Chapter 201

[ 591 words ]

Stella had slept peacefully through it all. No matter the turmoil the Quarry and Larkin families had found themselves in, she remained untouched by the mayhem. She was up at the crack of dawn, planning to head to her studio. But instead, Ronald took her to the hospital.

Stella was puzzled. “Why does Old Mrs. Zeller want to see me?”

Old Mrs. Zeller, the elderly lady who had previously helped Ronald at the hospital had called him last night, expressing a desire to meet Stella.

And so, bright and early, Ronald had brought Stella over.

Ronald said, “Probably because she’s taken a liking to you.”

“Huh? But we’ve only met twice. Does she have a grandson or something?”

It’s often the case that when elderly women take a special interest in a young woman, matchmaking is usually their intention.

Ronald chuckled.

Affectionately pinching Stella’s cheek, he said, “If that was the reason, do you think I’d bring you here?”

Stella was left speechless.

Well, no, of course not.

She remembered back in Ferrowland, when she was just fifteen or sixteen, how the noble families had nearly broken down the Quinn family’s door, all in hopes of securing a marriage alliance with her.

The Quinn family heir and their biological daughter were out of reach, so many had set their sights on Stella. Unfortunately, all were turned away by Ronald on the grounds that she was still too young! Back then, she had indeed been young, but what about now?

Thinking this, Stella couldn’t help but give Ronald a few extra glances.

The car came to a stop.

Ronald said, “Let Idris accompany you.”

“Oh.”

Knowing Idris was there for additional plans besides driving, Stella hadn’t expected it was to accompany her to see Old Mrs. Zeller.

Idris got out of the car and respectfully opened the door for Stella.

She glanced at Ronald. “Then off I go.”

“”Wait.”

Just as Stella was about to step out of the car, Ronald suddenly called out to her, his voice tinged with a restrained desire. Stella turned back. “What’s up?”

Ronald pulled her back in, her back against the car door as he reached towards her chest.

Caught off guard by his sudden movement, Stella tensed, momentarily unsure of how to react. Her face flushed red in an instant. “Ron… Ronald….”

Stammering, Stella tried to speak, but at that moment, the words wouldn’t come. Her heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat. However, Ronald was merely adjusting her clothing.

Looking down, she saw Ronald’s well-defined fingers deftly buttoning up her shirt.

Stella was at a loss for words.

Ronald even checked the button carefully, his expression displeased. “The buttonhole’s gotten loose; you can’t wear this anymore.” Stella’s face turned even redder.

Ronald took off his scarf and wrapped it around her, the ends hanging down just right to cover up.

Looking up, Ronald saw Stella’s flushed face and stiffened. “Why are you blushing?”

Stella stammered, “I… well…”

Shoot! His sudden move had made her think he was about to do something else.

Catching on, a hint of amusement appeared in Ronald’s eyes. “Did you think I was about to do something to you?”

Stella’s already red face turned a deeper shade at Ronald’s words.

“Stop it.” She quickly turned to leave the car.

But as she did, Ronald caught her wrist, pulling gently, and Stella found herself crashing into his embrace. “You…”

A low chuckle escaped Ronald, his voice coming from above.

“So you’ve grown up, even learned to be shy.”

“Stop talking.”

Ronald pinched her cheek. “Tell me, what did you think I was going to do?”

“I don’t know, stop asking.”

The embarrassing thoughts that had flashed through her mind in that instant, she couldn’t let Ronald know.

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