Chapter 116

The black silk ribbon plunged Stella Valentine's world into darkness as it covered her eyes.

Her fingers instinctively tightened around Mr. Alistair's sleeve.

"Afraid?" His deep voice murmured near her ear.

"Not afraid..." She bit her lip. "Just...unaccustomed to sudden darkness."

A soft chuckle vibrated through his chest. His warm palm covered her trembling hand. "I'm here."

Those three words worked like magic, easing the tension in her shoulders.

"Mr. Alistair."

"Hmm?"

"That phrase you used earlier..."

"Which one?"

"The...backdoor thing..." Her voice dwindled to a whisper.

He halted abruptly. She stumbled forward, colliding with his solid chest.

"Where exactly did your mind wander?" Amusement laced his tone.

Heat flooded her cheeks. "I merely—"

"Merely what?" His breath teased her burning earlobe as he leaned closer.

"You men..." She turned her face away in flustered indignation. "Always overcomplicating things."

His chest shook with silent laughter as he pulled her closer. "My world is simple. Just you and the children."

"..."

"Your ears are red."

"They are not!"

"I can see them."

Stella stomped her foot in protest. "Unfair. You can see me, but I can't see you."

A weighted pause. Then a sigh. "Stella..."

"I know." She cut him off gently. "I'm not asking to see your face now. I just want...to know you better."

His body stiffened against hers.

"Like..." She gathered courage. "Your favorite food. Favorite color. Whether you prefer sunny or rainy days—mmph!"

His lips silenced hers in a kiss so tender and lingering, her knees nearly buckled afterward.

"Stella." His voice had gone rough.

"Yes?" She swayed dizzily.

"My world was barren." His whisper feathered across her damp lips. "Until you."

Her heart stuttered.

"Food was mere sustenance. Weather never affected my mood." His fingers traced the hem of her dress. "But now...I have a favorite color."

"...Which is?"

"Lilac." Like the Chanel dress Joy had chosen for her.

"Wear it more often."

"Okay."

A satisfied kiss landed on her forehead before he guided her forward. He navigated Unique Jewelry's layout flawlessly, avoiding all staff until they reached the exit.

"Hold tight."

Suddenly, she was swept into his arms.

"Mr. Alistair!"

"Don't struggle." His arms tightened. "Walking blindfolded is dangerous."

"But—"

"Stella." His tone turned grave. "There's one word I dread—'what if.'"

Understanding dawned. This was why he treated every precaution with such gravity.

She stopped resisting, looping her arms around his neck and resting her cheek against his heartbeat.

"Have I gained weight?"

He adjusted his grip. "A little."

"..."

"Good." His lips brushed her hairline. "Means you're eating properly."

A smile tugged her lips as she listened to his steady pulse.

"When you carried Ethan..." he asked suddenly, "were you this light?"

Her smile froze.

"In Switzerland..." Her whisper trembled. "I almost jumped into the river with him."

His arms became steel bands around her.

"Hugo saved us." She continued quietly. "Later, he cooked Chinese meals for me..."

"Hugo Merovingian." Ice edged his voice.

"He showed me kindness."

A pause. "That debt will be repaid."

Stella hesitated. She sensed his misunderstanding but lacked words to clarify.

"His intentions aren't pure."

"That's not—"

"Stella." He cut her off. "I won't let anyone take you from me."

The car glided from the garage.

"Oceanview Restaurant?"

She shook her head. "Not ideal during breastfeeding."

"My apologies. That was thoughtless."

"It's fine." She squeezed his hand. "Let's...go home instead? I'll cook for you."

"You?"

"Mm. I've never made you a proper meal."

Silence stretched.

"Alright." Finally, he relented. "But Martha handles the groceries."

"Truly no food preferences?"

"None mattered before." His thumb stroked her knuckles. "Now...I might develop favorites because of you."

Warmth bloomed in her chest.

"My father..." Her voice cracked. "Loved my cooking best."

His fingers interlaced with hers. "Want to investigate that accident?"

Her grip turned vise-like.

"Lily confessed." Her voice shook. "But without evidence..."

"Leave it to me." Steel underpinned his vow. "If you wish."

"I do!" The cry tore from her throat. "More than anything!"

Tears overflowed.

"I don't want Adrian's apologies..." Sobs wracked her frame. "Just justice..."

He pulled over and crushed her to his chest.

"Don't cry." His lips brushed her wet cheeks. "I'm here."

"I failed them all..." She wept into his shirt. "Dad, Mom, the children...I couldn't protect anyone..."

"Shh." His palm cradled her head. "You have me now."

His embrace felt like sanctuary, dissolving shadows with its warmth.

Gradually, her tears subsided.

In that moment, she understood—

No matter what storms awaited, this man would always shelter her beneath clear skies.