The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2005

During the hypnosis session, no one other than Colby Hunt and Joshua was allowed in the room.

Naturally, Dr. Winter had to step out.

Joshua stood rooted to the spot.

Dr. Winter looked at Stella, giving her a pointed glance.

Stella lowered her eyes and said, "Go."

Joshua stared at her. "Star, I'm asking you one last time. Do you really want me to do this?"

Stella nodded. "Go."

Joshua gave her a long, hard look. "Understood."

With that, he turned and walked toward the room, step by step.

In Stella's vision, his movements slowed to an agonizing crawl.

Every step felt like he was trampling on her heart.

The door clicked shut with a heavy, muffled thud, like a scene in slow motion.

Stella's mind went entirely blank.

Perhaps, the next time she saw him, he would have forgotten everything.

He would forget their time together, the pain, the joy, and the profound way he had loved her.

Stella slowly closed her eyes.

The clock in the empty living room ticked relentlessly.

It was too quiet.

So quiet she swore she could hear her own frozen heartbeat.

Her senses were sharp, but her brain was shutting down.

She sat there in a daze, like a lifeless statue.

She had no idea how much time had passed. It wasn't until a shadow fell over her that she finally snapped out of her trance.

She looked up, her movements stiff and mechanical.

Meeting her gaze was a handsome, familiar face.

He was looking down at her, his dark eyes like a tranquil sea.

"If you didn't want me to forget, why force me into hypnosis?"

Stella violently snapped back to reality. "You... you didn't forget?"

"No," Joshua replied.

Don't worry too much, Ms. Cameron. With Mr. Burton and Old Mr. Wyatt on it, we'll get it right."

Stella gave a tight nod.

Joshua and Colby walked off.

With him in charge, you have nothing to worry about, Ms. Cameron."

Stella nodded and was about to respond when a sudden wave of nausea hit her.

She paled, dry-heaving.

Dr. Winter rushed to support her, looking alarmed. "Ms. Cameron, are you okay?"

Fighting the urge to vomit, Stella gasped weakly, "Dr. Winter, could you point me to the restroom?"

Dr. Winter hurriedly escorted her to the restroom attached to the therapy room.

When Stella emerged, her face was ghost-white.

Dr. Winter stared at Stella's noticeably thinner face and suddenly asked, "Ms. Cameron, are you... pregnant?"