جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 1300

Abigail asked, "Is it really worth it to gamble your happiness just to get back at a man?"Stella looked down, her voice soft. "I know it seems foolish. It's not just about that, though. Somehow, I feel there's something special between Geoff and me.""In what way?" Abigail prodded, her curiosity piqued.Stella's eyes lit up a little. "Geoff and I, we've shared the screen in three films. He kept his distance while I wore another man's ring. But now, as soon as my heart is up for grabs, he steps up. Seems like destiny, doesn't it?"Abigail's expression grew pensive, a knot of concern forming in her stomach. 'Is it destiny, or is Geoff just playing his cards after keeping an eye on Stella's situation with Lucas?' She questioned if this was just a strategy on Geoff's part rather than the stars aligning.Stella's voice wavered slightly. "Only a handful of friends were privy to my marriage with Lucas. I doubt the rest of our group had any idea."Abigail pondered for a moment before re

Stella stood her ground, refusing to acknowledge any connection with Lucas. Alan spoke with a cutting tone, "We both know Mr. White supports you. Isn't that the secret to your clean record in the entertainment industry?"Stella mused, 'The word has gotten out about my complicated history with Lucas. Does it even matter anymore?' Keeping her composure, she answered, "Aware as you are of my past with Lucas, you must realize that he's let me go. I'm afraid I'm not in a position to arrange the introduction you desire.""Stella," Alan pressed on, "you and Mr. White were close for a significant time. He must hold you in high regard. I'm certain he'd consider meeting me if you'd make the request."The reminder of her intimate history with Lucas was jarring, yet Stella managed a dismissive chuckle. "Our past interactions were what they were, and I doubt he sees me as anything more than he would anyone else now."Alan pressed on, "Should the details of Geoff's indiscretions become public, i

Lucas's face turned stern, and he left without uttering a word.Stella was at a loss for words. 'Why is he doing this? His former love is back—shouldn't he be with her? Yet, here he is, showing up out of the blue,' she thought. 'Thinking about this is too exhausting; the important thing now is to get back home. Being in a foreign country is so unfamiliar and lonely, but at home, I'll be safe.'After packing, Stella made her way to the airport, arriving just in time. Abigail had booked her a window seat in first class. To Stella's astonishment, she found Lucas sitting in the aisle seat of the same row.As Lucas glanced up, his eyes seemed to tease, almost as if saying, "You claim to want nothing to do with me, yet here you are."Frustrated and not wanting to give it another thought, Stella quickly asked a passing economy-class passenger for help. "Ma'am, is it possible for us to switch seats?" she asked.Being suddenly tugged by an unknown person was unsettling. The woman, initiall

Stella asked, "Is she a bad influence? How does she even do that?"Lucas replied, "She has too many ideas."Stella said, "Abigail has got her own career and ideas, and she doesn't bend to anyone's will—that's what bugs you about her, isn't it? I'm in a bind here because I genuinely enjoy Abigail's company; I cherish the time we spend together."Lucas chuckled, squeezing Stella's shoulder. "Hey, I was the one who set you free, not because I was dead."Confused, Stella peered at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"Lucas explained, "I mean, I'm the one who can call you back too."Stella felt a chill run down her spine. She realized Lucas was not just talking. She dreaded the thought of being pulled back into a life she just escaped.Lucas once found amusement in Stella's fear of him, but now he disliked it. "Are you scared now?" he asked as Stella kept her silence. He continued, "Look deeper at people in the future, and don't be swayed by mere flattery." When Stella did not reply,

"Is he leaving? Where is he headed?" Abigail asked with a calm voice, smiling at Johann. "You usually say we shouldn't talk about him. What made you mention him today?" She paused, then added, "We're not together anymore. His life has nothing to do with me now."Johann could not tell if Abigail was truly confused or just acting. He studied her expression, then offered her his smartphone. "Why don't you check out the news on the phone?" he said gently.But Abigail did not even glance at the phone, nor did she take it from him. "I'm really hungry. Can we have lunch first?" she said, changing the subject.Johann noticed her evasion, her reluctance to deal with the news. He felt a growing concern for her.Abigail sat at the dining table and started on a plate of pork belly stir-fry mashed potatoes. "Grandpa, this German delicacy, pork belly stir-fry, from Ms. Mosby is so good. It's just as tender as Grandma's was. Give it a try," she said with a smile. Ms. Mosby, their neighbor Lydia M