Chapter 11 I’ll Just Ask Him Later
Stella had slept like a log–so deeply she didn’t even have time to shower.
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When she finally woke up and rolled over in bed, the entire room was pitch black, not a single sliver of light slipping in.
Still half–asleep, she wondered if this place had some kind of smart home system
Maybe it had sensed the owner had gone to sleep and automatically shut the curtains.
A pale arm reached out from under the blanket as she groped around for her phone.
She finally found it near the pillow–it felt a bit cold.
She brought it up to her face and turned on the screen 4:01 p.m.
Stella’s almond–shaped eyes widened instantly, her brain kicking into high gear.
Good grief. She slept straight through to four in the afternoon the next day?
There were several messages on WhatsApp.
Ethan: “All the clothes we bought yesterday are at the villa. Tell Tina if you need anything else. Tll buy the villa next door as soon as possible. Call me if anything comes up.Mr. Nathan is also one of my investors. He’s a good guy. Plus, he’s not into women, so don’t worry–he’s not going to try anything.
That last message definitely woke her u
- up.
Not that she’d ever been worried Nathan would try anything.
She trusted his character, and more importantly, they couldn’t stand each other.
Last night when she fell on top of him, he didn’t even help her up.
Learning Lesson by Fourth Marriage: “Nathan’s into guys? For real? Spill it!”
No wonder there wasn’t anything about his love life on the internet.
Ethan replied almost instantly: “You’re finally awake! Any later and I was gonna call an ambulance.”
Stella: “Stick to the topic.
Ethan: “Just rumors and some stuff I noticed last night. I’m not sure. I only said it to give you some peace of mind”
Stella frowned. You can’t go around guessing people’s orientation without evidence. That’s not okay.
Ethan: “Got it. My bad
Stella: “I’ll just ask him later.
She figured it was perfectly reasonable to be curious about her mortal enemy’s orientation.
After all, they didn’t know how long they’d be sharing a house.
Might as well be mentally prepared in case he brought some guy home one day.
She stopped replying to Ethan, set down her phone, scratched at her messy hair, and got out of bed
Pulling the curtains open with both hands, she winced as bright sunlight flooded the room.
It took a few seconds to adjust before she could open her eyes fully. The sky was blue and clear, with scattered clouds.
The garden looked lovely, full of seasonal flowers.
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755 AM
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Chapter 11 I’ll Just Ask Him Later
Masses of bright pink roses were in bloom, and a gardener was trimming the branches.
Stretching with both arms raised, she turned and looked around.
Last night she’d been so tired she just dropped into the first familiar bedroom she saw and fell asleep.
Only now did she notice that the room hadn’t changed much at all.
Still spotless, still decorated in the French style she used to love.
The bedding was a refreshing pale green–fluffy and soft,
Looked like Nathan had just treated it like a regular guest room.
She opened the door and stepped out. Across the hall, the opposite door was open.
A flash of white caught her eye
Stella walked over and knocked lightly. “Nathan, you didn’t go to work today?”
That room had always been a study. Still was, apparently.
The handsome man inside wore a fitted white dress shirt that showed off the lines of his arms,
He was focused on his laptop, clearly working.
At the sound of her voice, Nathan turned. His gaze landed on her.
She looked soft and lazy, still half–awake, with long hair falling over her shoulders and a few messy strands sticking up on her hend. It was kind of cute.
Even though he’d stared at her all night, It still didn’t feel like enough.
Eleven years. No one knew how much he’d missed her.
“Got off early today,” he said with a warm smile..
Stella wandered into the room. Up close, she could see the dark circles under his eyes–he hadn’t slept well either.
She had to admit, his smile was stunning.
The little mole on the bridge of his nose shimmered under the light–refined and seductive all at once.
Back in high school, she never noticed. She’d been too focused on studying.
“Oh right, where are the clothes Ethan dropped off? I want to shower.”
Nathan looked calm. “The maid probably put them in your closet.”
Stella grinned. “How thoughtful. By the way, do you like guys or girls!”
The sudden shift clearly threw him off. His brows pulled together. “What?”
Stella blinked, “No big deal. I’m super open–minded. I just want to be mentally prepared. If you bring some big guy home one day, won’t be freaked out.”
She had always been blunt. Nathan knew that about her.
“Girls,” he said, adjusting his glasses.
Stella looked curious. “Then how come you’ve never dated anyone? You’re pushing thirty–total old man status.”
That was… unnecessarily blunt.
“Haven’t met the right person,” he said after a
pause.
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7:56 AM P P ·
Chapter 11 I’ll Just Ask Him Later
Stella shrugged “Fair enough. I’m gonna go shower.
After the shower, Stella felt completely refreshed.
She grabbed her phone and saw a message from Ethan on WhatsApp-
I’m outside the villa. Taking you to dinner.”
Stella replied: “On my way.”
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She stepped out of the room and saw Nathan was still in the study. She leaned in to say goodbye. “Nathan, Ethan’s here to take me to dinner. I’ll be back later. Don’t forget to leave the door unlocked.”
Nathan’s eyes dimmed slightly, but his voice was still gentle. “Okay. Add me on WhatsApp. Let me know when you’re back.”
Stella stood in the doorway, “Sure. What’s your number?”
After adding him, she waved. “I’m off!”
As her figure disappeared through the door, Nathan stood up.
He crossed the hallway just in time to see her vanish down the stairs.
He walked into her still–open room and looked out the window.
Her silhouette was slim and bright, her long hair tied in a high ponytail that swayed in the breeze.
man in a sleek black suit, with a bracelet on his wrist, got out of a car and opened the door for her. She stepped in
The Bentley eased onto the winding mountain road and disappeared from sight.
Nathan lifted a hand to close the curtains.
He turned, walked back to his room, removed his glasses, took off his blazer and shoes.
Pulling back the covers, he lay down.
His tall frame sank into the bedding. He buried his face in the pillow, breathing in the lingering scent she’d left behind. His long lashes quivered.
Only now did it feel real.
She’s really back. She smells so good…
