The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1943

Stella took a soft breath, desperately trying to rein in her spiraling emotions.

"Aren't you afraid I'll break up with you now that I know?"

Hearing this, Joshua flashed a bright, harmless smile.

He said gently, "Star, as far as I'm concerned, unless I agree to a breakup, it simply isn't going to happen."

Stella's expression grew cold. Staring unblinkingly into his eyes, she enunciated every word carefully:

"And if I insist on leaving? What then? Are you going to kill me?"

Joshua's voice only grew softer. "You are the most important person in my world, Star. How could I ever bear to hurt you?"

He paused, knitting his brows as if genuinely pondering the best way to handle the hypothetical situation.

After a moment, he looked up at Stella, his smile radiant.

"Maybe I'll just have to chain you up. That way, my Star could never run away."

Stella stared blankly at his devastatingly handsome face, a bone-deep chill creeping up from her very core and making her shiver.

While she was lost in a daze of horror, Joshua gently pulled her into his embrace.

"Star, I'm only joking. How could I ever lock you away?

If you tried to leave me, I would just follow you relentlessly and refuse to let go until you weren't mad anymore.

We're getting married soon. Please don't talk about breaking up anymore, okay?"

His voice had turned deep and seductive, his gaze softening into a humble, irresistible plea.

Stella had always been vulnerable to his softer side, and seeing Joshua like this instantly melted half of her resolve.

I am the head of the Gardner family. Whether Marvin gets taken away or not depends entirely on a single word from me.

Besides, Neville has already made his choice. Star, he might have feelings for you, but he would never sacrifice everything for you.

As for Wilbur and Gideon... I know you have no romantic interest in them, but I can't stand seeing you too close to any other man. I get jealous."

Joshua laid out his utterly brazen justifications without missing a beat.

Stella honestly didn't know whether to curse him for being a shameless psycho or commend him for his terrifying honesty.

Yet not a single word he uttered held even a hint of remorse.

Stella looked at him. "Joshua, can you promise me that you'll stop targeting the people around me?"

Joshua replied, "If they stop buzzing around you and getting in my way, I can promise to leave them alone."