Chapter 49
Chapter 49
Grimacing in pain, Brian clutched his stomach outside the door. His face had paled considerably. “Those rice balls we had for dinner might have been bad. My stomach is killing me. Can you find me some medicine?”
Stella froze. “Is it that bad?”
I’ve been to the toilet twice already. What do you think?” Brian’s glare pierced through her.
Stella couldn’t help but laugh.
Catching Brian’s icy stare, she stifled a laugh and offered, “Let me help you back to your room to rest.”
She helped him to the bed and went to find some medicine.
She found some medicine, warmed a glass of water, and brought it to Brian.
“Here you go. Take this medicine.”
Brian sat up, gulped down the water, and swallowed the medicine. He swallowed them down before leaning back against the pillows.
“How are you feeling after taking the medicine?” Stella asked with concern.
“My stomach still hurts.”
“The medicine might take a while to work. In her pink nightgown, Stella perched on the edge of the bed. Her long hair, cascading down her shoulders, framed a face that radiated serenity and beauty.
They were now facing each other with nothing to say.
In the past, Stella always took the initiative to start conversations, chattering away incessantly. Experience had taught her to avoid self–inflicted embarrassment. She knew her constant chatter elicited no response from him.
In the quiet room, Brian’s phone suddenly rang.
He glanced at it and said to Stella, “It’s Alfred.”
“Oh?”
Fearing his grandfather would worry, Brian pleaded, “He probably saw the news and wants to check in. Help me out by not letting him know I’m sick.”
Stella recognized his filial nature, so she sat beside him, and they looked at the phone camera together.
As Brian answered the video call, Alfred’s face filled the screen. The sight of them sitting together in pajamas coared a rare smile from Alfred’s usually stern face.
“Stella, Brian, haven’t you two gone to bed yet?”
“We’re about to,” Brian replied, placing his arm around Stella
he called out, “Grandpa!”
Ifred asked with concern, “Stella, has this little rascal been picking on you?”
No. He’s been very good to me.”
rian couldn’t help but steal a glance at her as her voice softened.
Really? Then why did it seem like you two were pretty distant from each other?” Alfred had indeed heard he news about Brian and Jessica and was about to call him to give him a good scolding.
However, he saw Brian and Stella sitting on a bed together, seemingly getting along well.
Would we be sharing this bed if we were distant?” Stella murmured, leaning her head on Brian’s shoulder. Brian put his arm around as well.
A slight chill ran down Stella’s spine, but she forced a smile as her gaze locked on Alfred’s image on the video call.
A warm smile spread across Alfred’s face as he watched them. “Seeing you both so happy makes me feel relieved. Brian, try to cut back on those business trips this year. Spend more time with Stella, and maybe even welcome a great–grandchild into the family sometime soon.”
“Okay,” Brian replied.
“Stella, did you hear that? I’d love for you to spend more time with Brian. Perhaps you two could even start a family!”
Stella didn’t answer.
It was unlikely to happen, and her mood suddenly plummeted.
*Stella, I’m already 80 years old. I don’t have many years left. This is my only wish before I die. Won’t you help me fulfill it? Alfred looked heartbroken.
Unable to bear seeing Alfred’s distress, Stella simply nodded. “I understand, Grandpa.”
“You’re willing to give me a great–grandchild?” Alfred’s eyes lit up with joy.
Stella nodded. “I’ve always wanted to.”
“Did you hear that, Brian? Stella’s always wanted to have a baby with you. It’s your fault!”
“Okay, I’ll try harder in the future.” Brian nodded.