Chapter 23
When Stella woke up, she felt imense pain. Her head was dizzy, her throat burned unbearably, and her whole body ached.
She coughed a few times and, upon raising her hand, noticed an IVtached to it. She turned her head and saw the drip bag hanging nearby.
“Stella, don’t move.”
Turning toward the voice, Stella saw her best friend standing by her side, looking deeply concerned.
“Caroline, was it you who brought me to the hospital?”
“No, it was Victor. He saw you in front of the bank,” Caroline replied her tone irritated. “Do you even know you had a high fever? Why, Stella? Just tell me why you’re pushing yourself like this for a man like your father? Your family doesn’t even appreciate you, and they still resent you for not having money.”
“I’m not doing this for him…” Stella struggled to sit up in bed. She wasn’t doing any of this for Jorge.
“I know. It’s for your mom, right?” Caroline exhaled sharply, still frustrated but carefully placed a pillow behind Stella’s head. “But Stella, your mother made her choice. She chose to be with your father. She decided on this life–even if she was crazy in love, it was
her decision!”
Stella didn’t respond, opting instead to change the subject.
“Where’s Victor? Did he leave?”
Caroline saw what Stella was doing and sighed deeply. “He’s in the doctor’s office, talking to them.” She paused and looked at Stella with hesitation. “I told him about your problem.”
“Caroline, you…” Stella wanted to protest but couldn’t find the words.
T
“I had no other choice. You’ve been so busy these past few days, and it’s obvious you don’t have the money. I had to tell him…..”
Before Stella could respond, the door opened, and Victor’s tall frame appeared.
“Stella, you’re awake? How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, Victor,” Stella replied, embarrassed.
“Why didn’t you tell me what was going on?” Victor asked as he moved closer to her bed.
Stella knew he was talking about Jorge. Victor had already helped her with so many things over the years. Asking him for money- especially a significant amount–felt impossible. She didn’t know when Jorge would repay it, and Victor’s company had recently expanded internationally, requiring substantial investments. How could she burden him with this now?
“I’ll leave you two to talk privately,” Caroline said, standing. “I’ll get something from the cafeteria for Stella.” Then she paused, as if remembering something. “By the way, I told Anna Collins you’re staying at my house to deal with some company matters. I didn’t mention you were sick.”
“Thank you,” Stella led faintly, then turned her gaze to Victor. “Victor, you can’t lend me this money, especially knowing you need it for your expansion.”
Meanwhile, Nathan sat on the sofa at home, his legs crossed, unbuttoning his shirt while his eyes fixated on the clock.
1/3
Chapter 23
It was almost eleven o’clock.
His expression grew colder by the second. Finally, he grabbed his coal and pulled out his phone to call Stella. Her phone, however,
was off.
In Nathan’s memory, Stella never stayed out late. Lately, she had been leaving early and returning later than usual, but she always made it back in time for dinner. Tonight, however, was different–it was nearly eleven, and she was nowhere to be seen.
Just then, Nathan’s phone tang. He assumed it was Stella but was surprised to see Zayan’s name on the screen.
“Nathan, where are you?”
“At home,” Nathan replied curtly. “Why?”
“I thought you’d be here. I haven’t seen you.”
“Here? What are you talking about?” Nathan asked, standing.
Stella is sick. Didn’t you know?”
“What?” Nathan’s brows furrowed, and his voice unintentionally betrayed a hint of anxiety.
“What kind of husband are you?” Zayan teased. “She’s at my hospital. You should visit her.”
Hanging up the phone, Nathan grabbed his keys and jacket and drove toward the hospital. At a traffic light, he recalled Stella’s pale face that morning. He had assumed she hadn’t slept well but had ignored the possibility she might be ill.
The streets around the hospital were still bustling, even at this late Hour. Snapping out of his thoughts as the light turned green, Nathan focused on reaching the hospital.
Once he parked, he checked Zayan’s message for Stella’s room number.
The door to her room was unlocked. Gently pushing it open, he heard voices inside. No one noticed his arrival.
“My company does need funds for expansion, but I can still lend you the money, Stella, Victor said, sitting by her side.
“I can’t use your money. You’ve already helped me so much since we were kids. That’s enough,” Stella replied, shaking her head.
“But I don’t mind helping you one more time,” Victor said with a soft smile.
“Victor, I…” Stella began, but her words were cut short by a cold laugh from the doorway.
She turned to the door, startled.
How was Nathan here?
While Stella was still processing his sudden presence, Nathan’s tall figure walked in and stopped in front of her bed.
“Am I interrupting something?”
“What exactly do you mean, President Nathan?” Victor smiled lightly. “We were just chatting about life.”
The two men stood face to face, theft gazes locked. Stella, still lying in bed, felt the weight of the tension between them. She could sense that the atmosphere had shifted in an unsettling way.
