Shadows Between Us (Stella and Sebastian) novel Chapter 144

Chapter 144

46

EX 55 vouchers

“No need,” Stella said with effortless calm, her eyes lowered. She stopped Allan just as he was about to make a call. Phone still pressed to his ear, Allan raised an eyebrow at her words.

Stella released her hold on Sebastian and moved toward Celia.

Celia, still trembling from her brush with death, looked terrified as she scrambled backward until her back pressed against the wall. “I didn’t see anything. I won’t say a word…” she whispered.

Celia pressed her hands together, nervously rubbing them as she begged for mercy, her gaze fixed on Stella, who stood silhouetted against the light.

Allan started, “Sebastian, Stella-” But before he could finish, Stella slowly crouched down right in front of Celia, her deep amber eyes locking with hers.

Celia’s voice cut off abruptly.

Her once-clear eyes began to lose focus, her expression turning vacant as she appeared dazed and unresponsive.

A few seconds later, Stella snapped her fingers near Celia’s ear.

Celia collapsed to the floor.

She was out cold.

“All done,” Stella said as she stood, slowly shooting Allan a look. She was clearly not in the mood to explain anything.

Allan was watching after her.

‘Nathan always makes a great show with his pocket watch, aromatherapy music, and all that, but Stella just snaps her fingers and it’s done?’ Allan thought, still a bit stunned.

Lucas peeked out from Allan’s arms, his baby-faced features timid and fragile, like a little stray ragdoll kitten. He made a soft, whimpering sound, silently begging to be taken in.

“Just in case, I’ll take Lucas to get checked out. Why don’t you and Sebastian have a chat?” Allan said, tossing the words out before Lucas could reach for him. He turned and headed out, giving them some space.

Stella was speechless.

Before she could process what was happening, the familiar, intense, masculine scent of Sebastian enveloped her. In one smooth motion, he scooped her up in a princess carry, his arms radiating dangerous power.

“I can walk on my own,” Stella said, feeling slightly out of place.

Sebastian ignored her protest, keeping her close in his arms as he carried her upstairs without hesitation.

16:59 Sat, Jan 24

Chapter 144

:

Once they disappeared upstairs, John and the others began dealing with the aftermath.

45

56 vouchers

On the nightstand, the plain plant swayed gently, filling the room with a drowsy scent that affected neither of them.

“Take off your coat,” Sebastian said, carefully setting her down on the bed.

Stella was speechless.

Seeing no movement from her, Sebastian, still cold-faced, reached out and yanked down the zipper of her coat with a sharp sound.

“I can do it myself,” Stella said, blocking his hand. She shrugged off her black coat and tossed it to the floor. Sebastian frowned, his dark eyes deepening. “Go on.”

Stella was speechless.

She glanced at him, sighed, and removed her black T-shirt as well.

Now she was left in only a black camisole.

The ugly bruise on her right shoulder, left from when she’d dislocated it crashing into the stair railing, was exposed, glaring against her fine, flawless skin.

“It just looks worse than it is. Honestly, it doesn’t bother me,” Stella said calmly. Back on the island, old-timers had subjected her to brutal rounds of training, and she’d endured injuries far worse than this.

Sebastian reached out, brushing Stella’s long hair over her left shoulder.

“I-” Stella began, but the words caught and faded.

Her long lashes trembled.

At that moment, Sebastian’s cold lips pressed gently to the bruise on her shoulder, his touch almost reverent. His eyes lowered, icy and self-controlled, almost ascetic, yet somehow dangerously seductive.

He wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Stella’s heart skipped a beat.

“You really scared me just now,” Sebastian said softly, his chin resting on her head. His voice carried a hint of hurt and lingering fear, emotions she could feel vibrating through his chest.

No one had ever said that to her before. Stella paused for two seconds, then said softly, “I’m sorry.”

Sebastian shook his head, pulling her close with one arm. His cool lips brushed her ear in gentle, scattered kisses. “Do you have anything you want to ask me?” he asked. ‘Just ask, and I’ll tell you anything,’ his tone suggested.

16:59 Sat, Jan 24

Chapter 144

55 vouchers

Stella paused a few more seconds, then quietly stood, walking to the bathroom. When she returned with a damp towel, she knelt before Sebastian and gently extended her hand, palm up, inviting him to give her his.

Without a word, Sebastian hesitated, then placed his hand, stained with Celia’s blood, into hers.

“I’ve always known,” Stella said softly, her voice steady. From the moment she first checked his pulse, she had understood everything. There had never been a doubt in her mind.

She took her time, carefully wiping every trace of blood from his long, elegant fingers, making sure his hands were perfectly clean. “Like I said, my patron is always right, no matter what he does.”

With Stella, reasons were never necessary, and her trust was absolute.

So she never questioned him.

Stella looked up, her eyes clear, calm, and pure. The light hit her face just right, giving her a soft, creamy glow, like a natural beauty filter. The tiny mole in the hollow of her collarbone only added to her charm.

Sebastian’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

His now-clean hand lifted on its own, gently cupping Stella’s face and brushing his thumb across her cheek. “But I’m bound to mess up sometimes,” he said, his voice low and rough.

Stella remained relaxed, letting out a soft laugh. “Just keep moving forward. I’ll make sure the world bends for your mistakes,” she said. To her, it was never a problem.

The next thing Stella knew was that Sebastian’s arm swept around her waist, and before she could react, she was off her feet, ending up straddling him.

He buried his face in the curve of her neck, the sheer difference in their size impossible to ignore, and it was a total visual shock.

Sebastian’s grip was possessive, holding her so tightly it felt like he never wanted to let go.

As he moved, her black camisole rode up slightly, revealing her slim waist and the curve of her lower back. Against the black fabric, her skin seemed almost dazzling.

Eyes closed, Sebastian inhaled her clean, addictive scent just like Stella herself, impossible to resist. He couldn’t help but whisper, “You’re no exception either…”

“Hmm?” Stella murmured, her fingers curling around the back of Sebastian’s head, her reply barely above a whisper.

Sebastian looked up, locking eyes with Stella above him. “It’s always you. You’re my number one, always.”

His eyes burned with loyalty.

He was just like a lone wolf.

Then came the sound of someone knocking at the door.

16:59 Sat, Jan 24

Chapter 144

Sebastian rolled his eyes.

Stella was speechless.

:

Stone-faced, Sebastian reached out and covered Stella’s ears.

He blocked out the sound, refusing to listen.

Stella was speechless.

Another round of knocking came. “Mr. Gray, Manny’s here,” John called from outside.

Sebastian glanced toward the door, his eyes still dark and intense.

55 vouchers

“Who’s Manny?” Stella asked, her attention immediately shifting. She turned her head, her lashes flickering.

Not happy about being ignored, Sebastian gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “The makeup artist,” he said.

Stella was speechless.

‘Makeup artist?’ Stella blinked, completely thrown.

With a chill in his voice, Sebastian called toward the door, “Tell him to wait.” Then he pulled Stella even closer, refusing to let her go.

Stella was speechless.

He was acting just like Lucas when he got clingy.

Actually, even Lucas wasn’t this needy.

John had been slouched against the wall outside the bedroom, bored out of his mind for a good twenty minutes before the door finally swung open. Sebastian rolled out in his wheelchair, shooting John an icy glare.

John was shocked.

‘Next time, I’m dumping this job on Jake,’ he swore to himself.

Downstairs, the floor gleamed, no trace of blood anywhere.

A tall, fashionable man turned around, and when he spotted Stella coming down, his eyes lit up like he’d struck gold. “Mr. Gray, just give me an hour,” he said, his excitement barely contained.

He swore he’d make her look absolutely jaw-dropping tonight.

Stella was speechless.

‘Honestly, I’m just here to stir things up. Do I really need all this glam?’ Stella thought, feeling speechless.

16:59 Sat, Jan 24

Chapter 144

But Manny was already raring to go, eager to work his magic.

An hour later, Manny stepped back, arms crossed, marveling at Stella.

“Done!” he announced, excitement written all over his face. “Unbelievable!”

Stella opened her eyes, calm compared to Manny’s dramatic reaction.

46

55 vouchers

‘If only… Sebastian hadn’t been holding my hand the whole time,’ she thought, glancing at her hand still firmly clasped in his.

“Mr. Gray, are you satisfied?” Manny asked, fishing for compliments as he looked at Sebastian. From the mirror, he had seen the usually cold man unable to tear his eyes from Stella, not even for a second.

Sebastian, sitting in his wheelchair, said nothing and just gave a tight-lipped look.

While Manny was busy packing up his makeup kit, Sebastian took the chance to sneak a poke at Stella’s cheek.

Stella was speechless.

She turned to meet his eyes.

“Is it really that fun to poke?” she teased lazily. Sebastian nodded before even realizing it.

He had never known her cheek could be so soft.

Like a marshmallow.

‘Did he really just nod?’ Stella thought.

“Your dress is all set,” Manny announced, again clearly floored by her stunning appearance as she raised her head.

Stella finally relaxed and headed into the back room to get changed.

The door cracked open a little.

Lucas’s chubby, adorable face peeked out.

He let out a soft “Wow”, dressed in his favorite shark pajamas with a tail. Clutching the tail, he glanced around, looking like a lost little kitten, totally insecure.

Big Ben, who’d been hibernating for another upgrade these past couple of days, poked his head out too.

“System detected Stella is right here!” Big Ben announced, placing his hands on his super squishy, round belly. When he spotted Sebastian, he made a heart gesture at him.

Sebastian rolled his eyes.

Manny was stunned, since he had never seen a robot this smart before.

16:59 Sat, Jan 24

Chapter 144

55 vouchers

Lucas looked around, and when he spotted the back room door, his eyes lit up. He began toddling over as fast as his little legs could carry him. Before he could reach the doorknob, a pair of cold hands grabbed him by the back of his collar.

“Wow?” Lucas blinked, completely confused.

“She’s changing,” Sebastian said.

Lucas rolled his eyes.

He tilted his head, clutching his shark tail and poking at it for comfort.

Big Ben said, “Lucas is scared.”

Lucas pouted, looking even more pitiful, and poked at his tail again.

Big Ben said, “Lucas wants Stella to give him a hug.”

“He’s way too cute!” Manny felt like he was about to burst from the sheer adorableness as she thought, ‘How could there be such a soft, squishy little guy in the world?’

“Lucas, should I kidnap you in a gold sack or a silver sack and take you home?” she said.

Lucas rolled his eyes. “What do you mean?”

He tilted his head, looking completely confused and lost.

Manny let out another dramatic squeal. He was totally melted by the cuteness overload.

Sebastian glanced over.

Lucas rolled his eyes again.

Big Ben kept making heart gestures.

“Wait until she comes out,” Sebastian said.

Hearing that, Lucas obediently hugged his shark tail and plopped down right in front of the door. He propped his chin on both hands and waited sweetly for Stella to come out.

Big Ben tried to sit down just like Lucas, but he couldn’t.

His chubby, squishy belly got stuck hanging in midair.

Big Ben laughed.

Sebastian glanced over.

Manny was confused.

‘Seriously, what’s up with that “Hehe”?’ Manny thought, completely thrown off. ‘Is this robot for real or what?’

16:59 Sat, Jan 24

Chapter 144

EX 55 vouchers

The lock in the back room clicked open, and Stella, now dressed in her gown, slowly pushed the door open and walked out. The very next second, Stella smiled helplessly.

Stella looked down, only to find Lucas, that tiny little bandit, clinging to her leg with a soft plop.

Lucas tilted his head up at her, his eyes unfocused and a little dazed.

In no time, his soft, pale cheeks flushed pink, and he looked completely flustered.

Lucas typed on his watch.

Big Ben cupped his own blushing cheeks and chirped, “Stella, you’re so pretty!”

Stella was speechless.

‘Try saying that again when you can actually talk straight,’ Stella thought, amused.

Lucas froze, completely spaced out. “Wow!”

The black gradient dress with traditional frog buttons completely concealed the bruise on Stella’s right shoulder, making her fine and smooth skin look even more flawless. The black embroidered flowers along the hem looked so lifelike they seemed ready to bloom.

Even Manny couldn’t stop himself from gasping in amazement.

This was DenimKraft’s newest signature piece of the year, so exclusive that even top celebrities couldn’t borrow it from headquarters. On Stella, it looked like it had been custom-made just for her.

“Do I look pretty?” Stella turned her pale face toward Lucas and fluttered her long lashes at him.

Lucas nodded so hard it looked like his head was mounted on a spring.

Stella lifted her gaze toward Sebastian.

At that moment, Sebastian said nothing.

He was already regretting it.

He was already kicking himself for bringing Manny in. Now that Stella looked this stunning, his possessiveness was spiraling out of control. “You look good,” he said coldly.

His eyes were clouded and unreadable.

Stella was speechless.

Looking at his stoic, icy expression, Stella thought, ‘Doesn’t look like he’s impressed at all.

“I’m going to grab the accessories!” Manny exclaimed, nearly vibrating with excitement. “This kind of modern French-style dress absolutely needs pearls to look perfect!”

“I mean those white pearls,” he added loudly. “Big, round ones that look innocent but totally irresistible!”

16:59 Sat, Jan 24

Chapter 144

He shouted over his shoulder as he hurried out, unable to wait another second.

65 vouchers

Sebastian watched as Stella poked Lucas’s cheek. His long lashes lowered, as if he were waiting for something. He absently rolled his prayer beads, feeling oddly stifled and irritated.

“I’ll have Jake take you there tonight,” Sebastian said, his voice low and muted. Stella responded with a casual “Mm”.

Sebastian glanced over.

‘Is she seriously not going to invite me?’ Sebastian thought, irritation creeping in.

Manny rushed back with a jewelry box in hand. Before he could say a word, Sebastian lifted his hand coldly. “I’ll do it.”

His tone left no room

for

argument.

Manny was confused

He had really wanted to be the one to put the jewelry on Stella.

With a regretful sigh, Manny handed over the box to Sebastian, who snapped it open and cast Stella a cold, unreadable look.

“Come here,” Sebastian said, his voice low and commanding.

His face was blank, cold as ice. Manny couldn’t help thinking Sebastian was being an absolute ice king to Stella. Just then, Big Ben, standing nearby, tilted his head in confusion.

“Sir,” Big Ben said, “my system detects your heart rate is approaching 120 beats per minute. Should I call your family doctor for you, sir?”

Sebastian rolled his eyes.

Both Stella and Manny were stunned.

Lucas was the only one who tilted his head innocently, all soft and squishy and unbearably cute. “Wow?”

色

AD

Comment

Send gift

No Ads

16:59 Sat, Jan 24