The Colonel’s Claim: After the Divorce novel Chapter 13

Half an hour later, at Crystal Bay Manor.

Clara walked through the front door and headed straight for the second floor.

She paused in the doorway when she saw Stella lying weakly on the bed in her pajamas, accompanied only by the nanny. Dominic was nowhere to be seen.

Hearing the footsteps, Stella lifted her pale face from the pillow and looked at Clara.

All her grievances spilled out in that instant.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she cried, "Mom, I feel awful! Why didn't you text me back..."

Clara pressed her lips together, ignoring everything else as she walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and pulled her daughter into a comforting embrace.

She assumed Dominic had ordered someone to drop Stella off right after dinner, leaving him completely free to continue his date with Scarlett.

Refusing to dwell on it, Clara smoothed the sweat-dampened hair from her daughter's forehead and asked softly:

"Did you take your medicine? Does it hurt anywhere else?"

Stella wasn't in as much pain anymore; she was mostly just feeling sorry for herself. Snuggling deeper into Clara's embrace, even her self-pity began to fade, leaving her with only one thought—

Her mom still cared about her!

Her mom's hug was so warm and smelled so good!

Even better than Scarlett's hugs.

Of course, she knew mentioning Scarlett would make her mom angry, so she kept her mouth shut.

Right now, she just wanted to enjoy being close to her mother.

Clinging affectionately to Clara's neck, she murmured, "I took my medicine. It doesn't hurt as much, but I really want some of your homemade soup."

Clara agreed and stood up to go make it.

Suddenly, heavy, measured footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Dominic was back.

Stella looked toward the door and called out, her voice still a little weak, "Dominic!"

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