Chapter 31 A Present
This plan should be enough to prove she only wanted to sleep in the hotel for the night.”
Would the doctor standing there be willing to help?
Finished
Stella’s eyes brightened as she spoke with a smile, “You look like someone I can trust. I don’t see why I wouldn’t believe you! But heading to a hotel might not be the best option. If you’re okay with it, why don’t you come over to my place? I live alone.”
Caroline paused for a moment, feeling uncertain. “Are you sure that wouldn’t be too much of a hassle for you?”
“Don’t worry about it. Honestly, I’ve been hoping for someone to talk to,” Stella replied, not giving her the chance to say more. She grabbed Caroline’s hand and added, “It’s getting late–come on, let’s head to my place.”
Caroline walked out of the tea shop with her and climbed into the front seat of the car.
While driving, Stella made casual conversation. “Oh, I just realized—I never asked what your
name is.”
In truth, Stella had already looked into everything about her, including her name.
But from Caroline’s perspective, they were complete strangers.
“I’m Caroline. What about you?”
“Stella,” she replied with a smile.
They kept talking as the car pulled up to the gate of a neighborhood.
Once the car was parked, Stella led Caroline up to her
apartment.
As the lights flickered on in the living room, Caroline stood still for a moment, feeling slightly out of place.
The living room was done up in a dark shade of grey.
Stella didn’t look older than 25, which made the gloomy style seem out of place.
“Caroline, come with me,” Stella said as she headed down the hallway. “This is where you’ll be staying tonight–the guest room.”
She returned to the cabinet, pulled out a dress with spaghetti straps, and passed it to Caroline. “It’s brand new–I haven’t worn it before. You can put it on after your shower.”
Caroline accepted it with a grin. “Thanks, I’ll go wash up now.”
Stella’s eyes lit up with a warm smile. “Alright, I’ve got a few things to handle. I’ll be back soon. Feel free to sleep early once you’re done.”
8.33 PM
Chapter 31 A Present
She left in a rush right after saying that.
There might’ve been something that needed her attention right away.
Caroline picked up the sleepwear and walked into the bathroom to take a shower.
→Finished
At the same time, Stella stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor and came across Blake near the apartment’s entrance.
Blake’s brows knit together. “Why are you here?”
He knew she wasn’t a fan of his apartment–it had a heavy, stifling vibe–so she wouldn’t show up without a reason.
Stella gave him a silly grin. “Can’t I drop by just because I want to? I brought you a present–it’s inside. I’ve got something else to take care of, so I’ll head out now.”
With that, she dashed off, clearly in high spirits.
Blake stared after her, a slight smile forming
on his face.
He couldn’t help but wonder what had put her in such a cheerful mood.
It was unlike her to show up out of nowhere with a present.
Now he was genuinely curious about what she’d left for him.
When he got back, he noticed the lights in the living room were still on.
Figuring Stella had just forgotten to switch them off, he shrugged it off.
He tossed his jacket onto the couch and glanced around the room, but there was no sign of any present.
Maybe she left it in the bedroom?
As Blake headed for the bedroom, the bathroom door swung open unexpectedly.
Their eyes locked, and both froze for a second.
Caroline’s hair was wet, beads of water slipping down and soaking into her sleepwear. Her pale skin peeked through faintly, making her look particularly sexy.
It was the first time Blake had seen Caroline like that, and for a moment, he stood frozen, completely taken aback.
Caroline instinctively looked down at her revealing sleepwear. Flustered, she quickly turned around and rushed into her room, shutting the door behind her.
Pressing her back against it, she let out a long breath.
Chapter 31 A Present
She couldn’t help but wonder why Blake was visiting Stella so late.
Was there something more between them than just colleagues?
No, they both shared the same last name–could they be family?
Finished:
Shaking off the thoughts, Caroline changed into her clothes and marie her way to the living room, only to find Blake already seated on the couch.
A plate of strawberries sat on the coffee table in front of him.
“Ms. Somerton, since you showed up without notice, I don’t have much to offer, but feel free to have some fruit,” Blake said nonchalantly.
As he saw Caroline in his home, it clicked–so the gift Stella had mentioned was actually Caroline.
Wait, this is Blake’s house?
Caroline was puzzled. “Stella told me this was her place, but you’re saying it’s yours. Are you two siblings?”
A faint smile tugged at the usually serious expression on Blake’s face. “That’s right, she’s my sister, but this is my house. She has her own place.”
Blake and Stella lived together in a villa, but this apartment was just for his convenience when going to work.
Caroline’s embarrassment deepened, and she nervously fiddled with the hem of her clothes.
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