STELLA
I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing.
James’ words kept replaying in my head.
Your hero came tonight. I let out a slow breath and pushed myself off the bed, walking slowly out of the room.
I made my way downstairs quietly, my fingers trailing along the cold railing as I reached the kitchen.
The memory hit me instantly.
FLASHBACK
Arthur stood by the counter, sleeves rolled up, arguing with me about how to cut vegetables properly.
“You’re doing it wrong,” he had said, frowning at the knife in my hand.
“Oh really?” I snapped. “Then show me, Chef Arthur.”
He stepped behind me, gently taking the knife from my hand.
“Like this.”
His hand brushed mine.
I rolled my eyes. But my heart skipped.
BACK TO PRESENT
The memory made my chest ache now.
I leaned against th
