Chapter 248
Stellan kissed Alaric for a long time, their surroundings seemingly vanishing as they stood at the entrance of a building, surrounded by people. Normally, Stellan was the picture of rationality and shyness—public displays of affection were simply not her style.
Alaric pulled back slightly, his eyes searching her face with concern. “What’s wrong with you?”
Stellan shook her head, her eyes avoiding his for a moment.
“Are you upset because we didn’t find anything useful?” Alaric asked, his gaze soft but searching, trying to understand.
“No,” Stellan replied, her voice steady as she met his eyes. “When I’m down, your words mean a lot. I just… I feel so in love with you. I’m so lucky to be married to you.”
Alaric laughed lightly, reaching out to tap her head playfully. “Why so sentimental all of a sudden?”
Stellan pouted, her lips pressed together in silence.
Alaric shook his head with a warm smile. “Your mood swings are like a three-year-old’s; you scared me there for a second.”
Despite herself, Stellan smiled.
“Don’t worry,” Alaric said, his voice reassuring as he gently took her hand. “I’ll help you figure this out.” He started leading her toward the car. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
But Stellan stopped in her tracks, her tone suddenly serious. “Alaric, I’m serious,” she insisted. “The Storm family case is old and tough. You’ve got the entertainment center opening next month, and I know you’re swamped. Let’s put the case on hold until after the opening, okay?”
She avoided mentioning Ambrose’s name, unwilling to give him any more power over their lives. She didn’t doubt Alaric’s ability to handle things, but with Ambrose’s persistence and his unwavering resolve, she didn’t want to drag Alaric into it. Not when his health was still fragile.
Alaric’s brow furrowed slightly. “Are you really upset about this?”
“No,” Stellan clarified quickly. “I’m clear-headed. We tried, but if we didn’t find anything, there’s nothing more we can do. You’ve got your hands full, and I don’t want to drain you.”
He stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression intense. “I’ve waited seven years. I’m not in a rush. Clearing the deceased’s name is important, but you’re more important. I want you healthy, Stellan. I don’t want to lose you.”
His words struck deep, and Stellan’s heart swelled with emotion. “I promise you won’t lose me, ever,” she said softly, her eyes meeting his with unwavering certainty.
Stellan smiled at him, her earlier frustration melting away. “Then listen to me, or I’ll really get mad.”
Alaric laughed, agreeing without hesitation. “Okay, we’ll put the Storm family case on hold.”
“Yeah!” Stellan’s smile widened, a weight lifting from her shoulders.
She couldn’t help but feel for Brennan, but she knew he would understand.
Alaric’s tone shifted, the playful glint in his eyes returning. “We’re here. Let’s not leave empty-handed. How about we treat this like a little vacation? I’ll show you the sights, and we’ll head back the morning after tomorrow.”
Stellan’s heart softened. He was right—they couldn’t leave without something to show for it. A break was long overdue.
“Okay, you decide,” Stellan agreed, the prospect of a few carefree days together soothing her troubled thoughts.
For both of them, traveling had become a luxury since the Storm family bankruptcy. It had been so long since they’d had time to just relax, and this trip was exactly what they needed.
They spent the next two days letting go of their worries, savoring the peace and the time together. The case was temporarily forgotten, and they allowed themselves to enjoy life again.
Meanwhile, back at home, Marigold was growing increasingly anxious. She knew Stellan and Alaric were out of town investigating the Storm family case, and she couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at her.
“Tomorrow’s Monday. Why aren’t they back yet?” she fretted, pacing in the living room. “Could something have happened to them?”
Joe, trying to calm her, put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Mrs. Knight, don’t worry. Mr. Knight will be fine.”
“No, I’m still uneasy,” Marigold insisted, shaking her head. “This is dangerous. I can’t trust Ambrose. He’s unpredictable.”
Marigold, too restless to sit still, considered calling Alaric directly, but knowing he wouldn’t answer, she decided to have the children check on them instead. But Caspian and Harry were uncooperative, so she turned to Elisa.
“Elisa, your parents have been gone for two days. Can you call your dad and check if they’re okay?”
Elisa looked up from her studies, her face calm. “Grandma, they’re just having fun. It’s rare for them to get away alone. Why rush them back? They’ve got the time and the money. Let them enjoy it.”
Marigold wasn’t satisfied with that answer. “Elisa, they’ve been gone for two days. I’m worried. Please call them.”
Elisa sighed, setting her book down. “Grandma, Dad’s not a kid anymore. You need to let go. If you keep rushing them, it’s tough on your son and daughter-in-law.”
Marigold fell silent, her frustration bubbling up. “Elisa, focus on your studies. Stop watching those TV shows,” she snapped, irritated by the younger girl’s calm demeanor.
With the kids unhelpful, Marigold decided to take matters into her own hands. She called Stellan, knowing full well Alaric wouldn’t answer.
Stellan, who had just been enjoying the peaceful moment with Alaric, glanced at the phone and saw it was Marigold calling. Reluctantly, she answered, knowing it was best to get it over with.
“Hello, Mrs. Knight,” Stellan said, trying to keep her tone neutral.
“Stellan, are you and Alaric still out of town?” Marigold’s voice was sharp, filled with concern.
“Yes, we’ll be back early tomorrow,” Stellan replied.
“That’s good,” Marigold said, her voice softening slightly. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, everything’s fine,” Stellan assured her.
“Good,” Marigold replied, but there was an edge to her words. “Remember, Alaric’s health isn’t great. He’s your husband, Stellan. You need to take care of him. If he wants to go out of town, you should persuade him not to.”
Stellan’s heart tightened. She could feel the blame in Marigold’s words, and she couldn’t shake the guilt creeping in. “I understand. I’ll take good care of him. If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.”
Before Marigold could respond, Stellan quickly ended the call, the tension lingering in the air.
Marigold, on the other end of the line, was seething with frustration. “That woman!” she muttered under her breath.
Stellan, even from miles away, felt the anger radiating from Marigold.
“Who was on the phone?” Alaric asked as he came out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist, his hair damp from the shower. He looked effortlessly charming in that moment.
“A spam call,” Stellan lied, flashing him a teasing smile. “But you look really charming right now.”
Alaric raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. “What? You want me now?”