A Decade of Misplaced Devotion
In the hospital bed, Stella looked like a shadow of her former self: sallow skin, listless eyes, nothing like the radiant woman she once was.
When she saw me, her dull eyes brightened briefly before dimming again. "You came. I thought you'd never see me again."
Not there for small talk, I asked bluntly, "So, what's the deal?"
Stella gave a self-mocking laugh. "Happy seeing me like this?"
I shook my head impassively. "I don't feel joy or sorrow over a stranger's fate."
"Stranger," she muttered. "Yeah. That's us now. You're the type who loves or hates with everything you've got. I know no amount of begging will change your mind. But Matteo, please spare my family, okay?"