Chapter 1853
When Love Comes Late
Bella exhaled slowly, her expression thoughtful.
âIâm much better now.
Iâve stopped taking the medicine.
Besides the occasional headache, Iâm fine.
â
This revelation hinted at a deeper issue with the medication.
Stella hesitated, her curiosity piqued, but thinking it was inappropriate, she refrained from prying into Elizabethâs situation.
Instead, she offered a comforting smile.
âIâm glad to hear that.
Cordell wanted me to remind you to be mindful of your diet lately.
â
Bella nodded appreciatively.
âThank you for caring.
â
In the midst of her challenges, Stella emerged unexpectedly as a source of solace for Bella.
Bella debated whether to share what sheâd seen on the message the previous night with Stella, unsure of how it would be received.
A heavy silence hung between them, thick with uncertainty.
Noticing Bellaâs distracted demeanor, Stella changed the subject tactfully.
âAside from your physical well-being, thereâs something else Iâd like to discuss.
â
With a flourish, Stella produced a design sketch and a photo of the dress sheâd created for Margery.
âIâve been picking up embroidery techniques from a talented master,â she explained eagerly.
âBut before I proceed further, you suddenly told me to be your successor.
I donât want to step on any toes, so Iâd like to know your opinion.
â
Bellaâs response was light-hearted.
She nodded, acknowledging Stellaâs enthusiasm for learning.
âExploring new skills is always a positive pursuit.
Keep pushing forward and donât dwell too much on the details.
â
Bellaâs open-mindedness and encouragement further endeared her to Stella, solidifying her admiration.
Bella was indeed a leading figure in the industry.
Her inclusive mindset and vast knowledge left a lasting impression on Stella.
Once again, Stella felt a swell of pride at being chosen as Bellaâs successor.
âIâve also been curious about embroidery techniquesâ¦â Bella picked up the photo of the dress, her gaze lingering on the intricate details.
âI saw the dress you made for Margery.
Your embroidery mentor is truly skilledâ¦â
As Bella spoke, a sense of familiarity washed over her, triggering fragments of memories to resurface.
Noticing Bellaâs unusual reaction, Stellaâs anxiety grew, prompting her to inquire, âAre you feeling unwell?â
Bella remained silent, attempting to grasp those fleeting memories that slipped through her fingers.
After a moment of composure, she shook her head.
âIâm okay.
â
Despite Bellaâs reassurance, Stellaâs concern lingered.
âCould it be a side effect of your previous medication? Would you like to undergo further examination?â
Bella declined, stating, âNo, thank you.
I just had tests done yesterday.
There shouldnât be any major issues.
â
Frowning, she added, âCertain scenes flashed in my mind, but they were hazy.
Perhaps Iâve encountered them before.
â
Gazing at the embroidered pattern once more, she sensed a hint of familiarity but couldnât place it.
âHow do you know the embroiderer?â Bella asked, trying to change the topic.