Brett brought in the world's most famous hypnotist since he didn't believe the hospital's claim that memory couldn't be controlled.
He wanted to make Izabella forget that painful part of her life, believing that once she did, she could recover and have a fresh start.
So, Brett fired the psychologist, had the hypnotist hypnotize Izabella daily, and combined it with some medical treatment.
The moment the hospital heard about using hypnosis drugs, they immediately warned Brett that the drugs were similar to mind-controlling ones injected directly into her brain. If used improperly, Izabella could end up with cerebral palsy and turn into an someone with intellectual disability.
But Brett didn't listen. He questioned the doctor, "So, what should I do? It's been 20 days, and she's no different from when we started. Is there any difference between her current state and a real dummy?"
"She's even worse than a dummy. At least a dummy can still find happiness in their own world, while she is in constant pain. I don't care if she becomes stupid; I'll take care of her for life."
He had made his mind. Still, for safety, the hospital made him sign an agreement stating that any problems with Izabella's treatment wouldn't involve them.
Izabella was forced to undergo hypnosis. In the hypnotic world, she felt the whole world go quiet; she couldn't hear or see anything.
A window was open, the wind gently pouring in, cold, yet she was experiencing both icy and fiery feelings; her forehead and back soaked with cold sweat.
Fear gripped her soul as she felt like she had fallen into a bottomless, lightless pit. The heavy darkness threatened to drive her mad instantly.
She tried her best to open her eyes, attempting to see what lay before her. But why were there so many people in front of her? Who were they?
Izabella was terrified but couldn't escape or break free, it was as if she found herself in the wrong place and time.
Familiar faces appeared one by one in her empty consciousness, lingering in her mind before morphing into photographs and getting torn apart into confetti. She reached out to touch them, only to hear their voices overlapping.
"Izabella."
"Izabella."
"Bella."
"Ms. Salotti."
"Madam."
"Ms. Salotti..."
Many people were calling her name. She looked at each of them: Secretary Hansen, the orphanage director, Liam, Jennifer, her grandfather, her father, Lucas Salotti, Amelia, Mr. Felton, Presley Felton.
Finally, she saw the silhouettes of Brett and Ryker. A bright light appeared suddenly, and as it disappeared, the shadows gradually faded away one by one. She stretched out her hand to grab them but touched nothing.
If someone asked Izabella what the happiest time of her life was, she'd say it was before she turned 18. Although her mother had passed away, and her father didn't love her, she still had her grandfather and the Feltons, who treated her like their own daughter. Presley was like her brother.
Her future was full of hope as the man who saved her shone brighter and brighter in her heart, lighting up her youth.
However, catastrophes always struck when least expected. If she hadn't clung to the love that didn't belong to her, and if she had met the 22-year-old Brett, would everything have been different?
If she hadn't been so stubborn and strong-willed.
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