Chapter 386 Good Counsel

“Are you sure?” Zachary asked in a soothing tone. “There’s always a reason for everything. If your boyfriend is comfortable showing his true self to others, but not to you, there must be a reason he can’t disclose. You’re feeling lost right now, questioning whether he ever saw you as his girlfriend. Why not take a moment to calm yourself down, and let time answer the doubts in your mind? Trust me, time will reveal the truth to you. Life is a long journey, and in moments of uncertainty, it’s important not to rush or judge anyone, including yourself.”

“I understand. Thank you, Mr. Macaluso.” Raylee felt somewhat relieved, yet her face still wore a look of worry. “Actually, his refusal to let me see him is just one of the things troubling me. The main reason is the appearance of another woman by his side. She is exceptional, and they have known each other for many years. In their presence, I feel like an outsider, as if I were the third wheel. This made me feel inferior and that I didn’t deserve him. It also left me feeling insecure. I was constantly afraid that I might lose him at any moment.”

Zachary hastily interjected.

“Let me first correct you. Ms. Somers, you are exceptional. You’re young, beautiful, and also a top student of Jexburgh University. Your beauty and academic prowess are definitely something to be proud of.”

“What I meant by exceptional isn’t these things,” Raylee added with a sigh.

She was sick, and someone on the brink of death had no right in love.

“In any case, I think you’re exceptional. Never belittle yourself; don’t let self-doubt consume you,” Zachary said in an encouraging tone.

“You just mentioned earlier that they’ve been acquainted for many years, right? If that’s the case, what’s there for you to worry about? If there was anything going on between them, it would have happened already. You wouldn’t even get a chance, would you? For so many years, that exceptional woman has failed to capture the heart of your boyfriend. Their bond might have deepened with time, but their feelings for each other are definitely not romantic.”

This statement instantly gave Raylee a sense of release.

“That’s right! They have known each other for many years already. If Angela and Leonardo were really meant for each other, they would have gotten together long ago. I wouldn’t even be in the picture!”

Zachary continued to counsel her,

“They were fated to meet but not destined to be together. It could be that he is indifferent while she’s interested, or the other way round. However, I think the main reason is probably that your boyfriend doesn’t like her. So, you and that exceptional woman are romantic rivals. Since it’s a rivalry, there’s even less to worry about. A capable woman would only focus on improving herself and moving forward, rather than competing with other women for a man. An exceptional woman is naturally attractive. What you need to do is to diligently complete your studies and strive for greater success. The best companionship isn’t won through conquest or jealousy; rather, it’s formed at the pinnacle of mutual understanding.”

“What a way to put it.” Raylee was overwhelmed with gratitude. “Mr. Macaluso, I understand now. The troubles I faced today were purely of my own making. Thank you for sharing so much with me. Your words have greatly inspired me and helped me see the light.”

Zachary gently patted her head, whispering softly, “Live well, and if you ever feel troubled again, feel free to seek me out anytime. I’ll help you navigate through your problems.”

“Thank you, Mr. Macaluso. You’re truly kind.”

Upon returning to her room, Raylee had barely drifted off to sleep when she was informed by a housekeeper that Leonardo had returned.

For the first time, he was shuttling back and forth across East Aploth in a single day.

Raylee hurried to see him in the study.

Unexpectedly, Angela had also returned.

They seemed to be quite occupied, as they were huddled in the study room for an urgent meeting with more than a dozen medical experts who were based in Jexburgh.

The door was left open, and their conversation revolved around experimental data and highly specialized medical knowledge.

Raylee didn’t understand what they were discussing, so she decided not to interrupt and quietly retreated back to the living room.

After waiting for roughly an hour, the doctors gradually left one after another.

Dozing off a moment ago, Raylee was jolted awake and hurried to the study.

At this point, only Angela remained.

Leonardo had placed the mask on the table, sitting with his back toward Angela.

He gazed out into the pitch-black window, letting out a heavy sigh.

“You should head home first. We can analyze the remaining data tomorrow. Simply put, this period will be rather tough, so brace yourself mentally.”