Chapter 1
The hospital gown clung to her slender frame, providing little protection against the lingering chill of the sun-kissed air. Seeking solace, she sought out a secluded spot beneath the budding tree, its branches reaching towards the heavens with anticipation. With crossed arms, she exuded an air of both fragility and unyielding determination. Her face, a canvas of exquisite beauty, rarely betrayed her emotions. Yet, this stoicism only served to enhance her allure, her delicate skin a testament to her loneliness and undeniable magnetism. Taking a deep breath, her mood lifted ever so slightly as a figure approached. Evelyn appeared, holding a steaming thermos cup, her cascading curls framing her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled with brightness, her smile revealing a row of pristine teeth. She draped a man's uniform jacket over her own form, as if to flaunt her possession. Observing Stella's indifferent and breathtaking countenance, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. However, as her gaze shifted to Stella's weakened body, a laugh escaped her lips. She pulled her jacket closer, an attempt to accentuate her triumph. Stella regarded her coldly. "You truly are everywhere, aren't you?" Evelyn approached Stella slowly, her smile growing more radiant as she took in the pale face and frail figure before her. Bending down, she leaned in close to Stella's side and whispered, "Are you still refusing to admit defeat? Even the one you hold dearest now loves me..."
Chapter 2
: A Twisted Dance of Deception Pain lingered in the depths of Stella's eyes, etching a tale of anguish. She had been submerged underwater for far too long, her spirit drowning in the turmoil of her thoughts. Despite her waking anger, she found herself lacking the strength to release it. "You are truly despicable," she uttered, her voice laced with contempt. Evelyn couldn't help but chuckle, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes. "But, my dear, without my actions, how would you ever come to understand the meaning of sacrifice? After all, it was you who relentlessly pursued Otto Murphy," she replied, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Kelta, everyone knows that Otto is my fiancé! Do you think we are all fools?" Stella retorted, her words dripping with frustration. Evelyn burst into laughter, her body swaying with the force of it. "Even now, don't you see? We are all playing the fool," she mused, her tone filled with a twisted amusement. Stella was left speechless, her gaze turning cold as ice. Evelyn was right; they were all acting like fools. They continued to believe in her, despite her deceitful tricks. It was foolishness beyond measure, including Stella's own. "What? Still not convinced?" Evelyn's face suddenly changed, a look of helplessness washing over her features. She reached out to grab Stella's arm, her voice filled with desperation. "Stella, it's all my fault." "Don't touch me," Stella snapped, repulsion coursing through her veins. She swiftly raised her hand, blocking Evelyn's attempted touch. In her stumble, Evelyn dropped her thermos, the sound of it hitting the ground echoing with finality. Water splashed everywhere, a symbol of their shattered bond. Evelyn's voice rose in pain, her cry piercing the air. "Ah! It hurts!" "Stella, what are you doing?" A stern voice suddenly cut through the tense atmosphere. Startled, Stella whirled around, her heart pounding in her chest.A figure appeared at the door, hurtling towards them with a sense of urgency. Stella caught a fleeting glimpse of Otto's ruthless eyes before he forcefully pushed her aside. Weakened and in pain, she stumbled against the railing, a sharp twinge shooting through her waist. Her face grew even paler as she gripped the railing tightly, desperately seeking stability. Watching this scene unfold before her, Stella couldn't help but feel a sense of foolishness. She knew Evelyn would stop at nothing to achieve her goals, yet she kept falling into her traps. And she was well aware that Otto was no fool, but... "Otto, it hurts so much," Evelyn whimpered, her voice filled with agony. At her words, Otto stood up, his expression etched with heartbreak. "Hang in there. I'll take you to a doctor," he reassured her, bending down to lift Evelyn into his arms. He glanced sternly at Stella, who watched coldly from the sidelines. "You go back to your room first. I'll come to see you later!" Stella scoffed, her eyes brimming with sarcasm. Once Otto had left with Evelyn, she let out a cold, bitter laugh. Under a nearby tree, an old lady sat in a wheelchair, observing the scene with a quiet intensity. "Mariah, did you witness what just transpired?" she spoke, her sharp eyes fixed on Stella in the distance. Mariah, a woman in her fifties, respectfully inquired, "Did you see everything clearly, madam?" "Hmph, that girl, resorting to such foolish and despicable tactics," the old lady scoffed, her anger evident in her voice. "But doesn't this only prove that the other girl is even more gullible? Unable to handle such simple and crude tricks?" the other woman suggested. The old lady shook her head, a glimmer of wisdom shining in her eyes. "Mariah, you've misunderstood," she began. "Please enlighten me," Mariah requested. "The other girl is simply too principled. She's reluctant and repulsed by anything that goes against her moral compass and human ethics. That's why she can't fathom that there are people in this world who would stoop to such levels," the old lady explained. Mariah nodded, finally grasping the old lady's point. "I understand." The old lady continued to observe Stella intently. "However, there are some intriguing qualities about her temperament and nature. Call her over, I want to take a closer look," she instructed. Mariah's servant hesitated, voicing her concerns. "But ma'am, your grandson will be arriving soon. If he sees a stranger here..." "What can he possibly do to me?" the old lady retorted, her voice filled with affection for her grandson. Mariah smiled, reassured by the old lady's confidence. "Very well, I'll fetch her immediately." Just as they were about to summon Stella, the gate between the two trees nearby creaked, drawing their attention.
Chapter 3
They spun around, their eyes meeting the gaze of a man striding towards them in an impeccable black suit. He exuded an air of refinement with his tall and slender frame. His arched eyebrows and thin lips gave him a sharp appearance, yet a subtle smile danced in his eyes. The sound of his voice resonated deep and aloof. "Well, isn't Granny in quite the tizzy?" he remarked. In the afternoon sun, his figure cast a long and slender shadow. Every step he took exuded aristocracy and elegance. The old lady glanced at her grandson with a satisfied smirk before winking at Mariah. Without hesitation, Mariah turned on her heels and walked away. The man crouched down, gently taking the old lady's hand, and chuckled at her mockingly angry expression. "Who's got you all riled up, Granny? Shall I sort them out for you?" he playfully inquired. The old lady snorted, her voice filled with a mix of annoyance and affection. "Who else but you, my heartless grandson? Go find yourself a wife and have some children!" A hint of helplessness flickered in Cullen Griffin's eyes as he replied, "Granny, I just got back. How can I possibly find a woman and start a family?" The old lady huffed, her tone filled with years of frustration. "After all these years, your excuse remains the same!" With a disgruntled sigh, she then turned her attention towards Stella. Meanwhile, Mariah had approached Stella, who seemed slightly confused but followed her nonetheless. Cullen stood up, observing as Mariah led a tall woman towards them from a distance. The woman's paleness contrasted against her undeniable beauty, her loose hospital gown billowing in the wind, revealing her frailty.Cullen squinted, his eyes fixed on the woman's face as she drew nearer. But as Stella approached, her gaze filled with wariness and suspicion, he slowly averted his eyes. The encounter took him aback. It was the first time a woman had ever looked at him so openly. Her gaze barely grazed him before moving on to Granny. That nonchalant glance caught him off guard, leaving him feeling somewhat disappointed. He paused for a moment, then managed to conjure a faint smile. "Madam, is there something I can assist you with?" he inquired. Stella, bending slightly, her voice weakened by her illness, replied, "When conversing with someone in a wheelchair, it's best not to make them strain their neck by looking up. It can be quite uncomfortable." And so, Stella found herself half-squatting while engaging in conversation with the elderly lady. For a woman as fragile as Stella, it was an exhausting position to maintain. The amusement in the old lady's eyes deepened as she studied Stella's face intently. Nodding repeatedly, she exclaimed, "Excellent, simply excellent!" Stella, bewildered, could only muster a polite yet awkward smile. The old lady's exuberance made her question what exactly she had gotten herself into. "Don't be nervous, my dear. I mean you no harm," the old lady reassured her. "I'm just bored and thought you seemed like a pleasant individual, so I had you brought over. I understand it's rather sudden. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?" Faced with the old lady's unabashed enthusiasm, Stella shook her head. "It's alright. I'm used to being alone," she responded, a hint of bitterness flickering in her clear eyes, which the old lady keenly observed. Taking Stella's hand, she gently patted it, her expression tinged with concern. "What is your name, dear?" she inquired. "Stella," came the straightforward reply.
Chapter 4
Cullen couldn't help but feel the weight of the old woman's gaze as she turned her head towards him. Her eyes held a warning, as if daring him to disagree with her suggestion. A helpless smile played at the corners of Cullen's lips as he nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's a lovely name," he acknowledged. The old woman's eyebrows raised smugly as she turned her attention to Stella. "Come on, Stella, let me introduce you. This is my grandson, Cullen." Stella looked up at the man standing nearby, their eyes locking for a moment. There was something undeniably regal and refined about him, from his sharp features to his captivating presence. He was no ordinary man, that much was clear. A sense of familiarity tugged at Stella, but she couldn't quite place where she had seen him before. Perhaps she had been mistaken, as someone as handsome as him would surely be unforgettable. Cullen's eyes held a depth of wisdom that seemed to understand Stella's unease. Taking the initiative, he extended his hand towards her. "Hello, I'm Cullen Griffin." Stella reached out to shake his hand, attempting to stand up but hesitated. The numbness in her legs, combined with her recent back injury, made it difficult to move.With a slight shift in her stance, a tingling sensation spread through Stella's legs, causing them to weaken and her body to stumble backward. Panic briefly flashed across her face as a deep voice boomed above her head. "Watch out." In an instant, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, catching her before she could hit the ground. Stella found herself unexpectedly pressed against Cullen's chest, a refreshing scent enveloping her, intensifying her embarrassment. She hastily attempted to push him away, yet the numbness in her legs prevented her from regaining balance, causing her to slip out of his grasp. In a reflexive move, she reached out and clutched onto his solid shoulders. Simultaneously, the arm around her waist tightened, lifting her effortlessly. Stella bit her lip, mortified by her clumsiness and the fact that she had bumped into him not once, but twice. "Stay still," Cullen's deep and commanding voice compelled her to surrender her futile attempts at escape. The warmth radiating from his palm seeped through her clothes, making her acutely aware of their close proximity. Her body pressed against his, her cheek against his chest, Stella couldn't help but hear the rhythmic thumping of his heart, resonating like the beat of a drum. Her own heart raced, and her pale complexion finally flushed with a hint of crimson. This was the closest she had ever been to someone. Despite being in a long-term relationship with Otto, their physical contact had never gone beyond brief hugs during their farewells, devoid of any warmth. This was the extent of her comfort zone. As Cullen held her slender frame, which he could effortlessly encompass with just one arm, his delicate eyebrows twitched imperceptibly.
Chapter 5
Cullen cradled the delicate woman in his arms, his brows slightly furrowed. He tried to look down at her, but his chin collided with the top of her head. A soft tickle grazed his chin as her hair brushed against it. Avoiding her gaze, his eyes settled on her slender neck, visible beneath the oversized hospital gown. His gaze deepened, but before he could fully immerse himself, the woman stirred, a sweet scent filling his nostrils. He was momentarily taken aback. Stella shifted, feeling the numbness in her legs subside. She spoke in a low voice, "Thanks, I'm fine now." Cullen's heart skipped a beat as he gently released her. Seeing that she had steadied herself, he withdrew his hand. "Are you okay?" he asked. Stella blushed slightly and nodded. "I'm fine. Sorry, my legs were a bit numb just now." Cullen smiled. "I know, no need to explain." Such a simple sentence left Stella somewhat stunned. She felt a twinge of bitterness inside, but managed to maintain her composure. "Thank you," she said. The old lady, startled by the previous scene, watched with satisfaction and joy as she witnessed their interaction. It seemed her grandson wasn't as emotionless as she had believed. Cullen simply smiled faintly. Stella stood there for a moment, recalling Otto's earlier words. She turned to the old lady and said, "Ma'am, I have some things to take care of now. Which room are you in? I'll come keep you company once I'm done." "Over there! See that door? You can come in from here next time," the old lady pointed. Pausing for a moment, a crafty gleam appeared in the old lady's eyes. "Let's exchange phone numbers. Oh, I didn't bring my phone."The elderly woman spoke with a hint of urgency in her voice. Mariah, who was standing nearby, instinctively reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She took a step forward and addressed the old lady, her tone filled with concern. "Ma'am," Mariah began, but before she could finish her sentence, the old lady shot her a stern look. It was a glance that conveyed a clear message, prompting Mariah to understand and take a step back. "Cullen, quickly, use your phone to save her number for me," the old lady instructed, her voice laced with urgency. Cullen, though visibly perplexed, complied with the request. He retrieved a sleek black cell phone from his pocket and glanced at Stella. There was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes as he dialed her number and saved it into his phone. Once done, he stowed the device away and turned his attention back to Stella. Observing her frail figure, Cullen made a spontaneous decision. He removed his uniform and gently draped it over Stella's shoulders. The fabric emanated a comforting warmth, tinged with a subtle fragrance. It carried the essence of a man who had worn it with care. "Put it on, it's cold," Cullen said, his voice indifferent yet carrying a sense of underlying concern. His gaze met Stella's eyes, which held a surprising calmness. Stella's heart softened in that moment, her eyes reflecting a newfound warmth. It was unexpected that a stranger would offer her the solace and care she so desperately needed at that moment. But in the end, Stella made a decision. She took off the jacket and handed it back to Cullen, insisting that she would be fine. "I'll be back in my room soon. Wearing your jacket would only make it inconvenient when I have to return it to you," Stella explained, her voice gentle yet resolute. Cullen raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "Inconvenient, you say? Didn't you just promise to keep my grandma company? Or was that all just for show?" he questioned, his tone laced with curiosity. Stella was taken aback for a moment, shaking her head in response. "No, I truly intend to come over and keep your grandma company," she assured him, holding the jacket out to him once more. With a nod, she turned and made her way towards the exit. Cullen stood there, rooted to the spot, watching Stella's slender yet determined figure gradually fade into the distance. A glimmer of something unidentifiable flickered in his deep eyes. "Cullen," the old lady suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. He turned to look at her, awaiting her words. She smiled at him, her gaze filled with a hint of reproach. "Are you a blockhead? Go walk her back," she scolded gently. Cullen's confusion transformed into understanding, and without hesitation, he hurried after Stella, determined to accompany her on her journey.
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