STELLA'S POV
“Stella… Stella…”
I heard him calling my name, and slowly I opened my eyes. My entire body felt stiff. I was on the chair, and James stood in front of me.
“James…” I said slowly, blinking and rubbing my eyes. “What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be home resting.”
“Stella,” he said softly, “you’ve been here for twelve hours. I think it’s time you went home.”
“No.” I shook my head stubbornly, sitting up straight despite the ache in my back and the sleep still weighing on me. “I’m not leaving her alone, James.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair—that familiar gesture he always did when torn between anger and worry. Then he crouched in front of me, his eyes softer now.
“Stella, you’ve been pushing yourself too hard,” he said gently but firmly. “Y
