The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1168

Stella turned her head and froze. Slithering toward her was a snake, its scales gleaming with vivid colors in the moonlight.

It was about as thick as her forearm, tongue flickering out in quick, red darts. She didn’t know exactly what kind of snake it was, but the garish pattern on its body told her everything she needed to know—it was dangerously venomous.

A shiver crept over her scalp. Truth be told, there was nothing she feared more than snakes.

Of course, the woods were crawling with them.

The snake, sensing her presence, coiled itself tightly, ready to strike at any moment.

Stella’s grip tightened around the knife she carried—a gift from Joshua not long ago. Compact, lightweight, perfect for self-defense.

She kept her eyes locked on the snake, every muscle tensed.

The serpent glided a little closer, closing the gap until it was near enough to strike.

Stella braced herself, watching it advance.

Suddenly, she lunged, slashing out with the blade.

The knife cut straight through—the snake’s head flew to one side, its body collapsing in silence.

A foul, metallic scent filled the air. Stella gagged, her stomach heaving. The stench was overwhelming.

Just then, in the quiet of the night, she heard something moving in the darkness.

Forgetting her nausea, Stella looked up, alert.

From the shadows, a tall, familiar figure emerged.

Relief swept through her as she recognized Joshua. Every nerve in her body uncoiled at once, and she nearly slumped with exhaustion.

“Joshua,” she breathed, “how did you find me out here?”

He looked at her pale face and answered, “Rain leaves traces on the trail. I followed them.”

Stella’s anxiety spiked. “You mean I left footprints?”

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