Early the next morning.

Stella received a call from Dr. Winter. "I've drafted a new treatment plan. Would Ms. Cameron happen to be free tomorrow?"

Stella had been stressing over Joshua's condition. Besides Dr. Winter, not a single doctor she had sought out was willing to take the case.

She agreed without a second thought.

After hanging up, Stella thought of Laurel Quinn.

Laurel knew more about Joshua's condition than anyone else. Their relationship was complicated, and it seemed Laurel still harbored feelings for him. But in the face of his illness, none of that mattered. Moreover, Stella could tell Laurel genuinely wanted the best for Joshua.

With that in mind, Stella called to invite Laurel over.

Laurel agreed immediately, not even bothering to check her schedule.

Soon, the scheduled time arrived. Laurel showed up at Stella's place over an hour early.

For the convenience of the treatment, Stella had set up a dedicated medical room in the house, fully equipped with everything they might need.

After touring the room, Laurel said, "You've put a lot of thought into this, Ms. Cameron."

Stella replied, "Treating him at home is more convenient, and it reduces the risk of anyone tampering with his care."

Laurel nodded in agreement. But she still added, "It's been three months since the last time. If you can't find an effective treatment within the next three months, I strongly. suggest you put Joshua

und

hypnosis as soon as possible. The longer this drags on, the worse his condition will get."

Stella finally voiced the question she had been keeping buried inside. "Once Joshua is hypnotized... does that mean we have to separate?"

Laurel stayed silent for a few seconds before giving a slow nod.

"Yes. You can never appear in front of him again, or it might trigger his memories. After I performed the hypnosis on Joshua back then, Beckett Torres and I left and completely cut contact with him. It's only after all these years that I dared to show my face around him again."

She turned to look at Stella, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Honestly, my reappearance hasn't triggered or stimulated him much. In his heart, I simply wasn't that important."

At this point, Laurel glanced toward the door. Confirming Joshua wasn't around, she continued. "I'll be

f

straight with you, Ms. Cameron Joshua and I only had a marriage of convenience. We were husband and wife in name only. I did have feelings for him, but it was entirely one-sided. He never loved me. Or perhaps, at that time, he had no heart and no time for romance.

"While I cared for him, I didn't pour all my energy into love. After all, we had to fight for the position of family head. When your life is on the line, romance becomes insignificant. Who has time for love when they're trying not to die?

"We met at the wrong time, which meant we were doomed from the start. Just like a year ago—if Joshua had confessed to you then, you wouldn't have accepted him either. It's the same thing. And once you miss a chance with some things, they are gone forever."

Stella looked at her. "Why are you telling me all this, Ms. Quinn?"

Pnet

Laurel's expression turned solemn. "A person goes through a lot in a lifetime. There will be gains, and there will be losses. You've been married before; you should know that loving someone too deeply only ends up hurting both of you. And the way Joshua is now might be even more extreme than you were back, then. You have to love yourself first. Keep half your heart for yourself, and give the rest to your partner.