The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1975

You can't drag me into the light, only to shove me back down into the abyss."

Stella lowered her gaze. "Joshua, once you undergo the hypnosis, you'll forget all about me. You won't feel any pain."

"Star," he replied coldly. "I refuse to break up, and I refuse the treatment."

Taking a few steps back, she spun around to leave.

"Then we have nothing left to discuss."

Joshua caught her wrist. "Where are you going?"

She frowned. "To work."

Realizing she wasn't actually packing her bags, he slowly released his grip.

Stella retreated to her study, shutting the door firmly behind her.

Drained of all energy, she leaned heavily against the wood and slid down until she hit the floor.

Pulling her knees to her chest, she sat in a daze for what felt like hours.

The sharp ring of her phone finally shattered the dead silence of the room.

Pulling it out, she saw Dr. Winter's name flashing on the screen.

Forcing herself to sound composed, she answered.

"Dr. Winter."

The doctor's voice was as soothing as ever.

"Ms. Cameron, do you have some time tomorrow? I was hoping to come by and observe Dr. Hunt's session."

Normally, Stella would have gladly agreed.

But this time, she let out a long breath before replying, "I'm sorry, but starting tomorrow... Joshua won't be receiving any more treatment."

Dr. Winter was taken aback. "What happened?"

Exhaustion laced Stella's words. "Your theory was correct. Joshua lied to me. Dr. Hunt works for him. He was just putting on a show to make it look like he was recovering.

In reality... he hasn't improved at all.

Thank you for warning me, Doctor.

Stella's agonizing decision was entirely understandable.

She just wanted the man she loved to survive.

"Are you absolutely certain about this, Ms. Cameron?" Dr. Winter asked gently.

Stella bowed her head, her long hair falling forward to mask her devastation.

"Yes," she murmured, stripping all emotion from her voice. "I've made my choice."

"I highly doubt Mr. Gardner will surrender to this easily," Dr. Winter warned.

"He strikes me as a man who doesn't let go of what's his."

Stella simply replied, "I know," signaling the end of the conversation.

Sensing her distress, Dr. Winter didn't push.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, Stella hung up the phone.