Even though she really wanted to sleep right now, Stella knew she couldn't just doze off with Ronald next to her. She had this sneaking suspicion that Ronald's definition of "sleep" wasn't quite the same as hers. His hand paused on the buttons of her vest, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"How about something else then?" he suggested with a smirk.

Stella's eyes widened in shock. There it was, the proof that they were definitely not on the same page.

Ronald chuckled softly. "Relax, it's just sleeping."

"I don't believe you," she replied, narrowing her eyes.

He raised an eyebrow, his tone playful. "Oh?"

She gave him a timid glance. "We can sleep, but I get the bed to myself."

The corner of Ronald's mouth curled up into an even more mischievous grin.

Stella quickly scrambled into bed, cocooning herself in the blanket as if it were armor. But barely a moment later, she felt the mattress dip beside her. Ronald was right there, slipping under the covers and pulling her into his embrace. Outside the room, Finley listened to the sounds coming from the resting area and couldn't help but chuckle. "Ronald's been waiting for Stella to grow up for ages. Can't blame him."

Idris glanced at him. "Even if you understand, keep it to yourself."

"Oh, I'm keeping it quiet. But once we're back in Ferrowland, Stella's gonna have a tough time."

Idris remained silent, assuming Finley was referring to Stella's mother.

"Well, her mother's already planning the wedding," Idris finally said.

Finley stared at him in disbelief. "What did you just say?"

Planning a wedding? Lottie was okay with this? She's not even going to try and break them up?

Well, in the end, they're both her own-one by birth, one raised by her. Guess it worked out perfectly for her to dote on them both equally.

...

After an exhausting eight-hour flight, they finally landed on Cyris Isle.

Stella felt as though her ears were still ringing from the flight and was desperate for some fresh air, but she was too drained, nestled in Ronald's arms. "You're mean," she mumbled. "Really mean."

She couldn't wrap her head around how someone who used to keep women at arm's length suddenly knew all these tricks.

Ronald was helping her change clothes, "Yeah, mean."

"I'm so tired," she whined, feeling as limp as a noodle, letting him dress her.noveldrama

He picked out a white T-shirt and paired it with a pink skirt.

Stella glanced at the fluffy skirt, pouting. "I'm grown up now, you know."

Especially the white T-shirt with a Peter Pan collar-it looked like something straight out of a little. girl's wardrobe. And the straw sunhat on the side? It sealed the deal.

en

Ronald slipped the skirt on her, "Idris had these prepared based on your style back in Ferrowland."

Ronald could see how much her

style had evolved over the years. Her

wardrobe in Portis City was

definitely more mature-probably thanks to the influence of the Larkin family, who had forced her togrow up fast.

Thinking of the Larkin family, Ronald's eyes deepened slightly as he held Stella close.

"Okay," Stella sighed. It was all Ronald's doing anyway; he'd always seen her as his little princess.

"Is the sun strong outside? I need sunscreen," Stella said.

"Sure, let me help," Ronald replied, carrying her to the bathroom. He washed her face, applied a special cream, and sprayed some sunscreen. "Now?" he asked.

Stella stretched out her arm. "This too."

He chuckled. "Vain, aren't we?"

Once they were ready, Ronald led Stella out to where Finley was waiting.

Looking at Stella's outfit and then at Ronald in his black pants and white shirt, Finley remarked, "Looks like you're taking your daughter out instead of your wife."

Stella sighed internally. Finley had a knack for speaking before thinking. Idris turned away, feeling like all his warnings to Finley had been for nothing. Realizing his slip, Finley quickly ducked behind Idris, seeking refuge.

Enhance your reading experience by removing ads:

Remove Ads Now