The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1196

Stella froze, every hair on her body standing on end.

A primal instinct warned her of imminent danger—an overwhelming sense she’d only ever felt at the edge of life and death.

She stopped in her tracks, rooted to the spot as if nailed to the floor.

Joshua’s eyes flickered when he finally recognized her.

"It’s you," he murmured.

Snapping out of her daze, Stella stepped closer to his side. "Joshua, you should eat something."

Joshua rubbed his brow unconsciously. "My head is killing me. I’ll pass for now."

"You really shouldn’t," Stella insisted gently. "If you don’t eat, your headache will only get worse. It’s not good for your recovery. Please, try a little?"

His pupils trembled, and for a moment, it was as if he was trapped in a world washed in blood. Everything around him blurred into nothingness—except for the worried light in Stella’s eyes, shining through with vivid clarity.

Joshua clawed his way back to rationality, just barely.

He lowered his gaze. "...Fine."

Stella helped him sit up.

His hand was ice-cold, almost like marble. He clenched his fists so tightly the veins on the backs of his hands stood out in stark relief, his breath heavy, as if he was fighting an inner war just to keep himself in check.

Stella sensed something was wrong. She glanced at him, only to meet his gaze—his eyes were rimmed in red, a murderous glint flashing across them before vanishing.

His voice was harsh, raw. "...Star, you need to leave. Now."

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he struggled to hold himself together, his features twisting with the effort. Just keeping control was draining every ounce of his strength. The last thread of his sanity felt stretched to the breaking point—one wrong move, and it would snap, unleashing chaos.

He’d lose himself completely. Anyone nearby would be in danger.

Stella’s face paled. "Joshua—"

Before she could finish, his hand shot out and clamped around her throat.

His fingers were cold as ice, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.

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