticipation was palpable. His morning was centered around Ethan, and a smug expression crept onto his face as he savored his toast and scanned his notes. The servants in the room noticed this unfamiliar expression but said nothing.

In just an hour, he would see Ethan again. Their next session was fast approaching.

Jack had spread his notes about Ethan across the table. They contained details about Ethan's life, his emotions, and the look in his eyes when he spoke about Natsumi. There were notes about the Red Thread of Fate and its implications, about soulmates and severed connections. Jack remembered Ethan's tear-filled eyes, anger, and the rare moments when he let his guard down.

"How... how can you love someone so deeply?" Jack found himself whispering as he read Ethan's descriptions of Natsumi. The joy and happiness in Ethan's eyes were overshadowed by guilt and pain. Jack couldn't comprehend it. What did it feel like to yearn for someone's touch, to woo them? It felt foreign to him like he was missing a piece of himself. This feeling was amplified when he listened to Ethan. Why couldn't he be the one?

Jack paused, his calm facade momentarily replaced by a hint of jealousy. Why couldn't he love someone like that? Why couldn't he feel that way about Helena? Why couldn't Ethan move on?

A soft groan escaped his lips, and he was brought back to reality by a hand on his shoulder. "Sir, are you alright?"

His friend, his closest attendant, had noticed his distress. Jack was taken aback, realizing he was still in the dining room. His servants had seen him. What expressions had he been making? What had he said?

"Sir? I must admit I'm a bit worried. It might be presumptuous of me as your servant, but as your friend, I'm concerned. You seem... different. As if something is bothering you." His friend's eyes were filled with worry.

"Ah, no, I'm fine. My patient's words just moved me. They resonated with me, and I felt bad for them. I know it's unprofessional." Jack tried to cover up his feelings with half-truths. His facade had slipped, and his servants had seen a side of him they had never seen before.

"No sir, that's perfectly normal. Isn't it human to empathize with others? Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you. We're here to support you. Our main goal is to serve you." His friend reassured him, patting his head gently before realizing his overstep and quickly retreating with a flustered expression.

Jack couldn't help but chuckle. They were just worried about him. They cared for him. He hadn't realized that before. With that thought, he quickly finished his breakfast to alleviate their concerns.

"So, where was I?" Jack picked up the notes on Ethan. There were only thirty minutes left until their meeting. He was eager to see Ethan again. Would Ethan be defensive and angry this time? Would he break down in tears? Or would he once again talk about his love and regrets?

Ethan was a paradox. He was a tall, impeccably dressed man, yet he was a mess. He was the CEO of his company and the head of his family, a mob boss. He exuded power, wealth, and class. He epitomized perfection, a man any woman would fall for with just one glance. Was Jack the only one, apart from Natsumi, who had seen this vulnerable side of Ethan? Just a year ago, he couldn't have imagined Ethan harboring such intense emotions, profound love, and passion for someone. To see him so possessive was slightly unsettling.

Why did Natsumi reject him? Why did she despise his love to the point of wanting to sever the bond bestowed by the gods? Why did she make such a foolish decision? Why did she reject his pure love, his entire soul and being? Why did she shatter him to the point of tears?

Why couldn't he love me like that instead?

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft chime of the clock, signaling the start of a new hour. It was time for his session with Ethan. Jack gathered his notes and headed towards his office, his heart pounding with anticipation. The obsession had begun.