Shadows of the Heart

Chapter Thirteen

Days had slowly turned into weeks, and Stella’s body had healed enough for her to leave the hospital. All except for her memory. Doctor George had explained gently that it might return in time, but until then, she needed to take things slowly—day by day—and not push herself too hard.

This morning, Grandma Ruth was coming with Shaun to pick her up. Stella packed the few clothes and toiletries she had been given by Kurt through his grandmother, placing them carefully in the small suitcase that had accompanied her since the hospital.

A soft knock at the door made her jump.

“Excuse me, Miss,” one of the bodyguards said politely. “We’ve come to pick up your suitcase and escort you downstairs. Matriarch Carlisle and Mr. Shaun have arrived and are waiting for you.”

Stella swayed slightly in the doorway, apprehension tightening in her chest. She felt a strange panic, a swirl of questions she couldn’t answer. Where would she go? Could she find a job to repay the kindness these strangers had shown her? Maybe she could help the old lady—cooking, cleaning, any small task to work off her debt.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed the soft patter of footsteps racing up the stairs until a familiar voice broke through her reverie.

“Come on, pretty lady!” Shaun called, slightly out of breath, appearing in her doorway with a mischievous grin. “What’s the hold-up? Grandma’s waiting for you. Need a hand?”

Stella blinked at him, startled by his sudden energy and the easy charm in his tone. Her heart fluttered nervously as he held the door open, the warmth in his expression a stark contrast to the uncertainty swirling inside her.

For a moment, she hesitated, caught between fear and curiosity, before slowly stepping forward.