Chapter 40 A Bracelet in the Morning Light
Chapter 40 A Bracelet in the Morning Light
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Even as he told himself to leave it alone, Lucas couldn’t resist. He tapped the photo, enlarging it bit by bit, studying every detail
It was Stella.
Not someone who merely looked like her–it was her.
Back in school, she’d been both the top student and the campus beauty. Proud by nature but never unkind, she carried herself with a warmth that made her easy to be around. On the surface, she seemed like someone any boy could win over with enough effort.
He’d learned the truth the hard way–getting close to her was like trying to climb into the clouds.
Those luminous eyes had always been her most striking feature. Since she’d died, he’d never seen another pair to match them or a face to rival hers.
Jackson wasn’t replying. Lucas’s cigarette smoke curled in the confined space of the van until the air was thick and harsh.
Hannah coughed several times, frowning at him. “Lucas, open a window, will you?”
What kind of habit was this–smoking in the car with the windows shut?
But Lucas didn’t hear her. His head was bent, his fingers moving almost on their own as he opened Twitter.
A quick scan of the trending page turned up nothing about Stella.
His gaze darkened, disappointment sinking deep.
- if it really was her-
The driver cracked open the back window from the front. A gust of wind swept in, catching the ash at the tip of Lucas’s cigarette.
When he raised his hand to tap it away, the ash blew into his face, the embers stinging against his skin.
The sting snapped him back. He flicked the dying cigarette out the window.
“Who told you to open that?” His voice was a sudden, sharp bark.
The driver flinched. “Ah. Hannah kept coughing”
Even Hannah startled at the outburst, her eyes wide
Lucas shut his eyes briefly, forcing down the surge of temper. He exhaled slowly, just about to speak when his phone buzzed in his hand.
Jackson had replied. “Tomorrow I’ve got a basketball game. She’s bound to show up. If you don’t believe me, come see her yourself”
The next morning dawned bright and warm.
After washing up. Stella bounded down the stairs. These days, she went to bed each night wondering what breakfast would be waiting in the morning–just like when her parents had still been alive
Her father, no matter how busy with work, had always made breakfast for the family before heading out. Back then, she’d fall asleep each night in happy anticipation
Halfway down the stairs, the smell hit her–rich, savory meat broth.
Her stomach stirred and she hurried to the kitchen
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3:50 PM P
Chapter 40 A Bracelet in the Morning Light
There, a man with broad shoulders and a narrow waist stood at the stove, an apron
on tied neatly around him.
The black fabric drew in at his lean waist, the lines of his body impossibly attractive.
She didn’t dare look for long.
Leaning around him, she peeked into the pot. “Mr. Foster, what’s on the menu today?”
“Beef noodle soup Nathan lowered his head, answering warmly as his gaze rested on her bright, delicate face.
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The butler lingered at the doorway, the corners of his mouth tugging upward. From where he stood, they looked no different from a married couple.
Stella glanced from the bubbling pot to the tender, fragrant beef simmering on the side.
She turned to the butler with a thumbs–up. “This broth has to be yours again, right? You’re amazing. You could be a top chef.
His eyelid twitched, and he said without a shred of modesty, “Not a waste at all.”
He couldn’t cook a thing.
“Go wait outside, Nathan said, smoothly tipping the noodles into the bone broth.
When his wrist lifted, Stella caught sight of the gold bamboo bracelet she’d given him last night.
Against his pale skin, the warm metal gleamed. The shape of the bamboo links seemed to sharpen the clean, graceful lines of his wrist. Elegant. Refined,
Her eyes widened, a flicker of surprise running through her.
She hadn’t expected him to wear it–and certainly not for it to suit him so perfectly.
Of course. She thought with a lift of pride. She had chosen well.
Two steaming bowls topped with chopped scallions landed on the table.
One sip, and Stella’s eyes lit up. This is amazing! I wouldn’t put it down even if someone slapped me.”
Nathan’s sinile was mild and polished, his gaze fixed on her. “That’s the way to live.”
She narrowed her eyes at him with a grin. “Someone’s been spending too much time on Instagram. Oh–today I’m going to Ashford High School to watch a basketball game. Do you remember the friendly match we had back in high school?”
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