Chapter 82: Chapter 82

Chapter 82 Treatment

Bella could not help but tremble as tears rolled down her cheeks. She panted as if she was about to cry.

Dr. Lawrence rushed over to soothe her. "Do not place yourself in the situation, honey. Take a break from the story. You are safe here."

Bella stared intently with teary eyes at Dr. Lawrence as if she was her savior.

"Honey, take a deep breath and clear your brain."

Bella did as the doctor instructed her and, after a few attempts, sanity returned to her eyes.

"It wasn't so difficult, was it?"

"Hmm. I feel much better."

After Dr. Lawrence was sure that Bella was stable, she told her about PTSD.

"Many people go through difficult times after a major accident. Some seek help from a doctor, while others struggle with past traumas throughout their lives. A doctor will help you understand your psychological situation and get you out of the rut, but the key is you."

Dr. Lawrence picked up the painting, pointed at the man in it, and said, "You think that this woman's curse caused his death? It is not true. Curses don't kill people. Everyone curses themselves or others in their daily lives, and it is okay. Can you tell me what the actual cause of his death was?"

"A car hit him." Bella's voice caught in her throat.

"Yes, it was the driver who killed him," Dr. Lawrence pointed at the blank part on the painting, "and you should add it here."

"But I don't remember who hit him, or what the car looked like. It was too dark that night." Bella held her head in her hands as she felt frustrated.

"You don't have to carry all the stress on your own. Please trust the doctors and the police. Before anything else, trust yourself."

Dr. Lawrence gave her some anti-anxiety medication and instructed her to have them regularly.

As Bella walked out of the consulting room, she felt relieved.

Edward was equally relieved to see Bella in much better condition.

Both walked out of the hospital and flagged a taxi home.

As they walked into the yard, Edward suddenly stopped and said, "I have a surprise for you. Please close your eyes."

"What kind of surprise?"

"You'll find out when we walk into the house."

Bella closed her eyes and Edward led her toward the house.

"Honey, now, open your eyes," Edward said softly in her ear.

Bella opened her eyes and was moved to tears by the sight before her.

Colorful balloons filled up the entire ceiling, and the sofa was stacked with gifts.

Jenny and Kelvin both had a bouquet of lilies in their hand, which were Bella's favorite flowers.

"Bella, we love you and wish you all the best."

They gave her a warm hug.

"Thank you. Thank you all," Bella covered her mouth with her hand to stop herself from crying out loud and was so excited that she could barely speak.

"Sweetheart, you deserve it." Edward gently patted her on the shoulder.

"Well, you guys sit down," Bella said cheerfully, and she turned toward Edward. "Please, make some tuna salad."

After Edward left the living room, Bella, Jenny, and Kelvin sat on the single couches as the sofa was still stacked with gifts.

"Bella, we know about Bob. We're sorry that it happened," Jenny brought up the topic. When she saw Bella did not overreact, she continued, "We've been very concerned about you, so if there's anything you need, please just ask."

"Thank you. I just went to see a psychiatrist and I am fine now." Bella replied.

"If you are not feeling any discomfort, you can go out more often. On holiday, three of us can go shopping together. I've been looking for a lot of makeups on Instagram lately, all the most popular styles this year." Kelvin took out his phone and showed her pictures. "I can't wait to try these products from Sephora. I think this light blue eye shadow is especially perfect for you, although you're stunningly beautiful without makeup."

Kelvin's exaggerated expression and tone of voice amused Bella.

"Of course, I'd love to go."

Jenny was happy as she saw Bella's long-lost smile and she agreed. "I want to go too! Oh, my God! I want to try so many fun things in the world! Bella, come with me!"

Bella laughed out loud and tears gathered in her eyes.

She secretly wiped her tears, as she did not want them to think she was too sentimental.

"Hey, guys. What's so funny? Share with me." Edward approached with a large bowl of salad.

"We're discussing our plans for the weekend." Jenny took the bowl of salad and complimented Edward after tasting it. "Oh, Edward! Your cooking is amazing. I've been thinking about your food since Bella's last birthday."

Edward smiled softly, "Your compliment made my day."

Bella went to the kitchen and brought bowls to serve salad for everyone.

Suddenly Edward cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Bella, I have another surprise for you."

When she heard 'surprise,' Bella's eyes lit up. "What is it?"

"Wait a minute." Edward took an apple pie from the refrigerator and placed it on the coffee table. He fed her a small piece. "Try it."

Bella took a small bite with a familiar flavor and asked Edward, "Who made this?"

"I think you know the answer in your heart," Edward told her.

Bella placed the pie on the table and asked him, "My mother gave it to you, didn't she? Growing up, I loved her apple pie the most, but she rarely made it for me because Laney didn't like it."

"If they want to make it up to you, will you give them a chance?"

Bella thought for a long time and said tentatively, "I will try."

Edward clapped his hand toward the door as soon as he received Bella's answer. "You may come in."

Everyone turned toward the door and saw the Whites standing at the door.

They saw Bella and hesitated for a second before finally making up their minds and walking into the house.

They looked at her with concern and Mr. White said, "Bella, thank you for giving us this opportunity. We are aware of our mistakes. We will make amends. I have called Lanny back. We will teach her well and never condone it again."

Bella was so overwhelmed that she could not speak.

She was not a child anymore but a twenty-five years old grown-up, but she never gave up the hope that her parents would treat her fairly, and finally, the day came when they wanted to make it up to her.

"Dad, mom." She ran over to hug them.

Edward had a smile of satisfaction on his face as he witnessed everything.

He knew Bella needed love and respect more than the clinical therapy.