Chapter 1910
When Love Comes Late
In the ward, Stellaâs voice wavered as she finished speaking.
Facing Bellaâs stunned eyes, she mumbled an incoherent apology.
âIâm sorryâ¦â
Stellaâs gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet Bellaâs eyes.
âI asked Matthew to help me find my biological parents.
His investigation led him to you.
â
Fearful that Bella might not believe her, Stella launched into a detailed recount of the events, explaining how the misunderstanding about Bella not being her mother had occurred.
She suddenly remembered the DNA test report in her bag.
With shaky hands, she pulled it out.
âYou can look at our DNA test report.
It was done by Cordell himself.
There should be no mistake.
â
Her hands trembled as she handed the report to Bella.
âIf you donât believe me, we can do it again.
â
Stellaâs nerves were frayed; she couldnât recall the last time she felt this anxious.
Bella took the report and read it in silence, her thoughts swirling.
The dream sheâd had resurfaced, filling her mind with confusion.
If the child in her dream was Stella, and Stella was indeed her daughter, then who was Kori?
Where did she fit into this puzzle?
Bellaâs face grew darker, her expression unreadable.
Stella, noting Bellaâs silence, felt her initial hope ebb away, replaced by a creeping chill in her heart.
From the start, Stella had been eager to find her mother, nearly forgetting that Bella might not welcome this revelation.
The sudden revelation of a daughter could indeed upend Bellaâs life.
As the silence stretched on, Stellaâs heart sank further.
She began to grasp that the mother she had yearned for might not be ready to accept her.
But she could understand.
Bella had no memory of her past.
How could she accept a stranger claiming to be her daughter?
Despite her dreams of a joyous reunion, Stella didnât want to impose on Bella.
Forcing a smile, Stella said softly, âItâs okay.
I know this is a lot to take in.
I respect your feelings.
Just knowing youâre alive is enough for me.
I never expected more.
â
She bit her lip, fighting to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.
She couldnât cry in front of Bella, not now.
Bella, snapping back to reality, felt her heart break at the sight of Stellaâs forced smile.
âIâm sorry⦠I didnât mean to hurt you,â Bella said softly.
After a momentâs hesitation, she continued, âIâve liked you since the first time I saw you.
I would be thrilled if you were indeed my biological daughter, but you must understand, that my memories of the past are blank.
â
Stellaâs eyes widened in surprise.
So, Bellaâs silence was due to shock, not rejection?
âI understand,â Stella said gently.
âI know this is overwhelming.
It doesnât matter.
We have time.
And youâre undergoing treatment; your memories will come back.
â
Bella looked into Stellaâs bright, hopeful eyes, feeling a confusing swirl of emotions.
There was something indescribable stirring in her heart.
Just then, the door swung open and Kristian walked in, his demeanor casual despite the charged atmosphere.
He approached Bella with a relieved smile.
âYouâre finally awake.
â
Bella turned to him, guilt evident in her eyes.
âSorry to make you worry.
â
Kristian shook his head.
âDonât apologize.
When I found out about the accident, I was terrified.
Itâs all my fault.
If I hadnât gone to buy those chocolate bars, this wouldnât have happened.
â
Bella shook her head.
âItâs not your fault.
I asked you to goâ¦â
Kristian let out a relieved sigh and said gently, âAs long as youâre okay, thatâs all that matters.
â
His eyes fell on the document in Bellaâs hand.
âWhatâs that?â
He took a closer look, his expression shifting to surprise.
âIs this a DNA test report? Whose is it?â