Chapter 246
The morning light streamed through the hotel room window, casting a warm glow on the couple. Alaric, ever the charmer, leaned in and whispered, “Being alone in a hotel, just the two of us, it’s hard not to get excited.”
Stellan raised an eyebrow, giving him a playful look. “Alaric, when did you get so gross?” she teased, clearly seeing through his attempt at humor.
Alaric laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. But as he looked at her, the playful smile faded, replaced by something more earnest. “Honestly, it’s hard to resist my charming wife.”
“Even grosser!” Stellan grinned, her voice light and teasing.
Alaric feigned offense, but his frustration quickly melted into affection as Stellan leaned in, planting a soft kiss on his lips.
“Gross, but I like it,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her gaze, playful yet seductive, matched the intimacy of the moment.
In that strange hotel room, neither vacation nor business weighed on them. It was just the two of them—no distractions, no pressures. It felt like a quiet getaway, a space where their love could breathe freely. Under the soft glow of the moon, they lost themselves in each other, their emotions entwining as if the world outside had stopped.
That night, they found peace in each other’s arms, leaving their work and worries behind. The quiet of the hotel room felt like a perfect retreat.
The next morning, the sun rose higher, flooding the room with bright light. Stellan, still half-dazed, felt the warmth of soft kisses brush against her lips. Was this a dream? She closed her eyes again, savoring the sensation.
Alaric’s voice broke through her drowsiness. “Awake? Sleep well?” he asked, his tone warm and gentle.
Stellan slowly opened her eyes to find him smiling down at her. “Very well,” she answered, stretching lazily. “I even had a beautiful dream.”
“A beautiful dream?” Alaric raised an eyebrow. “What kind of dream?”
Stellan’s lips curved into a smile. “I dreamt of wearing a wedding dress and marrying you.”
Alaric’s smile softened, touched by her words. “That is a beautiful dream.” His expression grew more serious. “Galatea, we’re already married, and our kids are grown. I think we should have a wedding. What kind of wedding would you want?”
Stellan shook her head lightly. “We’re so busy right now. Let’s wait until the entertainment center opens smoothly.”
“The entertainment center will open next month.”
“Then we can talk about it next month,” Stellan said, her voice warm but practical. “Even though I don’t get along well with Mrs. Knight, she’s still your mother. We should ask for her opinion first.”
Alaric nodded. “Alright, I’ll take time to ask her.”
“Okay,” Stellan agreed, her smile growing. “I really want to wear a wedding dress for you. But we’re already legally married, so the wedding can wait. I’m not in a rush.”
Alaric leaned in and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “I promise, I’ll give you an unforgettable wedding.”
Stellan’s eyes brightened with excitement. “I believe you.”
With her arms still draped around his neck, Alaric stood, lifting her effortlessly.
“Get up, eat, and let’s get to work,” he said, his tone both affectionate and commanding.
Stellan hesitated, still groggy from sleep, but she stretched her arms out to him. Alaric smiled helplessly, shaking his head.
He helped her dress, from her underwear to her outerwear, each movement smooth and practiced.
“Mr. Knight, you’re so obedient,” Stellan teased as he carefully combed her hair.
“Thanks, my dear. I’ll always be obedient for you,” Alaric replied with a smile.
Stellan laughed, her eyes twinkling. “It’s rare to see you joke. You used to be so serious, scaring everyone.”
“Well, thanks to your wonderful influence, I’ve lightened up,” Alaric responded with a grin.
Stellan laughed even harder, the sound light and full of joy. Seeing her so happy, Alaric’s heart warmed, and he couldn’t help but smile too.
After a quick breakfast in the hotel, they left for their destination. As they drove, Alaric spoke up, “Derek’s now a sales manager at a foreign trade company. He’s on duty this week.”
Stellan smiled, genuinely happy for him. “A sales manager? That’s great to hear.”
The car came to a stop in front of a large, imposing building. Stellan looked up at the structure, taking a moment to appreciate the scale of it.
“He’s in room 1405 on the 14th floor. I’ve already checked,” Alaric said. “Only the duty staff are in the office on weekends, so you can go straight to his office.”
“Got it,” Stellan replied, nodding.
Alaric had done all the legwork, and now it was her turn.
“I’ll go up,” Stellan said, looking at him with a reassuring smile. “You stay here.”
Alaric gave her a nod of encouragement. “Go ahead. I hope you get good news.”
With one last glance at him, Stellan turned and walked into the building. As she approached room 1405, a flutter of nerves hit her. She hesitated for a moment before gathering her thoughts and knocking gently.
Derek had been Brennan’s assistant for five years, but that had been seven years ago. Stellan hadn’t seen him in years, and the passage of time had blurred the details. She wasn’t even sure if he would recognize her, but she had to try.
“Hello, Mr. Ronald, I am…” she began, but Derek, who had been reading some documents, cut her off.
“Our company is closed today. Come back on Monday,” he said curtly.
Feeling slightly awkward, Stellan took a deep breath and addressed him directly. “Derek.”
The moment he heard his name, Derek’s expression shifted. First, there was confusion, then disbelief, and finally, shock. “Ms. Storm?” he asked, rising to his feet in surprise.
Stellan smiled gently. “You have a good memory. Glad you still remember me.”
Derek hurried over to her, still stunned. “Ms. Storm, what brings you here? Did you come specifically to see me?”
“Yes,” Stellan replied, her voice steady. “To be honest, I wanted to ask you about something. It took me a while to find you. I’m sorry for the sudden visit.”
Derek’s expression changed, a realization dawning on him. If she had come specifically to see him, it could only be about the Storm family—about the past.
He closed the door behind him cautiously, locking it with a soft click.