Chapter 19
The bright moonlight streamed in through the window and fell in a pool on the bed. Stella and Anthony, who were in close proximity, were enveloped in the light.
Stella was extremely conflicted. She grew increasingly nervous as Anthony stared at her with a face that looked almost identical to Ethan’s. She could feel her ears burning while listening to the loud heartbeat coming from him.
Anthony was only 17 when she’d started dating Ethan. It turned out he had liked her since then.
Currently, Anthony was in his early 20s. He was younger than Stella by five to six years. Moreover, he was Ethan’s younger brother.
Stella had betrayed Ethan for as long as three years to pay off her debt. She could not help questioning herself whether it was right for her to be involved with Anthony now.
Even though those heart–fluttering feelings within her were telling her otherwise, Stella rejected him adamantly.
“Anthony, you’re still young. You don’t really know what love actually is yet. When you meet a much nicer girl later on…”
Before she could finish, Anthony pressed his lips onto hers. Stella could sense his greed and possessiveness from the way Anthony circled his thick arms around her. It was as though he was trying to trap Stella by his side forever, making sure they could never be separated.
Stella tried to resist at first. Yet, as their bodies were pressed together and Anthony slowly deepened the kiss, Stella gradually relaxed her body.
When they met each other’s gaze, Stella, who had a glazed look in her eyes, felt like she had just seen Ethan. A moment later, she felt like she was looking at the young Anthony, whom she had offered guidance for his homework.
The memories of their recent interactions flashed through her mind like the scenes in a movie. Stella could no longer deny it. She had begun harboring feelings for Anthony, who was Ethan’s younger brother.
It was dark and quiet outside. On the other hand, it felt like the temperature inside the room was increasing steadily.
After a while, the two of them finally pulled away from each other. Tears rolled down Stella’s cheeks. Anthony hurriedly tried to wipe off her tears, Stella clasped his hands gently.
but
It seemed like she had finally made up her mind about something. She said in a choked voice, “Anthony, I can give you a chance to try this out. However, before we make it official, I don’t want to have any physical…”
“Of course! I’m alright with that.” Anthony cried tears of joy. He hugged Stella tightly in his arms.
The two of them lay on the soft bed and stayed in each other’s arms. Stella leaned against Anthony’s chest and listened to the heartbeat coming from the heart Ethan had donated to him. It was as if she were trying to receive confirmation from Ethan.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
At last, Stella smiled. She could sense that Ethan had given them his blessings. As she leaned against Anthony’s broad chest, Stella let go of the burdens in her heart and drifted into a deep sleep.
While looking at her sleeping face, Anthony reached out his hand to gently brush a few strands of hair away from her face. He lowered his head and gave her lips a light peck.
“I finally have you all to myself.”
When Stella woke up, she instinctively reached her hands to the side but felt nothing. Anthony was nowhere to be seen.
Stella’s heart missed a beat. She was fully awake at that point. Stella hurried downstairs and looked everywhere. Eventually, she found Anthony looking busy in the kitchen.
With Anthony going topless, his firm, strong muscles could be seen through the apron he was wearing. When he sensed Stella’s gaze coming from behind him, Anthony waved the spatula at her and smiled.
“I made breakfast. I’m not sure if it’s to your taste, though.”
Stella felt the heavy weight on her heart being lifted when she realized Anthony was alright.
She was reminded of the passionate moments from last night as she looked at Anthony’s body. Her heart pounded wildly. Stella dared not take another glance at him.
She sat down and tried the food he had made. A familiar taste spread in her mouth. Stella looked up with a surprised expression.
Anthony gazed at her expectantly. “How is it? Ethan picked up cooking skills from my mom. I’ve learned how to prepare all the dishes my mom can make over the past few years. I’m just not sure if you’ll like them.”
Anthony paused nervously and waited for her response.
I like it. It’s delicious.” The bright smile on Stella’s face reminded Anthony of spring flowers in full bloom. His heart started thumping loudly in his chest.
The two of them went shopping, worked out, and played games together. They would also purchase nice clothes for each other. They were just like any other regular couple.
Soon enough, a month had passed by. On Stella’s birthday, Anthony acted all mysterious and told her he had prepared a gift for her.
Stella was so shocked that she thought she was dreaming when Anthony took her to the largest amusement park in Levall.
Anthony grinned and held Stella’s hand. He said in a gentle voice, “I’ve reserved the whole place. I hid a total of 27 treasures in various locations. I want to give you the birthday presents for all the years I’ve missed as well.”
Stella’s eyelashes fluttered. She nearly burst into tears. Anthony pulled her into his arms and kissed her tears away.
“Anthony, thank you.”
They held hands and entered the amusement park. Neither of them noticed someone was watching them from behind with a cold, malicious gaze. That person snuck into the amusement park following the couple.
