Chapter 2035
When Love Comes Late
Once the doctor had left, Stella went to Bella, with tears rolling down her cheeks.
She embraced Bella, resting her head on her shoulder, and gently said, âMom.
â
Bella was surprised.
This was the first time Stella had called her Mom directly since they knew their relationship.
This moment was deeply satisfying for Bella.
Despite recent losses, she still had Stella.
âItâs my fault.
Iâve caused you so much worry.
â Bella smiled reassuringly and patted Stella on the back.
âDonât cry.
Iâm here, and Iâm okay.
â
Stella shook her head, torn between guilt and relief.
She needed a moment to regain her composure.
âItâs all my fault.
I should have done more to protect you.
If only I had been more vigilant about Kristian, none of this would have happened.
â
Bella sighed.
âItâs not on you, Stella.
I was the one who underestimated Kristianâs cruelty.
I failed to see the extent of his threat.
Thatâs why weâre here now.
â
They found solace in each otherâs company.
After a brief pause, Bella looked around with a frown.
âWhere is Kristian? Which ward is he in?â
Bella recalled that before the accident, she had questioned Kristian about whether Kori was Stellaâs biological father.
But before Kristian had the chance to respond, their car had crashed into the truck.
Bella was resolved to find out the truth.
Stellaâs anger toward Kristian had dissipated by then.
She informed Bella calmly, âHeâs been taken to the police station.
His trial is scheduled for a few days from now.
â
Bellaâs eyes widened in shock, and then she nodded slowly.
Her heart was heavy, but she accepted that Kristian deserved his fate.
âThatâs good.
Iâve been mistaken about him for so long.
People must face the consequences of their actions.
â
She then asked, âWhen is my next treatment session?â
Since the accident, Bella felt like fragments of her memory were beginning to resurface.
She hoped the treatments would help her regain more of her past.
âWhy are you suddenly so interested in the treatments?â Stellaâs voice carried a hint of concern.
âAre you feeling okay?â
Bella reassured her, âIâm fine, donât worry.
Itâs just that itâs been a while since my last session.
â
âThatâs a relief.
â Stella exhaled.
âYour next appointment is next week, but if youâre eager to have it sooner, I can check with Cordell to see if the doctor can fit you in earlier.
â
Bella shook her head.
âNo ne
ed to rush.
I can wait until next week.
â
She kept her true intentions to herself.
Stella observed Bella for a moment, and then cautiously asked, âWould you like to see Alissa?â
Given everything that had happened, it was clear that Bella was Alissaâs long-lost close friend.
However, it was ultimately Bellaâs decision.
Bella was surprised by the question.
Matthew added, âWhen word of your accident spread, Alissa came to me.
Iâve only made an official statement through Prosperity Groupâs media outlets to announce your safe return, but I havenât informed Alissa personally yet.
Stella was wondering if youâd like to speak with her.
â
Stella nodded in agreement.
âAlissa must be extremely worried.
â
Bella considered it for a moment and then said, âYeah, Iâll reach out to her later.
â
Three days quickly passed, and Kristianâs trial for attempted murder and money laundering commenced.
Stella and Bella were the victims, with Stella having filed the charges.
Bella wanted to attend, but she wasnât feeling well enough.
Her health was fragile, and her mental state was unsteady.
Stella, not wanting to overwhelm her, advised her to stay and rest in the hospital while she went to court with Matthew.
The trial began, and the courtroom was filled.
Stella looked around and recognized several familiar faces.
Doreen, Alissa, Neville, and Miley were all present.
Stella saw Miley gripping Nevilleâs hand firmly, while Alissa and Doreen appeared anxious as well.
Stella had been dealing with a lot recently, facing a whirlwind of rumors online.
However, the presence of her friends seemed to wash away her concerns.
It was as if all the negativity had retreated into the background.
Stella felt a surge of warmth in her heart.
She felt deeply thankful for the incredible support of her friends, especially given everything that had transpired.