Author's Pov....
Ren sat slumped on the faded blue couch of the waiting area, his head in his hands, his legs bouncing nervously. His silk white shirt was wrinkled, dark circles decorated his eyes, and his hair looked like he'd fought a hurricane.
He looked like a man defeated by life itself.
"Am I…going crazy?" he whispered to himself, staring at the pale beige tiles like they held the answers to the universe. "Maybe I've finally lost it. Maybe none of this is real. Maybe I made up all the husbands—"
Maybe I'm just insane.
His mind replayed every ridiculous event: the military drills, the plumber in his bathroom, the income tax raid on his own house.
He squeezed his temples, groaning in frustration. "Why did I agree to this marriage? Why didn't I just tell my parents no? Why did I walk straight into this chaotic trap?"
The faint sound of the receptionist clicking her keyboard was the only thing grounding him.
Breathe. I just need help. A little therapy. I will be fine.
His name was still a few slots down on the appointment list.
Okay, just wait quietly—
His thoughts halted when he heard the faint click of the door opening.
His body stiffened. His heart dropped to his stomach.
Walking out of the therapy room was Evan. Wearing casual black slacks, loose sweater, hands calmly tucked into his pockets.
Beside him was the family doctor.
Ren's eyes went wide.
No…..this is impossible…
He pinched his cheek hard. Nope, he was definitely awake.
Why is Evan here?
Curiosity won over common sense as he quietly tiptoed after them, pressing himself against the wall like some amateur spy.
"…So, who are you today?" the doctor asked softly as they walked down the hallway.
Evan lazily shrugged. "Today? I think I'm just me. But who knows what tomorrow brings."
The doctor sighed and patted Evan's shoulder. "You are doing well. You've made it this far. Just keep taking it day by day, alright?"
Ren's heart thudded violently.
So this is why sometimes Evan isn't home… he is here. Meeting this doctor.
His mind spun. The CEO… the butler… the soldier… the biker…..the tax officer….all those identities weren't just role-play games.
They were real to him.
Ren's legs wobbled as he stumbled back to the waiting room.
Minutes later, the doctor returned and was surprised to find Ren sitting stiffly like he'd just uncovered a world-ending secret.
The doctor offered a polite smile. "You must be Ren. I've heard a lot about you."
"…Have you?" Ren muttered in disbelief.
The doctor motioned for him to come inside. Ren sat cautiously, eyes sharp with suspicion.
"So," the doctor began, flipping through a terrifyingly thick file with Evan's name on it. "You've met some of his personalities already?"
Ren's lip twitched. "Some? SOME? Do you know I've been living with the Cold Ceo, a butler, a military commander, a plumber, and an income tax officer who raided his own house?!"
The doctor adjusted his glasses calmly. "Ah, that would be Vince, Sebastian, Commander Drake, Felix, and Officer Drew."
Ren nearly fell off his chair. "THEY HAVE NAMES?!"
The doctor smiled gently. "Of course. Each identity has its own name, habits, style….and deep affection for you."
Ren slammed his palms on the desk. "WHY are they all OBSESSED with me?!"
The doctor blinked. "Oh. That's not the disorder. That's just pure Evan."
Ren sat there frozen, processing the words like they were alien math formulas.
The doctor continued flipping through the file. "At first, it was just method acting," he explained. "He immersed himself into every role—mafia bosses, pirates, butlers, kings, soldiers, even a plumber."
Ren stared blankly. "A plumber… seriously…"
The doctor sighed, clearly carrying years of secondhand exhaustion. "But he didn't know where the character ended…and where Evan Vallen began. He poured his soul into every role until his mind simply…split them into separate selves."
Ren's throat went dry. "So you are saying…"
"Yes," the doctor said, resting his hands on the file. "His mind is now like a house full of actors, and every morning, one of them walks out to live the day."
Ren rubbed his temples furiously. "And there's no way to predict who it will be?"
The doctor shook his head solemnly. "None. You will just have to wait and see."
Ren threw his head back dramatically. "Oh my god. I married a man with SO MANY HUSBANDS inside him."
The doctor smiled knowingly. "And they all love you…..each in their own chaotic way."
Ren's face flushed in frustration. "Love? HA! They have tortured me since day one!"
"Would you like to speak to one now?" the doctor offered carefully.
"…You can do that?"
The doctor cleared his throat and motioned to the hallway. "Evan's here. Why don't you try?"
Ren hesitated, heart pounding as he stepped outside and nervously called out. "Evan?"
Evan turned with a soft expression, his calm sweater-clad self still intact.
Ren swallowed. "Who are you right now?"
Evan smiled, leaning casually against the wall. "Right now? I'm just Evan."
"Really? Not a plumber? Not the CEO?"
"Nope." He shrugged. "But… tomorrow? Who knows…"
As Evan walked away, Ren collapsed on the couch again.
Seven husbands down….how many more to go?
The therapist popped his head out of the door. "Would you like to reschedule our session?"
Ren waved his hand in surrender. "Forget it. Just give me a blanket."