Somewhat surprised, I sat back down on the sofa.

“...H-how- ”

“Did you know that the classic symptoms of insomnia are impaired judgement and paranoia? I seem to get that a lot from you.” Alec stared at me meaningfully.

I snorted and folded my arms, “I don’t think my distrust of you counts as paranoia, Dr. Lee.”

Alec let out a tiny laugh, then cocked his head to one side, “I suppose I can concede that I am somewhat of an oddity in terms of my... career choice. However, those aren’t the only signs. Your under-eyes are dark and puffy, your eyes are bloodshot, you have injuries that you’re apparently unaware of, and your mood swings seem quite extreme. Also, one doesn’t typically faint due to a single night of sleeplessness. It suggests a more serious, likely prolonged underlying issue.”

I looked at Alec with surprise, “I guess you’re not the Lead Psychiatrist here for nothing.”

Alec’s trademark smirk returned, “Naturally. So, how long?”

As though being compelled to answer, my mouth opened before my brain could process, “Three months.”

Ok stop right there Lucine.

No need to go spilling your guts to him.

Sure, he helped you out, but remember he’s no saint either.

I mean, he works for an organisation that even your sister finds questionable!

“Any thoughts as to what’s causing your insomnia?”

“Alec, I’m sorry for my outburst and I’m thankful for your help when I fainted, but I’m drawing the line here. I’m not going to discuss my issues with you. You’re not my doctor.”

“Well, technically I am.”

“What?”

“You did fill out all the registration forms after all.”

“That was just a cover! We both know that I’m only here to collect the compensation for my phone.”

Alec paused, “... Okay.”

“Okay?”

That was way too easy.

What’s he up to?

“Sure, how much is it?”

Though puzzled, I produced a receipt from my satchel and handed it to him. Alec glanced at it, then reached into his back pocket and took out his wallet. He fished out a wad of bills and held them out to me.

“Here.”

Was that it? After a moment’s hesitation, I cautiously reached out to take the money.

“Thanks.”

Just as my fingers touched the bills, Alec suddenly pulled them back.

“Ah... I almost forgot. The bill for our ‘consultation’ today is five hundred. Shall I deduct this from your bill?”

“F-five hundred? What are you talking about?”

“Well, you made an appointment to see me today for a consultation didn’t you?”

“Like I said, that was just a cover!”

“Unfortunately, my employers wouldn’t know that. You made an appointment, walked into their clinic, and signed the forms agreeing to the treatment fees when you registered. Naturally you’d be billed.”

“I didn’t think you’d actually charge me for that! I mean you’re the one who told me to make an appointment to get the compensation!”

“Oh, did I?” Alec’s smiled mockingly.

Even if I subtracted the two hundred for the phone repairs, that still left me three hundred short. And I hadn’t brought that much cash out with me today. I clenched my fist. I really felt like punching Alec.

“You’re being a dick.”

“Oh dear. What shall I do with a client refusing to pay?” Shall I call your guardian? Or the company Lawyers?”

At the mention of Alba and a possible lawsuit, I balked, “W-wait!”

“Wait?”

“Fine. What do you want from me?”

Alec flashed me his pearly-white smile, “Here’s how this will work. I’ll take care of today’s consultation fees, but in exchange I’d like to arrange for a proper session with you. At another time though. You really should head home to rest.”

I stared at Alec in disbelief. Was he an asshole or not?

I sighed in resignation before I begrudgingly replied, “Fine.”

“Yes, you really should leave since our time for today’s session is up. Next time, try spending less time on my floor. You may see yourself out now. I have another appointment coming in. ”

Asshole.

I rolled my eyes at him, grabbed my things and stormed out of his office, slamming his door on the way.

I was a fool for ever thinking that Alec was perhaps a nice person. An idiot for even feeling slightly guilty for having shouted at him. The biggest dunce for having been led around by the nose.

I bet he wasn’t even really concerned about me.

He was probably professionally obligated to help me when I fainted.

After all, would a doctor ignore an unconscious patient? And in their own clinic to say the least? Never. Not unless they wanted a lawsuit on their hands.

I don’t understand why he wants to see me again though.

He could have just given me the money and been done with me.

I even said I wouldn’t meddle anymore!

I shook my head in frustration. Seeing Alec had answered a few of my doubts, but like a stupid onion, peeling away a layer just revealed another one underneath.

And each and every layer freakin’ stings.

While slowly making my way back home, I came to the conclusion that only one thing was certain - that Alec really was a doctor after all. Because just like every other doctor I had seen, he had a fancy office, was really good at charging exorbitant fees, and was nothing but a quack.