Chapter 1895
When Love Comes Late
âNo need,â Bella interjected.
âWeâre all family here.
â
Earle nodded and launched into a direct explanation.
âThe examination revealed two primary sources for your headaches.
One from medication side effects, the other from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
Have you experienced any significant past trauma, perhaps an accident?â
Bella readily admitted, âThere was a car accident in the past.
â
Kristian felt a cold sweat clamp his palms as he listened.
When Bella mentioned the accident, he blurted out, his voice strained, âIt was just a minor incident; surely that wouldnât cause such severe aftereffects, would it?â
Earle offered a calm assessment.
âThe severity of trauma is often measured by a patientâs psychological resilience, not the severity of the accident itself.
If sheâd experienced emotional distress, seeking treatment as soon as possible is highly recommended.
â
Earleâs lecture left Kristian speechless.
All he could manage was a choked agreement.
âYouâre right.
â
He was growing flustered by the minute, but he forced himself to remain calm.
The doctor continued, âFor a swift recovery, I suggest psychological counseling.
Itâs more stable.
â
Kristian didnât question Earleâs expertise.
But he couldnât let this continue.
âI donât think thatâs necessary,â Kristian blurted, turning to Bella.
âThese are painful memories.
Why force yourself to relive them? Some things are best left forgotten.
They wonât affect our lives.
Thereâs no need to torment yourself.
â
He offered a curt nod to Earle.
âThank you for examining my wife, but I donât want her to recall these unhappy memories.
â
With that, he attempted to usher Bella away.
But Bella stopped him, her grip on his hand surprisingly firm.
âI want the treatment,â she declared, her voice unwavering.
Kristianâs heart plummeted.
âButâ¦â
He desperately searched for words to dissuade her.
âThere is nothing to worry about,â Bella pressed.
âThose past memories have haunted me for too long.
Living in this fog is unbearable.
Iâd rather face the pain and find clarity.
â
Bella was adamant, and Kristian couldnât sway her decision.
After Earle outlined the follow-up treatment plans, they left the hospital.
Stella offered to accompany Bella home, but Cordell stopped her.
âI need to speak with you,â he said.
âWith me?â Stella pointed to herself, puzzled.
Cordell paused, and then spoke with significance.
âItâs about Matthewâs personal matters.
â
Bella interjected, âMr.
Clarkâs issues are more pressing.
Kristian and I will manage on our own.
Stella, you should stay.
â
âOkay,â Stella replied firmly, determined not to miss any details concerning Matthew.