Chapter 286: Betrayal
The lingering scars of his past relationship were evident, subtly shaping his behavior even within their current arrangement. Yet, the evolution of their connection had surpassed mere convenience. What once started as a calculated agreement now bore the resemblance of a genuine relationship.
Matteo’s presence had become an anchor for Stella, a refuge where she found solace and reassurance. He filled the voids of insecurity, offering a sense of protection that seemed to mend the wounds of her own past. However, the recent events had shown her the boundaries of their dynamic.
In the careful dance between intimacy and autonomy, she had learned that while Matteo provided her with security, her freedom still had limits.
Good things never last.
As this realization settled within her, the elevator’s chime punctuated her thoughts. The doors slid open.
It had pricked his senses when Matteo had asked Stella what was happening and she had lied to him. Stella, lie to him—there had to be a very valid reason for her to do so. Not one time, not two times, but the entire night until the moment that he had dropped her off. Which was why the moment he’d dropped her off, he’d taken the initiative to park his car in a dark spot, two apartment buildings away from hers.
While he watched from afar, he’d contemplated calling her out and taking her somewhere, at least to get her to talk as it was clear she was not in the mood for anything else but that. But all of his contemplations had faded to the cloud when he’d watched her walk out of her apartment building.
It was clear from the way she was dressed that she did not want to be noticed by anyone, which meant she suspected she was being followed. But by who?
His senses had tingled further when he saw her stop abruptly in her tracks. Did she see something? Was she being called into a dark corner? From a distance, he’d noticed her body reactions and from the way she’d braced herself for flight—it was clear that she was in danger.