I Should Have Left Then is a raw and emotionally powerful memoir that explores the devastating psychological impact of narcissistic abuse, emotional manipulation, and the slow erosion of self-worth within a toxic relationship.

Through deeply personal storytelling, Zella Rivers recounts her relationship with Lucian, a respected doctor whose charm, attentiveness, and quiet confidence initially appeared safe and comforting. What begins as a seemingly stable romance gradually ally unravels into a cycle of gaslighting, emotional cruelty, betrayal, and control. As the relationship intensifies, Zella finds herself questioning her instincts, apologizing for things that were never her fault, and losing pieces of herself in the process.

Set against the backdrop of professional healthcare environments, family dynamics, and private emotional battles, the memoir examines how abuse often hides behind subtle behaviors rather than visible violence. The manipulation is not immediate or obvious. Instead, it unfolds slowly through humiliation, emotional neglect, secrecy, public erasure, and calculated affection that keeps the the victim emotionally tethered.

Throughout the book, Zella offers an unfiltered account of trauma bonding, self-doubt, and survival whilee shedding sheddi light on the complex realities many survivors face when trying to leave abusive relationships. Her journey is not only one of heartbreak, but also of awakening, healing, and reclaiming her voice after years of emotional devastation.

Both intimate and deeply relatable, I Should Have Left Then serves as a powerful testimony for survivors of emotional and psychological abuse. It is a story about recognizing the warning signs too late, enduring the unbearable, and ultimately finding the strength to walk away and rebuild a life rooted in truth, dignity, and self-worth.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We have 20 years experience selling books worldwide! Friendly customer support. Your satisfaction guaranteed!

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Miramar International Services LLC

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

www.californiabooks.com

Right of withdrawal

If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.

Information regarding the right of withdrawal

Statutory right to withdraw

You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.

The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.

To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.

To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.

Effects of withdrawal

If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).

We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.

We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.

We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.

We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.

You shall send back the goods or hand them over to California Books, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.

Exceptions to the right of withdrawal

The right of withdrawal does not apply to:

The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.

Shipping Terms

www.californiabooks.com

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	3 to 7 business days	2 to 5 business days
First item	� 0.00	� 8.83

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.