Chapter 76
Stella sighed inwardly, ‘I should have seen it coming. But it all happested so fast. And I didn’t expect that he’d planned everything like he always knew we’d marry.‘ She dismissed the thought.
The confident Stella of years past might have believed it, but now? She was simply grateful he’d embraced their charade. “Thank you, Mr. Erwin,” she murmured.
A flicker of amusement lit Jordan’s eyes. “We are married, Stella. Do you want your family hearing Mr. Erwin‘ from your lips?” Jordan, she corrected, warmth rising in her cheeks at the unexpected intimacy.
A faint, genuine smile touched Jordan’s lips. “Just focus on healing here,” he said gently. “Work can wait. Don’t worry about anything else. Feel free to hang out or stay at home.”
Stella nodded, a quiet sense of relief settling over her.
Lying in the unfamiliar bed that night, Stella tried to name the strange sensation. This new place somehow felt safer than home ever had. Here, she didn’t even feel the need to lock the door. A profound, almost illogical trust in Jordan filled her.
Years of online connection couldn’t explain this tangible security. Yet, it was there. That night, Stella sank into the deepest, most peaceful sleep she’d known in three years–deeper even than in Eleanor’s protective embrace.
Early the next morning, when Stella woke up, a maid informed her that Jordan had left for work and the doctor would arrive soon.
After a light breakfast–her appetite still frail, worse even than in the town–she prepared for the appointment, knowing her body needed time to readjust to stability,
The doctor examined Stella and said, “Mrs. Erwin, in all my years of practice, seeing your condition firsthand has truly shocked
me.”
“Will I recover?” Her voice barely carried.
“A full recovery isn’t possible, but you’ll see significant improvement. At least during seasonal changes, you won’t suffer as much as you do now,” answered the doctor.
“Thank you,” Stella said gratefully.
“Don’t mention it. I’ll do everything in my power to help you.”
Stella nodded gratefully.
Acupuncture brought deep aches rather than sharp pain. Thankfully, it was bearable for her.
After the session, the doctor advised her, “Try to get out and get some fresh air. Don’t stay cooped up at home all the time. Sunlight and movement heal what medicine can’t.”
Stella called Eleanor, asking to meet up, and Eleanor readily agreed. They met at a coffee shop.
The moment Eleanor saw Stella, she beamed and said warmly, “My dear granddaughter looks even more radiant than I remember.”
Stella chuckled, “Grandma, it’s only been half a day since we last saw each other. How could I possibly have gotten prettier in such
short time?”
1/3
Chapter 76
“Of course you have. You’re glowing with love–just what young people should be doing. I can tell Jordan, though a bit reserved, treats you exceptionally well.”
Eleanor said warmly, “Yesterday was Jordan’s first time at our house, but he didn’t hesitate for a second to defend you and let you teach Max a lesson.”
At Max’s name, Eleanor’s warmth vanished, “If he weren’t my grandson, I would’ve turned him in to the police long ago.”
“Grandma, you know what? If I didn’t look exactly like Anna, I’d seriously doubt whether I’m really part of this family. How can Mom and Dad treat Anna and Max with so much love, yet treat me like this?”
Stella said bitterness, “They couldn’t care less whether I lived or died–handing me over to kidnappers, using up my money, not even bothering to look for me. And after I came back, they just kept exploiting me. What did I ever do to deserve this?”
Eleanor sighed deeply. “I’ve truly never seen parents like them. I’ve told Andrew countless times, but he just won’t listen.” Eleanor sighed, “Fiona poisoned Anna against you,” Eleanor revealed.
“If your mom hadn’t kept telling you that Anna’s poor health was because you took too much nutrition from her in the womb, Anna wouldn’t have grown to resent you so deeply–and none of this would have happened.”
Stella stared at Eleanor in shock. “Grandma, wh-what do you mean?”
“I’m gathering evidence,” Eleanor whispered, leaning close. “When I prove Anna orchestrated the whole thing, justice will come- regardless of your parents” objections.”
Stella had doubted Eleanor’s resolve–after all, Anna was Eleanor’s granddaughter–how could a grandmother condemn her own
blood?
Now, seeing steel in Eleanor’s eyes, “Stella was deeply moved. She looked at Eleanor, her voice trembling with uncertainty. “Grandma, do you really believe me?”
Eleanor’s hand covered Stella’s, giving it a gentle, reassuring pat. “Sweetheart, you’ve suffered so much,” Eleanor said gently but firmly.
“If it truly was just an accident, I’ll just let go. But if it wasn’t, I’ll do everything in my power to clear your name and make things right for you.”
H
Stella hesitated, then asked, “But… Grandma, if Anna really did this, will you be in danger?”
Eleanor smiled gently and said, “Don’t worry about me. I won’t be around much longer anyway. If I can spend whatever time I have Left making things right for you, it’ll be worth it.”
Stella tightened her grip on Eleanor’s hand, her voice trembling with worry. “Grandma, you must be extra careful. If Anna really did that and finds out you’re investigating, she’ll definitely come after you. I just want you to be safe–please don’t take any risks.”
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