**Chapter 30**
“Mrs. Somerton Senior,” Stella said, her voice brightening as she answered the call.
“Stella, how have you been feeling lately?” Eloise’s voice flowed through the speaker, warm and concerned.
“I’ve been fine,” Stella replied, a hint of surprise lacing her words.
“That’s wonderful to hear. I have some free time tomorrow, so I thought I’d come by the villa for a visit. I’ll also take you to the hospital for a check-up,” Eloise informed her, the words tumbling out with a sense of urgency.
Stella’s heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. Eloise had never once set foot in her home since she’d moved to Sentella Bay and discovered she was pregnant. Why the sudden interest now? Perhaps, she thought, it was a sign of her concern for the little life growing inside her.
With no valid reason to decline, Stella hesitated only a moment before responding, “Okay, Mrs. Somerton Senior. Just a heads up—I’ve been staying with my parents for the past couple of days. What time do you plan to come by the hospital? I can meet you there instead.”
“Why are you at your parents’ house?” Eloise inquired, her tone shifting slightly, revealing a hint of curiosity.
Stella bit her lip, realizing that Tristan hadn’t yet shared his intentions with Eloise about their impending divorce. It wasn’t her place to divulge such sensitive information. “Oh, it’s just been a while since I visited home. I thought I’d spend some time with them,” she explained, keeping her voice steady.
Eloise responded, “While it’s perfectly fine to stay with your parents for a few days, you really should return home soon. Your husband needs your support, after all. You didn’t take my advice to heart, did you, Stelle?”
Stella halted mid-step, her grip on the phone tightening as a wave of frustration washed over her. The implication in Eloise’s words stung. She fell silent, grappling with her emotions, before finally murmuring, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Somerton Senior. I—”
“Enough of that,” Eloise interjected, her voice firm yet not unkind. “Let’s plan to meet at 10:00 am tomorrow.”
Stella refrained from trying to clarify her situation any further. She simply acknowledged Eloise’s command with a soft “Okay,” before the call ended abruptly.
With her phone slipping into her bag, Stella took a moment to collect herself before entering the building, her heart a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.
—


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