Chapter 79

Chapter 79

When Nicholas questioned her, Stella remained silent.

She drifted toward the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the bustling street below, her eyes distant and unfocused.

Yes, she was hiding from Alexander.

She feared that she, an “unlucky person,” as she called herself, would only bring him more misfortune, was afraid of Joseph's interference, and even more afraid that she wouldn't be able to stop herself from relying on his warmth.

Nicholas looked deeply at her back, then strode over and stood beside her.

"Stella, do you regret it? Regret leaving him like this, hiding from him?"

"No regrets."

Her voice was steady, her tone resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

She knew Alexander cared deeply for her, but too many barriers stood between them.

Joseph's opposition, Elodie’s actions, and the guilt that lingered within her heart, each one weighed heavily on her.

She had always believed she wasn’t worthy of him, that her presence had only brought him danger.

If that was the case, she might as well leave for good and let Alexander return to a normal life.

"So what are you planning to do next?"

Nicholas turned to look at her, a hint of expectation hidden in his eyes.

"Are you really planning to just keep hiding like this?"

Stella shook her head and answered softly, "I'm planning to leave this city. As for where to go, I don't know yet."

This city had given her countless memories, yet it had also burdened her with unbearable pain, Mason’s death, and her family’s betrayal.

To her, this place no longer felt like home.

With no family left, Stella's only concern was the baby she was carrying.

She longed to find a place where no one knew her, to quietly bring her child into the world and begin again.

Looking at Stella's pale cheeks and slightly dazed eyes, Nicholas felt a strong protective urge rising in his chest.

He had harbored feelings for Stella for years.

From the first time he met her, Nicholas had been deeply drawn to her kindness and resilience.

Over the years, he hadhe had watched her endure suffering after suffering, his heart aching each time.

Now Stella was right beside him.

She had no one to rely on, and she really needed someone dependable , this was the perfect time to confess his feelings.

Nicholas took a deep breath and gathered his courage.

"Stella, actually I..."

Before he could finish, Stella interrupted him.

As if sensing his intentions, she quickly turned away, feigning ignorance.

"What do you want to say?"

Meeting her evasive eyes, Nicholas felt a stab of disappointment.

But he had waited so many years; he didn't mind waiting a bit longer. She wasn’t in the right state of mind, and he couldn’t bring himself to push her.

Nicholas told himself to be patient, forced a smile, and answered awkwardly to cover it up.

"Nothing. I just wanted to say, if you haven't figured out where to go yet, you can stay at my place for a few days. You can leave once you've thought things through."

Faced with his kindness, Stella hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

"Thank you."

She truly had nowhere else to go.

Returning to that empty house without Mason was something she simply couldn’t bear.

"Why be so formal with me?"

Nicholas smiled, a faint gleam flashing in his eyes.

"I'll have someone get a room ready for you in a bit. Just make yourself at home."

He already had a plan in mind.

He would make the most of the days Stella stayed here to take good care of her, let her feel his sincerity, and hopefully win her over soon, so that she would choose to stay by his side.

Meanwhile, Alexander wandered the streets in a daze all day.

The wound on his abdomen had torn open again, blood seeping through his clothes, yet he seemed utterly unaware.

He had searched every place he could think of, but Stella was nowhere to be found, and despair tightened its grip on his heart.

Just as he was about to collapse, a car pulled up in front of him.

The door opened, and Joseph's men got out and said respectfully,

"Mr. Alexander Brown, Mr. Joseph Brown sent us to take you back to the hospital."

Alexander offered no resistance and entered the car without a word.

He knew very well that in his current condition, even if he kept searching, he wouldn't find Stella.

As the car drove through the hospital gates, Alexander's gaze was suddenly drawn to a familiar figure.

The woman was wearing a light gray coat, slender in build, walking out of the hospital lobby with her head down.

More importantly, her profile looked exactly like Stella's.

"Stella!"

Alexander's heart leaped with joy. Ignoring his subordinates' attempts to stop him, he pushed open the car door and rushed toward that figure.

"Stella, wait for me!"

He ran while calling out Stella's name. The searing pain in his abdomen made every step extremely difficult, but he showed no sign of stopping.

Joseph also arrived at the hospital at this time.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Alexander chasing after a woman like a madman. His expression changed instantly, and he quickly ordered the bodyguards to stop him.

"Stop him! Stop him now!"

Following his orders, the bodyguards immediately rushed forward and grabbed Alexander's arms tightly.

"Let me go! I saw her!"

He struggled desperately, his voice hoarse with urgency.

"Stella, it's me, Alexander! Turn around!"

However, the woman didn't seem to hear his calls.

Without hesitation, she walked out of the hospital, got into a waiting taxi, and disappeared into the flow of traffic.

"Stella! Stella!"

He watched helplessly as the taxi vanished, his voice breaking withdespair.

His legs gave out, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.

He was convinced that the woman was Stella.

She must have come to the hospital for a prenatal checkup… and she ignored him because she was still angry with him — that was why she wouldn't turn around.

Joseph looked at his anguished state, his heart aching and helpless at the same time.

He sighed deeply and patted Alexander on the shoulder.

"Alexander, wake up! That wasn't Stella at all, just someone who looked like her! If you keep this up, you'll destroy your own body!"

But Alexander couldn't hear his advice at all.

He broke free from the bodyguards' grip and ran in the direction where the taxi had disappeared.

As he chased, he kept calling Stella's name, begging her to stop.

His voice was hoarse and desperate, causing passersby to turn and stare.

The bodyguards followed closely behind, afraid Alexander might have another accident.

Rain began to fall, pattering down, soaking his hair and clothes, and blurring his vision.

Inside the taxi, Stella watched the figure running in the rain outside the window, and tears finally spilled over despite her efforts to hold them back.

She covered her mouth tightly, refusing to let a single sob escape.