Chapter 68: What Kind Of Things
At the hospital, Stefan stood near the nurse’s station, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder. The discharge papers were finally signed, and he was cleared to go home.
The doctor offered him some final words. "Remember to limit screen exposure and don’t strain your eyes. Healing takes time."
"Understood," Stefan said quietly.
He was just about to return to his room when he noticed something that made him pause.
Across the hallway, just outside his room, his mother was standing close to Ivy, their heads bowed together, speaking in hushed tones.
They looked up briefly when they noticed him watching. Ivy offered a smile, the kind that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Elizabeth straightened her posture and turned away, as though nothing unusual had happened.
But Stefan wasn’t fooled. Since when were they so close? He thought.
He remembered vividly how cold things had gotten between them—especially after the incident with Richard. Elizabeth had never truly approved of Ivy since then. Their interactions were polite at best, icy at worst.
And now they were whispering like co-conspirators? Something wasn’t right.
His jaw clenched slightly. He didn’t say anything—not yet—but his mind was already working. Picking up on the tension. The strange timing. The secrets that lingered in every quiet look and unspoken word.
He walked back toward them with calm steps and a composed smile. "Is everything okay?"
Elizabeth turned quickly. "Yes, darling. Ivy and I were just... discussing the arrangements at home. Making sure everything’s ready for your return."