Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 98

Camilla stood outside the therapist's office, her hand reaching out to give a soft knock on the glass door.

The door itself was sleek and modern, its surface pristine and transparent, allowing a glimpse into the space beyond.

Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a woman with a warm and welcoming smile.

Dr. Blackwell, the therapist, was an elderly woman who had spent thirty years working in the field and held a Ph.D. She stood in front of Camilla, exuding a sense of calmness and empathy.

Her soft, hazel eyes held a gentle spark, while her shoulder-length chestnut hair framed her face with effortless elegance.

"Camilla... Good morning," She greeted, her voice carrying a calming tone.

Camilla's own smile widened, mirroring the genuine warmth she saw in the therapist's expression.

"Good morning, Dr. Blackwell," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of nervousness and hope.

"Please come in." The older woman gestured, her hand gracefully guiding Camilla towards the therapeutic space.

As Camilla stepped inside, she found herself enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort.

The interior of the office embraced a minimalist aesthetic, with neutral tones and clean lines.

Natural light spilled through large windows, casting a soft glow that illuminated the room.

The floor beneath her feet was adorned with a plush, cream-colored carpet, providing a sense of coziness and warmth.

Taking a seat in one of the armchairs, she sank into its plushness, while Dr. Blackwell settled into her own chair, crossing her legs and giving Camilla her full attention.

She took a moment to observe Camilla's demeanor, sensing the apprehension in her eyes.

"Before we begin today's session, I'd like to check in with you," she started, her voice gentle and empathetic.

"How have you been feeling since our last session? Any changes or recurring challenges? Nightmares, perhaps?"

Camilla took a deep breath, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions.

She considered the question, reflecting on the past days and the rollercoaster of emotions she had experienced.

"I've had some ups and downs...Nightmares too," Camilla confessed, her voice wavering slightly.

"There were moments when I felt like I was finally making progress, but then my ex suddenly reappeared some days ago, and now it feels like I'm stuck in the same painful loop."

"I really thought I had moved past it all... but seeing him again... it all just felt like reopening old wounds," she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Dr. Blackwell nodded, her understanding gaze never leaving Camilla's face.

She reached for a notepad and pen, jotting down a few key points as she listened attentively.

And without looking up at Camilla she spoke, "Traumatic experiences can have quite a lasting impact on our psyche."

"And encountering your ex can definitely trigger some strong emotions and resurface traumatic memories," she acknowledged.

"But we're here to break that cycle together." Dr. Blackwell said, setting her notepad aside, her gaze now up and focused on Camilla with a determined smile on her face.

"That's why today, we would be working on a different therapeutic technique to help you face your fears."

Camilla furrowed her brow, curiosity mingled with a touch of caution. "And what's that?" she asked, her voice eager for answers.

Dr. Blackwell leaned forward, her tone both gentle and firm. "Hypnotherapy."

"In this state, we can access your subconscious mind to explore the accident that caused your trauma."

Camilla absorbed the information, intrigued yet cautious. "And that would help me get over my trauma?" She questioned,

Dr. Blackwell nodded, her reassuring smile still present. "Yes, hypnosis can be a powerful tool to help you process and heal from your trauma," she answered.

Camilla's curiosity deepened. "So, I'll be able to see and hear things that happened that night as if I'm experiencing them again?" she asked, seeking clarification.

Dr. Blackwell nodded, her voice gentle yet assuring. "Yes, in a sense. While you won't physically be reliving the events, you may have vivid sensations, emotions, and visuals that will aid in the healing process."

Camilla took a moment to process the information, weighing the potential benefits against her reservations.

The thought of reliving that dreadful night alone made her shudder, "But isn't that going to be difficult?" Camilla asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Dr. Blackwell leaned further forward, maintaining a steady and unwavering gaze.

"I won't deny that it can be challenging," she replied empathetically.

"Revisiting traumatic memories can stir up intense emotions. However, hypnotherapy provides a safe and controlled environment, allowing us to navigate through the experience at a pace that feels comfortable for you."

"And most of all, you won't be alone in this process, I will be there with you every step of the way." She explained, her tone soothing.

Camilla took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "Alright, let's do it," she affirmed, her voice filled with determination.

Dr. Blackwell smiled warmly, acknowledging Camilla's courage.

She stood up from her chair, indicating for Camilla to do the same.

"First, I want us to establish a deep state of relaxation," she explained, guiding Camilla to a comfortable reclining chair in the corner of the room.

The chair was plush and inviting, with soft cushions and a cozy blanket draped over it.

Camilla settled into the chair, feeling it's comforting embrace as she let out a deep breath.

Dr. Blackwell took a seat beside her, her presence calming and reassuring.

"I want you to close your eyes and focus on your breath," she instructed, her voice soothing.

"Allow yourself to sink into a state of deep relaxation, letting go of any tension or worries."

Camilla followed Dr. Blackwell's guidance, closing her eyes and taking slow, deliberate breaths.

With each exhale, she felt a sense of release, as if all the weight she had been feeling for the past few days was gradually lifting from her shoulders.

"Now, I want you to imagine a safe, tranquil place," Dr. Blackwell continued. "It can be a real or imagined place, somewhere that brings you comfort and peace."

Camilla's mind conjured an image of a secluded beach at sunset, with gentle waves lapping against the shore and a warm breeze caressing her skin.

She could almost feel the sand between her toes and hear the seagulls overhead.

"Good," Dr. Blackwell whispered. "Now, I'm going to count backward from ten, and with each count, you'll feel yourself drifting deeper into relaxation."

As Dr. Blackwell counted, Camilla's body grew heavier, and her mind felt lighter.

She entered a state of deep relaxation, her thoughts becoming calm and focused.

"Now, Camilla," Dr. Blackwell's voice came from a distance, "in this state of relaxation, I want you to imagine yourself standing at the doorway of a room.

This room represents the door to the memories of the accident that caused your trauma."

Camilla visualized the door, its surface weathered and slightly ajar.

She felt a mixture of apprehension and determination as she prepared to step through.

"Take your time," Dr. Blackwell encouraged. "When you're ready, open the door and step inside the room. You are safe, and I am right here with you."

Camilla's hand reached out, grasping the doorknob. With a deep breath, she turned it and pushed the door open.

She shuddered, feeling a sudden surge of fear wash over her as she was met with darkness, causing her heart to beat faster and her breathing to become more ragged.

Noticing Camilla's fear and racing heartbeat, Dr. Blackwell continued in a calm and reassuring voice, "It's okay, Camilla. Remember, you are in a state of deep relaxation and safety. You are here to explore and heal."

Camilla took a deep breath, grounding herself in Dr. Blackwell's words.

She felt a sense of trust and reassurance in the therapist's presence.

After a moment of silence, she heard Dr. Blackwell's voice breaking through the darkness she was in.

"Can you tell me what you see?" Dr. Blackwell asked.

Camilla's voice trembled as she replied, "Nothing... it's dark."

Dr. Blackwell continued her gentle questioning, "Are you holding anything in your hand?"

In the trance-like state, Camilla's awareness shifted inward.

She looked down at her hand and saw the glow of a mobile phone, its flashlight casting a dim light in the darkness.

Camilla's voice carried a mix of surprise and relief as she responded, "My phone... the flashlight is on... I can see a little."

Dr. Blackwell encouraged her, "Good. Now, slowly and steadily, begin walking towards the stairs where you had fallen."

"Trust yourself and the light guiding you. Remember, you are safe, and I am right here with you."

As Camilla took her first step, she felt a mixture of apprehension and determination.

The beam of light from her phone cut through the darkness, revealing glimpses of her surroundings.

And as she walked through the mezzanine area of the house, she heard the faint sound of footsteps behind her.

"Someone is following me?" She muttered.

Camilla, can you see who is following you? Take a moment to look and observe."

In the trance-like state, Camilla turned around, her eyes searching for any signs of presence.

After a brief pause, she replied with a touch of relief, "No... it stopped. I can't hear anything anymore."

Dr. Blackwell sighed softly in understanding, "It's okay, Camilla."

Camilla nodded, a mix of determination and apprehension fueling her steps.

In the trance-like state, she continued her journey to the stairs, the beam of light from her phone guiding her way.

As she reached the top of the stairs, Dr. Blackwell's voice broke through the silence once again. "Camilla, are you there? Can you hear me?"

Camilla nodded, her voice breaking as she replied, "Yes...I'm there."

Dr. Blackwell's tone was gentle and encouraging. "Take a moment to look around you, Camilla. What do you see?"

Camilla took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

She responded, her voice filled with uncertainty, "Nothing... just..." Suddenly, she gasped in fear, her breathing quickening, and shudders running through her body.

Dr. Blackwell once again observed Camilla's changed behavior, but this time the fear she displayed was significantly more intense, evident by her visible trembling.

"Camilla, try to calm down and listen to my voice," Dr. Blackwell said soothingly, her tone brimming with reassurance.

However, despite her efforts, Camilla's breathing remained rapid, and her body continued to tremble uncontrollably.

Tears streamed down her closed eyes, which were tightly shut.

Amidst sobs, she muttered, "He's holding me... my hand, it's slipping, he's going to let go... I'm going to fall...my baby... please no..."

Maintaining her composed demeanor, Dr. Blackwell provided Camilla with the necessary space to process her emotions.

"Take a deep breath, Camilla, and concentrate on your breathing," Dr. Blackwell gently instructed.

"Inhale slowly... and exhale... Let go of the tension and fear with each breath."

Gradually, Camilla managed to hear Dr. Blackwell's words, piercing through the walls of her trance.

She followed the guidance, taking deep breaths in and exhaling slowly.

As she continued, her breathing gradually stabilized, and the intensity of her trembling began to diminish.

Dr. Blackwell maintained her composed demeanor, speaking in a calm and steady voice.

"Excellent, now can you see the person who is holding you?" She asked, allowing a moment for Camilla to gather her thoughts and respond.

Camilla's voice was shaky as she responded, "No, he's... he's wearing a mask, I can't see his face."

Dr. Blackwell nodded, her expression one of understanding. "What kind? Tell me what it looks like."

"The mask... I can't really see it; it looks like a scary clown. It has two horns on its head and sharp teeth, forming a grin that stretches all the way to its cheeks." Camilla described her voice as filled with a mix of fear and unease.

Dr. Blackwell listened attentively, nodding her head slowly as she absorbed Camilla's description. "Is there anything else you notice?" She questioned.

Camilla shook her head, "No."

However, Dr. Blackwell persisted in her advice, saying, "Try looking about for an exposed region of his body. Are you still holding your phone? She inquired.

"Yes," Camilla replied, her voice slightly shaky. She held her phone tightly, the flashlight still illuminating the darkness around her.

"All right, what I need you to do is tilt your phone so the flashlight can clearly show you him," the older woman said.

"Try looking for any exposed part of his body, like his neck or hands, and let me know if you spot any tattoos or markings of any kind."

Camilla followed Dr. Blackwell's guidance, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the position of her phone.

With a deep breath, she tilted the phone to get a clearer view of the figure wearing the clown mask.

As the light from the flashlight illuminated the area, Camilla's eyes squinted as she noticed a silver bracelet with some kind of animal's paws engraved on it, glinting in the dim light.

It wrapped around the masked figure's wrist, adding an unexpected detail to the eerie presence before her.

"I see a silver bracelet on his wrist," Camilla whispered, her voice still shaking with fear.

"There are paw prints... engraved on it, like those of a wild animal." She exclaimed before gasping loudly and abruptly opening her eyes, breaking through her hypnotic trance.

"He let go....he pushed me off the stairs." She muttered, her hands on her chest, her breathing hard.

"He pushed me down the stairs...I didn't fall down on my own." Camilla's words trailed off, filled with shock and realization.

With tears flowing down her cheeks, she stared at Dr. Blackwell.

"Alexander...He lied to me...I didn't fall by myself." Dr.Blackwell saw how shattered she was and realized that no regular words could bring her the consolation she needed at that moment, so she took her into a hug, gently stroking her back and allowing her to vent those emotions.

"It's okay... you're safe." She whispered gently as she continued to rock back and forth.