I guessed that with Joshua''s personality, it wouldn''t be long before he made a move against you. So, I contacted Ste in advance and had people keep an eye on Joshua''s movements. Once Joshua headed your way, regardless of whether they lost him in the end, I would have Stee over and wait. This was only the second time, and we ran into Joshua."


    Laurel rubbed her aching neck and said, "Still, it''s a good thing. Ste can finally believe mepletely. My injury wasn''t for nothing."


    Beckett looked at her, wanting to say something, but ultimately just shook his head.


    ...


    Ste and Joshua drove home in silence.


    After closing the door, Ste poured two sses of water and ced them in front of each other.


    Ste spoke, "Joshua, you''ve never been one to escape reality. Why aren''t you trying to find a way to solve the problem, but instead trying to get rid of the person pointing out the problem?"


    Joshua knew that since Ste had shown up there, hiding it any longer was practically impossible.


    Heughed softly. "Solve the problem? How? Hypnosis? Star, you know I absolutely will not ept hypnosis."


    Ste instinctively said, "It doesn''t necessarily have to be hypnosis. Maybe we can find other treatments..."


    Joshua looked at Ste. "If there really were other ways, why did I have to be hypnotizedst time?"


    Ste froze slightly, but she quickly said, "Even if it''s hypnosis, I can stay by your side the whole time."


    Joshua was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly asked, "Then do you know why Laurel, Beckett, and I have clearly been partners, but haven''t been in touch all these years?"


    Ste''s breath hitched, instantly understanding what Joshua meant.


    "You mean..."


    Joshua suddenly hugged Ste tightly. "Star, do you want to break up with me?"


    Ste''s body stiffened, her hands and feet turning ice cold.


    Joshua said in a low voice, "Once I undergo hypnosis, you can''t appear in front of me, so as not to stimte the hypnosis and cause it to fail. Star, I don''t want to lie to you. The hypnosis Laurel used on meis already close to failing. Mayb because of the trauma


    experienced, or maybe because they appeared in front of me again, it gradually awakened my memories. In short, if I agree to the hypnosis, we will separate. Star, do you really want to separate from me?"


    If these words hade from anyone else, Ste wouldn''t have believed them.


    But ironically, these words came from Joshua''s mouth.


    Joshua looked down at Ste. "Laurel has been pushing for hypnosis, so she is the bad guy trying to tear us apart Star, tell me, does she deserve to die.


    Ste couldn''t speak.


    For a moment, Ste''s mind was inplete turmoil.


    She wanted Joshua to get treated, but she also didn''t want to be separated from him.


    Ste realized she was actually close to being persuaded by Joshua.


    She managed to say, "Maybe... we can still find other treatment options."


    Joshua held her hand and looked earnestly into her eyes.


    "Star, I can promise you, as long as it''s not hypnosis, I''m willing to try any treatment."


    Ste''s pupils trembled violently; she still needed some time to digest this cruel reality content belongs t


    "Joshua, I want to be alone for a bit, to really think about this."


    Joshua didn''t pester her. "Okay. Call me if you need anything."


    Ste nodded with her head down.


    Joshua gave her onest look, then got up and walked out of the room.